Why is it important?
It is appropriate that we teach students about how babies are conceived, as well as the role of sexual intercourse and assisted reproductive technologies in reproduction by providing accurate information.
Understanding the sub-concepts of sexual and reproductive health encourages students to practice health-promoting behaviours, such as regular check-ups, and use contraception effectively to avoid unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Accessing testing and treatment is a key part of reproductive and sexual health care.
Sub-elements of sexual and reproductive health
- Reproductive health – people must care for their reproductive health as part of lifelong health care.
- Contraception and pregnancy prevention – contraception enables people to have sexual intercourse and avoid unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
- Pregnancy and choices –women who are pregnant or people considering becoming pregnant should take care of their health. When a woman becomes pregnant and chooses not to have a child, she has the option of having an abortion.
- Understanding, recognising and reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections –sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be avoided by individual preventative behaviours. STIs can be identified through testing and treated.