Shattering Sexual Health Myths: Expert led Guide for Teenagers

Separating Fact from Fiction: Debunking Sexual Health Myths for Teenagers

Many questions swirl around sexual health and well-being, often leaving teenagers to seek answers that may not always be accurate or credible. Misinformation spread by media, film, television, and even social platforms can perpetuate unrealistic body standards and misconceptions about sexual health.

Is morning-after contraception effective only the day after sex? Can one identify symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection STI? Is it impossible to get pregnant during menstruation?

To address these concerns, RCSI's 'Debunking the Myths: The Science Behind Our Sexual Health' project serves as an expert-led initiative. This series includes interactive workshops and online tools med at educating teenagers about sexual health in a factual, unbiased manner.

Leading this effort is Professor Fergal Malone, Chrman of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at RCSI and Master of the Rotunda Hospital, alongside Dr Zara Molphy. Funded by Science Foundation Ireland's Discover Programme, this initiative leverages insights from RCSI and Rotunda Hospital medical professionals including consultants, doctors, and researchers.

The project offers a variety of workshops that cover essential topics such as HPV vaccine education, contraceptive options, menstrual health, STI prevention, and fertility awareness-ming to provide teenagers with comprehensive information about sexual health in an engaging and inclusive way.

Initially set for 800 students across the country through in-person sessions, the program's popularity has led to exceeding this goal within a week during the summer holidays.

Given this tremous demand, plans are underway to deliver in-person workshops to 1,600 students by December 2023, with online access avlable for an additional 5,000 teenagers through live-streamed sessions and interactive QA features.

To ensure consistent quality of information across all student groups, equipment packs are provided for participating schools.

This project create a safe space where teenagers can discuss sexual health without hesitation or stigma. By equipping them with the tools to distinguish facts from myths and direct them towards reliable sources of information, it seeks to empower students to confidently engage in open conversations about their sexual health with fris, family, and healthcare professionals.

To clarify:

• Morning-after contraception: Various forms are avlable that can work for up to five days after sex, deping on the type used.

• Identifying STIs: Not all infections present symptoms; it's important to test promptly if you suspect an STI. Protection using condoms reduces risk.

• Pregnancy during menstruation: Though less likely due to low fertility rates around this time, it is possible to conceive with unprotected sex.

For more information on common sexual health myths and how 'Debunking the Myths' initiative works, visit their website.

Committed to driving a better future through sustnable practices aligned with the United Nations Sustnable Development Goals, RCSI eavors to foster advancements in health sciences research and education globally.

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