Sexuality

Growing up is all about making decisions. The use of family & friend support helps but whatever you decide effects you and you will have to live with the consequences Sexuality is a broad term that relates to The physical changes you experience during puberty Your sexual feelings and thoughts The ways in which you relate to others of the same and opposite sex Sexuality is influenced by many things such as media, family, peers, culture, religion, and emotional & physical feelings The most important influence on your sexuality will always be your personal values.

Sexual Preference Sexuality can be very confusing during adolescence Your sexual preference is whether you prefer males or females. Sexual preferences can be grouped in the following ways Heterosexuals Attracted to the opposite sex Homosexuals Attracted to the same sex Bisexuals Attracted to both sexes Trans-sexual People of one sex that behave and look like members of the opposite sex Homophobia Person who is uncomfortable around, or not tolerant of, people who are not heterosexual

Sexual Feelings During adolescence you will experience many feelings and will have to make choices depending on those feelings Will I have a relationship or not? Who will I have a relationship with? How much physical contact will I have? Will I use contraception and, if so, what type? It is very important that you gather as much information as possible in advance, weigh up the alternatives and consequences, then make your decision and stick to it.

The decision to be sexually active raises two very important issues How can I avoid an unwanted pregnancy? How can I avoid contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STD) Abstinence Not having sex is the most effective way of avoiding an unwanted pregnancy or contracting a STD

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) or Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Any disease that can be passed on by an infected person to another through sexual contact The next safest protection (besides abstinence) is to wear a condom The Catholic church does not encourage the use of condoms in its faith!!! Both partners are responsible for preventing STDs and it is a persons responsibility to inform any sexual partners it they have an STD. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Breaks down the body’s natural immune system so they cannot defend themselves against infections and some cancers. Often leads to a slow painful death. Most at risk is anyone who: * has unprotected sex * shares a syringe

You cannot get AIDS from Donating blood because blood collection centres’ use sterile equipment and disposable needles Casual contact such as handshakes, bumping in a crowd. Living in the same household unless they are having unsafe sex Where people may eat or drink from common dishes because it is removed by normal washing of cups and dishes

Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Students to perform the AIDS simulation experiment

A more serious side……….. Sexual Harassment Unwanted comments, touching or suggestive actions Sexual Assault Sexual content without consent (permission)

Answer the questions provided in the Year 8 Wiki Yr 8 HPE/MrDaddy’s Corner/Term 3/Questions & Power point Use the power point provided to help you