THE ROLE OF SEXUAL EDUCATION FOR ADOLESCENTS

Background: The importance of sexual education of adolescents has increased in recent decades, as the young reach sexual maturity earlier, starting sexual activity at a precocious age. 50% of new sexually transmitted infections (STI) occur in adolescents, indicating their lack of awareness on the risks of unprotected sexual activity. Additionally, the pattern of sexual orientation has considerably changed, entailing a more individualized approach. Sexual education shouldn’t be treated superficially and must follow specific guidelines. Aim: Review the state of the art on the importance and the best approach to sexual education for adolescents. Methods: Literature review in Pubmed, Uptodate, and Medscape using the Mesh-terms “Adolescent”, “Sexuality” and “Education”. Guidelines and systematic reviews between 2010 and 2016 were evaluated. Results: There is copious evidence demonstrating that comprehensive sexual education delays initiation of sexual intercourse, reduces the number of sexual partners and frequency of unprotected sexual activity. The approach should be adapted to the sexual orientation, gender and age of the adolescent, as there are significant particularities in the approach to each group. The most effective programs have common characteristics: clear health objectives (STI and pregnancy prevention) and strategies to improve sexual decision making and behaviors, increasing knowledge, perception of risk, self-efficacy and altering values and attitudes through an open dialogue with the physician. Conclusion: Responsible sexual behavior is considered by World Health Organization as an important public health issue. Therefore, family doctors should be aware of the contemporary pattern of sexuality and acquire knowledge and practice on sexual interventions to adolescents.