Puberty and the Sexual Urges of Teenagers
Sex is an awkward and uncomfortable conversation between parents and their kids. However, it is a conversation that is inevitable and required for the sake of teenagers entering adulthood.
This blog is inspired by Holly Randall’s podcast episode 328 with Daniel Bezalel entitled: America’s Problem With Sex Ed.
As Holly Randall pointed out, those kids who learned about their body parts without shame are less likely to be targeted for sexual assault and molestation.
When Do Teenagers Start Experiencing sexual urges?
The onset of sexual feelings in teenagers can vary widely, but it typically starts around puberty. This is a period of significant physical and hormonal changes that can lead to increased sexual desire and curiosity. It's important to note that these feelings are normal and a natural part of adolescent development.
Here are some factors that can influence when sexual urges start:
Puberty: The timing of puberty varies among individuals. Early puberty may lead to earlier sexual feelings.
Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations during puberty can impact sex drive and mood.
Cultural and Social Influences: Cultural norms, media, and peer pressure can influence attitudes towards sex and sexuality.
Individual Differences: Everyone develops at their own pace. Some teenagers may experience sexual feelings earlier or later than others.
What is Puberty?
While the physical changes of puberty typically occur during adolescence, understanding the hormonal shifts and emotional rollercoaster can be beneficial at any age.
Hormonal Changes: Puberty is marked by a surge in hormones, influencing physical development, mood swings, and sexual desire.
Physical Development: This period brings about changes like growth spurts, the development of secondary sex characteristics (e.g., breasts, facial hair), and changes in body shape.
Emotional Changes: Hormonal fluctuations can lead to mood swings, increased sensitivity, and heightened emotions.
Protecting Yourself: A Teen's Guide to Safe Sex
Why Safe Sex Matters
As a teenager, you're probably experiencing a lot of changes, both physically and emotionally. It's a time of exploration and curiosity, and it's natural to wonder about sex. But it's important to remember that sex comes with responsibilities.
What is Safe Sex?
Safe sex is all about protecting yourself and your partner from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy. It involves making informed decisions and taking precautions.
STD vs. STI
While the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a subtle difference between STD and STI.
STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection): This refers to the actual infection caused by a virus, bacteria, or parasite. Many STIs have no symptoms, making it crucial to get regular testing.
STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease): This term is used when an STI progresses and causes noticeable symptoms or health problems.
How to prevent STD?
The best way to prevent STIs is to practice safe sex:
Condom Use: Consistent and correct condom use is highly effective in preventing many STIs.
Regular Testing: Get tested regularly, especially if you have multiple partners or engage in high-risk behaviors.
Vaccination: Vaccines are available for some STIs, such as HPV.
Open Communication: Talk to your partner(s) about your sexual health history.
By making informed choices and practicing safe sex, you can protect your health and well-being. Educating kids about sex at an early age can prevent sexually transmitted diseases, can identify sexual abuse and can help foster healthy relationships.
Sex has always been a taboo conversation between parents and their kids. If you’re a parent with a teenager entering adulthood, this episode from Holly Randall can give your tips about how to have a conversation with your teenager about sex and why it matters.
If you want to dig deeper on how to become comfortable and open about sex with your kids, Sex Talk With My Mom is a quintessence comedic sex podcast that you can binge-listen to and laugh with your teenager! It is a podcast exploring the dynamic between a sexually-liberated, cougar mom and her comedian son.
Pleasure Podcasts is a premier sex podcast network tackling the sex convo from all angles. Our sex podcasts are hosted by leading sex educators, therapists, authors, dating and relationship coaches, adult filmmakers, storytellers, and comedians.
