After reading our assignment question, I found myself wondering what exactly is a "healthy sexuality" I came across a few definitions and thought this was the most interesting to discuss: "Healthy sex involves the conscious, positive expression of our sexual energy in ways that enhance self-esteem, physical health, and emotional relationship. It is mutually beneficial and harms no one" www.healthysex.com
The above definition says it all when it comes to barriers facing teens. I believe that the emotional consequences of sex can be just as destructive as the possible physical ones. Condoms, pills, and most contraceptives are made available free of charge to most teens in this country but when a teenager needs to speak of her sexual experience, ask for advice or even assistance then who does she turn to? probably her boyfriend who is the source of the problem or her classmates who most likely are facing her same problems and may not offer the most sound solutions. I realize that it is difficult to ask a teenager to talk about his/her feelings and accept adult advice. Never the less, I think that unless we address the emotional aspects of sex then are we being realistic when expecting teens to be sexually healthy, to use sex as means of enhancing self esteem and their emotional relationships while most adults barely manage to do so.