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Lessons

Puberty, bodies and relationships

Sexual health: the facts

Clear, non-judgmental facts about consent, contraception, condoms, sexually transmitted infections and where to get confidential care in India.
6 minutes·For 17 to 19, 20 to 24

Your choices, your timing

Deciding whether and when to have sex is a personal decision. Many young people choose to wait, and that is a valid choice. Whatever you decide, accurate information keeps you safer.

Consent must be clear, freely given and ongoing for every activity, every time. Anyone can change their mind at any point. In India, the legal age of consent is 18.

Pressure, threats, or someone being too drunk or high to decide means there is no consent.

Contraception: an overview

Condoms (external and internal) are worn during sex. They are the only method that also protects against most sexually transmitted infections. They work well when used correctly every time.

Hormonal methods include daily pills, injectables and implants. A copper IUD (often called Copper-T) is a small device placed in the uterus by a trained provider and lasts for years.

Emergency contraception can reduce the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex or a condom breaking. It works best the sooner it is used, within a few days. It is not meant for regular use.

A doctor or health centre can help you choose a method that suits you. Government health centres offer several methods free of charge.

Sexually transmitted infections

STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, herpes, HPV, hepatitis B and HIV can pass between people during sexual contact.

Many STIs have no symptoms at all, so the only way to know is to get tested. Possible signs include unusual discharge, pain when passing urine, sores, lumps, itching or pain during sex.

Most STIs can be treated, and all can be managed. Condoms, vaccines for HPV and hepatitis B, and regular testing if you are sexually active all reduce risk.

Confidential care in India

Adolescent Friendly Health Clinics in government hospitals and health centres offer confidential advice for young people.

Suraksha Clinics treat STIs, and Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres offer free, confidential HIV testing. The National AIDS Helpline is 1097.

Safe abortion care is legal in India under certain conditions and must be provided by registered doctors. Unsafe methods or pills bought without a doctor's guidance can be dangerous.

Key points

  • Waiting or not is your choice; consent is required every time.
  • Condoms are the only method that also protects against most STIs.
  • Emergency contraception works best the sooner it is used.
  • Many STIs have no symptoms; testing is the only way to know.
  • Free, confidential services exist in government health facilities.

Myth or fact?

Myth

You cannot get pregnant the first time you have sex.

Fact

Pregnancy can happen any time sperm meets an egg, including the first time.

Myth

Withdrawal (pulling out) is a reliable way to prevent pregnancy.

Fact

Withdrawal often fails and gives no protection from STIs. Condoms and other methods are far more reliable.

Myth

You can tell if someone has an STI by looking at them.

Fact

Most STIs have no visible signs. Testing is the only way to know.

When to get help

  • Visit an Adolescent Friendly Health Clinic, a government health centre or your doctor for confidential advice.
  • Call the National AIDS Helpline on 1097 for information about HIV and STI testing.
  • If you have been forced or pressured into sexual activity, you are not to blame. Call 112, or Childline 1098 if you are under 18.
  • Tele-MANAS on 14416 can support you if you feel anxious or overwhelmed.
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Check what you know

Question 1

1.Which method protects against both pregnancy and most STIs?

Question 2

2.When does emergency contraception work best?

Question 3

3.Many STIs have no symptoms. What does this mean?

Question 4

4.What is the legal age of consent in India?

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Based on guidance from WHO, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (RKSK), ACOG, UNESCO International Technical Guidance on Sexuality Education. Awaiting review by Puberty Lab's clinical advisory board. General education, not medical advice for any one person.

Sexual health: the facts · Puberty Lab