According to a recent data approximately 57% of Indian girls become sexually active between the age of 16 to 19 years , whereas only 23 % of men become sexually active at same age bracket.

The major issues that we are dealing today arise from lack of knowledge of issues that can arise due to recent sexual activity in this age bracket.

The major idea of writing this article was to make you aware of these few important things:


1. SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES

Even a single sexual act (with an infected person) without protection is enough to get you infected with Sexually transmitted diseases like HIV , Hepatitis B and C , Syphilis , HPV ,Chlamydia.

Best is to practice safe sex using barrier contraception like condoms to prevent you getting these infections.

2. CONTRACEPTION

A lot of females these days think emergency contraception as the best available resort and do not hesitate in taking multiple emergency contraceptives in the same cycle.

One should be aware of the fact that emergency contraceptive pills have very high failure rates and that pregnancy can occur after taking these. Also multiple acts, more time taken in intake of these after sex decreases the efficacy.

Best available contraceptive with least failure rates are regular pills.

Seek help from a gynaecologist to prevent complications due to contraceptive pill intake.

3. POST COITAL TEARS

If you are bleeding heavily after sexual debut please get yourself examined as you could be having some post coital tear which may need medical intervention.

4. PREGNANCY and MTP


A single unprotected act is enough to make you pregnant if you are in or near your ovulation period.

Best is to do a urine pregnancy test approximately 15 to 20 days from date of sex to rule out the same.

In case you are pregnant , see a gynaecologist as soon as possible instead of sitting and thinking what to do next.

5.PAP SMEAR and HPV VACCINATION

If you have become sexually active get yourself screened with PAP smear test once in 2 years .

Also get yourself immunized with Inj Gardasil (commonly known as cervical cancer vaccination) 3 doses to prevent yourself getting infected with High risk HPV 16 and 18 and also from few low risk strains.

6. HYGIENE

Maintaining Hygiene is equally important before and after a sexual activity.

Use a perineal wash for hygiene.

The need for the hour is to impart education regarding issues of sexual health among Indian females without being judgemental about one's decisions.