76 Comprehensive sex education remains controversial in many countries. What is your opinion about it? Do you think it should be part of the curriculum? Are there any projects about it in the school you attend? Although things are changing, sexual stigma is the stigma attached to any non-heterosexual behaviour, identity, relationship, or community. While abortions are legal at least under certain conditions in almost all countries, these conditions vary widely. According to a United Nations (UN) report, abortion in order to save a woman s life is allowed in 98% of countries. RELATIONSHIPS AND CONTRACEPTION During adolescence, young people also learn how to form safe and healthy relationships with partners; sexuality is a vital aspect of teenagers lives. Relationship development Adolescence is the moment when teens start their first romantic relationships, when they feel butterflies in their stomach, when they have their first crushes, when they feel depressed after a breakup. It is the time when they start looking for a partner in life to share their future with. Development of sexuality Sexuality begins at puberty. Males and females experience changes in terms of bio-psycho-social organisation, and in sexual behaviour and functioning. Sexual interest may be expressed in a number of ways, such as flirting, kissing, masturbating, or having sex. Challenges faced by adolescents include risky sexual behaviour, unprotected sex, non-consensual sexual interactions, sexually transmitted infections, or stigmatisation from society . Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) Adolescents have the highest rates of sexually transmitted infections when compared to older groups. The most common diseases include chlamydia, gonorrhoea, genital herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), syphilis, and HIV. Many of these STDs do not show symptoms for a long time, however, even without symptoms, they can still be harmful and passed on during sex. have an abortion , or carry the child to full term. Pregnant teenagers face many of the same issues of childbirth as women in their 20s and 30s, however, there are additional physical, emotional, and medical concerns for younger mothers, particularly those under 15. Contraception and pregnancy prevention If a teenager decides to have sex, it is important to know about birth control and protection against STDs. The only method that fully prevents pregnancy and STDs is abstinence, however, a barrier method like a condom helps protect against STDs, whereas a reliable method of birth control may help prevent pregnancy. The most common types of birth control methods are: the condom, the intrauterine device, the pill, the ring, and the patch. CANTRACEPTION METHODS Teenage pregnancy condom: profilattico crush: cotta intrauterine device: spirale miscarry: aborto spontaneo patch: cerotto 154 ADOLESCENTS After menarche, sexual intercourse may lead to pregnancy. The pregnant teenager may then miscarry, CONDOM FEMALE CONDOM CONTRACEPTIVE INJECTION IMPLANT DIAPHRAGM HORMONAL RING UID SURGICAL CONTRACEPTIVE ORAL PATCH CONTRACEPTION STERILISATION