Unhealthy sexual behavior: preventing and reducing the measures of risk

The consequences of unhealthy sexual behavior are often reinforced by misperceptions regarding what constitutes safe sex. This includes practices that revolve around birth control pills (that don’t protect from STDs), condom use for vaginal intercourse only, no protection during oral sex where bodily fluids are still transmitted, and having trust in a partner who may not be trustworthy. These practices, combined with the serious consequences of unhealthy sexual behavior, make it extremely important that prevention and reduction of risk be better established in teens and young adults. Several of the most effective techniques are listed below:

• Education:

Currently, the majority of sexual education in public high schools is directed around abstinence-only-until-marriage messages. Federal government funding for sexual education is only available to states that abide by these abstinence programs. Thus, states that accept funding are prohibited from educating teens about such things as contraception and limiting sexual partners as legitimate means of reducing sexual risks. Abstinence is the only method discussed. The Sexuality Information and Education Council of the U.S. claims there is no evidence that supports abstinence programs are effective in delaying sexual activity among teens or reducing unintended pregnancies or the spread of disease. They also claim that “In contrast, comprehensive sexuality programs that include messages about both abstinence and contraception and condoms have been found to delay sexual activity, reduce the number of sexual partners, and increase the use of contraception and condoms” (SIECUS website). Thus, considering the rate of sexual activity among teens and young adults, it appears that comprehensive educational programs may be the best approach in effectively reducing unhealthy sexual practices.

• Parental support and communication:

A parent’s role in helping their children to develop healthy sexual behaviors is crucial. As Renee Sieving writes, “Although parents cannot determine whether their children have sex, use contraception, or become pregnant, their values, parenting practices, and quality of their relationships with their children can make a difference” (Sieving et al., 2002, p. 414). In helping parents to communicate with their children and promote responsible behavior, the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy offers “Ten Tips” to parents, which are consolidated by Sieving:

1) Be clear about your own sexual values and attitudes
2) Talk early and often with your children about sex
3) Help your teenagers find options for their future that are more attractive than early pregnancy and parenthood
4) Let your teens know that you value education
5) Know what your kids are watching and reading and to what they are listening
6) Supervise and monitor your children
7) Know your children’s friends and their families
8) Discourage early, frequent, and steady dating
9) Build close, caring relationships with your children early in childhood

 

• Clinical Intervention:

In many cases, teens and young adults respect and listen to the advice of clinicians. For this reason, it is sometimes helpful to promote healthy sexual behavior through office-based intervention and counseling. As with other sources, doctors can serve as positive guides for children in their decision-making. Their role is only one among many, though. As Sieving writes, “Office-based interventions are most likely to contribute to a reduction of risks and promotion of sexual health among young people if they occur in concert with other efforts in school, communities, and families” (Sieving et al., 2002, p. 414). Thus, a comprehensive approach to promoting sexual health is the optimal choice.

• The role of alcohol:

There are a number of studies that indicate a strong correlation between alcohol consumption and increased risk during sexual activity. In a 1998 study of 210 college students by Ronald Poulson et al., their research showed:

• More than 75% of the respondents reported they had made decisions while under the influence of alcohol they later regretted,
• Two thirds reported that alcohol had at some point had a negative impact on their sexual behavior, and
• 70% of the respondents reported inconsistent use of condoms while under the influence of alcohol (Poulson et al., 1998, p. 235).

There is no question alcohol is related to impaired judgment. Concerning sexual behavior, alcohol is linked to a heightened level of risk that seriously compromises individual health. Educating young people about alcohol and its relation to risky sexual behavior is an extremely important factor in reducing risk, especially among college campuses where alcohol use is generally an integral part of social life.

• Number of sexual partners:

While risky sexual behavior can certainly take place in monogamous relationships, the likelihood of incurring unhealthy effects and partaking in risky behavior increases with number of sexual partners. This is especially true considering the risk of contracting and transmitting STDs. By limiting number of sexual partners, young people can significantly lower their risk of having unhealthy sex. While often times abstinence, the best measure against unhealthy sexual behavior, is not a realistic option, young people must be aware that limiting the number of sexual partners they have significantly reduces the level of risk.

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