Sexual Health
We like what the Medical Institute has to say on this topic:
Sexual health is a state of physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction, or infirmity. Sexual health is a positive, honest, and respectful approach to sexuality. The healthiest sexual activity is intentional, mutually agreeable, and mutually pleasurable in the context of a respectful, lifelong, mutually monogamous relationship. The healthiest sexual activity occurs between adults who are mature physically, intellectually, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. They are financially self-sufficient and prepared to handle the results of sexual activity. Healthy sexual activity is characterized by freedom from coercion, exploitation, transactions, oppression, discrimination, violence, the influence of mind altering substances, and transmission of disease.1
You don't have to be a certain age to make optimal sexual health your goal. Therefore, mentors, people in the helping professions, parents, and students should all encourage movement toward this goal for everyone, regardless of his or her age or life circumstances. This will mean different things for different people.
For children, this means that parenting adults should provide protection, guidance, and healthy role models for responsible sexual behavior.
For adolescents, this means abstaining from sexual activity until committing to a life-long, monogamous relationship such as marriage.
For adults, this likewise means abstaining from sexual activity outside of a life-long, monogamous relationship such as marriage.
Sexual Health for Teens
CPC Prevention is interested in the health of teens throughout Arizona.
In 2005, more than 33,000 students dropped out of Arizona schools. Teen pregnancy is a real factor tied to this alarmingly high number. At CPC, we want to see the Arizona high school drop out rate decrease. After thoughtful diagnosis and research, we believe the key to making this happen is prevention. We strive to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs and STDs), emotional pain, and unplanned pregnancy among the young women and men who will lead us into tomorrow. Young women and men like you!
We make it our purpose to be an advocate for teens. Therefore, we supply teens with up-to-date and medically accurate information while seeking to cultivate critical thinking skills so they feel greater confidence in the decision making process. Specifically, we want teens to consider three things that are true about them: unrestrained opportunity, mind-boggling potential, and the unique contribution they have to bring to the world! Many overlook or even scoff at these realities in their efforts to prepare you and "educate" you for the path ahead. However, we believe these are central to your choices and your future!
Teens that complete the Passion & Principles curriculum are presented with a remarkable opportunity to experience freedom in their sexuality like never before. Unlike so-called "comprehensive" sex education, we desire to communicate a clear message: one solution and one approach that never changes and is always 100 percent effective. That solution and approach to teen sexuality is abstinence-until-marriage (ATM). Within our presentation of ATM are practical fundamentals which can empower teens to make healthy choices and encourage in them the confidence and courage that sexual self-control requires. Our goal is simple: help shape a hope-filled future of health and happiness for teens.
To read more about abstinence, click here. And to find out more about our proven and effective high school sex education curriculum, Passion & Principles, click here.
1 Adapted from "Sexual Health a New Focus for WHO." No. 67. 2004. Progress in Reproductive Health Research. As found on http://www.medinstitute.org. The Medical Institute. http://www.medinstitute.org/content.php?name=aboutmi, accessed January 23, 2007. We rely on an organization such as The Medical Institute (MI) for true and accurate information because of their mission: "The Medical Institute provides scientifically accurate information that guides individuals and society in making choices that lead to optimal sexual health and overall well-being."