Sex Education is very challenging for girls because teenage girls it is a very crucial stage, educating girls about teenage life requires a lot of patience and knowledge. Many parents face many difficulties to explain their kids about sex education. With time, it is important to give them a platform and guide where they can express their concerns before they reach out to peers and friends. Magazines and the internet are not the right sources of information. They should be guided well about the same. This will impact their health and sexual behavior. 

Sexual behavior can negatively impact your health like- Unwanted pregnancy 

According to research, many teenagers receive formal sex education before the age of 18 years. As compared to male teenagers, female teenagers receive education about birth control methods. 

Every Thursday, we at Medicircle organize a special series called Bindass Bol with Dr. Kumar Kamble. We have organized special series with Dr. Kumar Kamble in the awareness series where we are dealing with sex education in girls.

Dr. Kumar Kamble is not only a professional sexologist but also a de-addiction specialist. Dr. Kamble has special expertise and experience of working with King Edward Memorial Hospital in the Deaddiction Center for 4 years.

Dr. Vineeta Kaul is an Obstetrician and Gynecologist, working for more than 25 years.

Trained at AIIMS New Delhi.

As a member of FOGSI, she has been actively involved in Adolescent health care, especially sex education of High school children.

She is working Currently working in Fortis Healthcare, Belle Vue clinic, and Bhagirathi Neotia - woman & child care center.

Sex education for puberty 

Dr. Vineeta Kaul says,” Sex education is a neglected topic. This is a must-have education in the high school level class of 8th, 9th, 10th students. The government has started working towards sex education in this sector but we need to take care whether knowledge is being imparted to teenagers. This topic is sensitive and teachers, parents hesitate to bridge the gap. This subject is an opportunity and should be taught to teenage girls. Unwanted pregnancy leads to septic abortion in most of the areas of countries right from villages to metro cities. Approximately 7 % of maternal mortality is due to septic abortions.”

Lesbian sex V/s Normal sex 

Dr. Vineeta informs,” Lesbian sex is normal. We are living in timings that are changing and it's under process in terms of the law. It is a process that will change gradually. Society is in flux now. Homosexuality is considered normal. Homosexuality was once considered an illness or disease and they would try to treat it. Counseling is important and might be just phases of attraction. In all girls' schools, the role models and attractiveness is female.”

Bonding of mother and daughter relationship through sex education

Dr. Kumar Kamble says, “Sex education should be the same for girls and boys. The subject knowledge should be given by both parents. The changes in teenage girls like menstruation or puberty. Mothers and daughters can relate better in regards to this than a father. The easiness comes normally to a female as fast as understanding is concerned. The dialogue can be informative for the child. Parents inculcate this message naturally to the girl child rather than a shock about menstruation. The right information and implementation are must through open communication which nurtures the bonding for better understanding. Sex education should not be gender-specific and nonbias.”

Sexual education is a must for sexual orientation 

Dr. Kaul informs, “ Any knowledge which is complete with every aspect can be grasped and correlated easily. A Peer group which is one’s friend circle is a must for socializing in teenagers. But, sexual education should be from an authentic source like a biology teacher or life skills teacher, counselors, gynae, and doctors. There are many hormones surge and adjusting with it is important. Dealing with mood changes is important for teenagers and parents both.”

Sex education for sexual violence

Dr. Kaul says, “Sex education for boys and girls both are important for sexual violence. Our society and environmental upbringing are very important. Gender discrimination should be avoided. Mother and father are role models for the children. The way they behave impacts the child. Domestic violence contributes to 80- 90 % of women be it verbal or physical. It all starts at home. We are a patriarchal society. We are genetically programmed as far as gender discrimination is concerned. Everything is changing slowly.”

Right to say “NO”

Dr. Kamble says, “Right from childhood, safe and unsafe touch knowledge is a must. Small aspects should be made clear to the children. The knowledge should be imparted well to avoid unwanted sexual contact. The women or girls have the right to say ”NO.”

Unwanted teenage pregnancies and abortions

Dr. Kaul says,” Parents and children are responsible for sex education. Sex education is documented by many journals. This results in avoiding sex at an early age. Knowledge of contraception and sexual transmission of diseases like HIV is a must. This must be explained to children to protect themselves from it. They should be aware of mutual consent and informed consent. Society is expecting many changes in sex education. All teenagers children and girls should know about incest. Incest is the act of sex in family relations taking advantage of young girls or boys. Sexual exploitation should be made aware of.”

Body image can impact sexual health

Dr. Kaul says. “Body image is very important for girls as they are pressured about their looks from the media and online. Self-confidence and image are very important. If you consider yourself ugly and unattractive, this may impact sexual health.”

Sexual education in girls

Dr. Kamble says, “Hunger, thirst, and sleep are basic instincts of life and sex is also part of life. If you do not have a partner, then it happens that you generally indulge in masturbation. All the genders are equal in terms of masturbation. Masturbation gives you pleasure and a good feeling which is very normal. It is a normal feeling and does not harm your health. It should not affect and harm our social life.”

Knowledge about Contraception for girls 

Dr. Kaul says, “Girls should know about contraception. The correct use of contraceptives is important. Do not self-medicate and visit a gynecologist who can prescribe you after history taking and examination. There has been an emergency contraceptive pill available for 10 years. This should be taken with care. For regular intercourse, consume regular contraceptives. Children should know. Emergency contraceptives should be consumed from the right source.”

Message from experts 

Dr. Kaul informs, “Be confident about yourself. Right to say No. Tour sexuality is your own. Do visit a doctor if you need any knowledge and treatment. Approach a family member and teacher before self-medication. 

Dr. Kamble says, “Know your body. Know what is normal. Ask what is abnormal. Clear your doubts. Approach your doctor and ask questions.”

(Edited by Dr.Rati Parwani)