Inadequate Sex Education

Posted by John Marlow, M.D. - 27/02/08 at 06:02:46 pm
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An editorial in the February 2008 American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology Journal , Obstetrics and Gynecology, explored the consequences of inadequate sex education in public schools. An accompanying study stated that nearly one in three sex education teachers in Illinois were not adequately trained. The authors recommended that doctors fill the gap in their adolescent patient’s knowledge and skills concerning sex.

Sex education by physicians is an important part of health care for all ages

In spite of explicit discussions of sexuality in TV, the internet, print, and movies, knowledge of sexual matters remains an important ignorance in America. To paraphrase Will Rogers,( New York Times 1930), “everybody is ignorant (of sexual matters)… only on different subjects”

The tragic sexual plague of our generation, HIV/AIDS, reminds us that sexual intercourse today for some carries with it the risk of death to one or both partners. Knowledge of this disease is one of the shields against its spread.

A common condition in young women related to sexual activity is viral HPV infections. Untreated high risk HPV carries the risk of death also, from cancer of the cervix. Vaccination to prevent cervical cancer is now available. Education directed at boys who are partners in the spread of this disease is minimal today but will increase if the vaccination is approved for use in males.

Sexual issues for seniors that deserve education include decreased hormones and treatment options, adjustments to loss of a sexual partner, loss of libido, disability, depression, erectile dysfunction and management of medication sexual side effects.

Sex education by physicians takes time. Each individual’s needs are unique. Physicians, experiencing decreased compensation for their time are pressured to shorten their face to face contact with patients. The casualty may be physician education concerning sexuality. This is unfortunate for doctors, patients, and the future health of our society.

References:
Maureen G Phipps, Consequences of Inadequate Sex Education in the United States:Obstet Gynecol; Vol 111 No 2 Feb 2008 p.254.
Lindau, Tetteh, Kasza, Gilliam. What Schools teach Our Patients About Sex: Content, Quality, and Influences on Sex Education; Obstet Gynecol Volume 111 No 2 Feb 2008 p256.

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  1. Hi, gr8 post thanks for posting. Information is useful!

    Comment by JaneRadriges — June 13, 2009 #

  2. I have been looking looking around for this kind of information. Will you post some more in future? I’ll be grateful if you will.

    Comment by KonstantinMiller — July 6, 2009 #

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