Sexual Health
- Recall the basic concepts of sexual reproduction in humans
- Understand the various methods of contraception and the advantages/disadvantage of each
- Understand the concept of STDs and how to prevent them
Sexual intercourse is the method by which humans (and other mammals) produce babies. The basic concept is that the male injects gazillion sperm in a fluid into the female's vagina, through the cervix and into the uterus where they then swim along on through to the Fallopean Tubes looking for an egg to fertilise. If the egg is present in the Fallopean Tubes, it may get fertilsed by a sperm and a zygote (fertilised egg cell) is formed - this is also known as conception. Over the next few days this zygote undergoes cell division utilising the resources of the egg cell's cytoplasm until it becomes implanted in the lining of the uterus (womb). This is the beginning of pregnancy.
Humans (and some other mammals) also engage in sexual intercourse for pleasure. There are three potential negative consequences of this, which everyone should be aware of:
1. Unwanted Pregnancy
Unwanted pregnancy is a deeply distressing situation to be in. This is a major case of "prevention is better than a cure". The female has three options - none of which are good. The male has no say in this decision.
Prevention - there are three basic concepts behind contraception (aka birth control/family planning):
Not effective:
2. STIs/STDs
Sexual infections, like all others, are caused by microbes being transferred from one person to another. They are often really icky and some are very common in Bermuda. Microbes can be transferred via the fluids and mucus membranes. The genital areas are warm and at the ideal temperature/moisture to promote microbial growth.
Humans (and some other mammals) also engage in sexual intercourse for pleasure. There are three potential negative consequences of this, which everyone should be aware of:
- Unwanted pregnancy
- Sexual transmitted infections or diseases (STIs/STDs)
- Psychological issues (see Miss Manderson/Mr Scanlon for more info on this if required)
1. Unwanted Pregnancy
Unwanted pregnancy is a deeply distressing situation to be in. This is a major case of "prevention is better than a cure". The female has three options - none of which are good. The male has no say in this decision.
- Carry on with the pregnancy and keep the baby.
- Carry on with the pregnancy and give the baby up for adoption
- Terminate the pregnancy (abortion).
Prevention - there are three basic concepts behind contraception (aka birth control/family planning):
- A - Abstinence. No sex, no sperm enters the female, therefore no baby. Easily the safest, cheapest and most effective.
- B - Barrier. A physical rubber/latex barrier between the cervix and the semen/sperm. The most common and cheapest option is the male condom. This has the added benefit of helping to prevent transmission of STIs. MUST be used correctly to be effective. Bought over the counter. Relies on the male using it properly.
- C - Chemical. A hormone-based drug that is taken by the female to suppress ovulation and/or implantation. Known as "The Pill" or "Birth Control". There are several methods of taking these drugs, it may be a pill, implant, IUD or patch. Prescribed by a doctor. Relies on the female.
Not effective:
- withdrawal of the male before ejaculation. This is extremely unreliable as a) some semen/sperm are released prior to ejaculation and b) relies on the self-control of the male.
- rhythm method (avoiding sexual intercourse for a few days either side of ovulation). Not reliable as there is no certain method to determine when the female is ovulating.
- any other crazy idea that is not covered by the ABC.
2. STIs/STDs
Sexual infections, like all others, are caused by microbes being transferred from one person to another. They are often really icky and some are very common in Bermuda. Microbes can be transferred via the fluids and mucus membranes. The genital areas are warm and at the ideal temperature/moisture to promote microbial growth.
Bacteria |
Virus |
Fungi |
Protista |
Syphilis |
HIV/AIDS ** |
Candida * |
Public lice |
Gonorhorrea |
Herpes ** |
||
Chlamydia |
Genital Warts |
||
(antibiotics) |
(no cure for HIV or Herpes, sometimes warts can be removed or cured) |
(antifungal creams or drugs) |
(shaving hair, washing all clothes/linens, special creams and shampoos) |
* candida is commonly known as THRUSH. While it can be transmitted from person to person, it can also just be acquired without sexual contact. Common non-sexual causes are an imbalance in the natural bacteria/fungal ratio due to hormonal changes or use of antibiotics and poor hygiene.
** HIV/AIDS and herpes infections cannot be cured **
Chlamydia is the "STI-of-choice" in Bermuda, as it has by far the highest incidence on island. Interestingly, far more women report symptoms of STIs than men. There are a number of possible explanations of this statistic.
Common symptoms include: burning sensation during urination, a gooey discharge and rashes/sores. Sometimes there are NO symptoms, which does not mean that there is no infection. Long term problems with no treatment usually lead to infertility and even death. If in doubt - see your doctor or the anonymous government clinic on Victoria Street.
Prevention: There are two recommended methods.
** HIV/AIDS and herpes infections cannot be cured **
Chlamydia is the "STI-of-choice" in Bermuda, as it has by far the highest incidence on island. Interestingly, far more women report symptoms of STIs than men. There are a number of possible explanations of this statistic.
Common symptoms include: burning sensation during urination, a gooey discharge and rashes/sores. Sometimes there are NO symptoms, which does not mean that there is no infection. Long term problems with no treatment usually lead to infertility and even death. If in doubt - see your doctor or the anonymous government clinic on Victoria Street.
Prevention: There are two recommended methods.
- Abstain from sexual activity and/or both partners get checked medically BEFORE sexual activity. This includes all variations of sexual activity.
- A latex barrier between the partners. (e.g. condom) Only effective if used correctly.