In Love and Clueless
Friday, March 13, 2009, 3:41 PM

Young adults these days are more adventurous when it comes to exploring their sexuality, but their behaviour and lack of sexual health awareness also puts them at risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies. Young, lusty and in love, but heedless about the dangers of unprotected sex.
Results from a July 2008 survey conducted by Bayer Schering Pharma of 240 ITE students, aged 15 to 20 ,on sexual health awareness showed how ignorant some of them are, according to a New Paper article.
Three in 10 students polled believed that douching (washing out) the genital area can remove all traces of sperm and prevent unwanted pregnancy. Three in 10 also believed that urinating and vigorous exercise can prevent pregnancy. 68 of the 240 youths surveyed have had sex, and only about half of them used contraceptives during their last sexual activity.
Another survey of 2,000 people in 10 countries, commissioned by The Body Shop and MTV Networks International, showed that only one in six women were willing to carry condoms in her handbag, as they believe doing so will give the perception that they are 'easy'. Preventing unwanted pregnancies aside, it seems that sexually active adults hardly pay any attention, if at all, to sexually-transmitted diseases, or STDs.
A separate HIV/AIDS survey conducted by the Singapore Health Promotion Board last year showed that 80.4% of participants were aware of at least two of the three ways to prevent HIV, and 36.6% were aware of all three and one in two participants did not know that using condoms can prevent HIV transmission.
The survey was conducted among 1,768 people ages 18 to 69 and asked participants about their awareness of HIV prevention, primarily concerning abstinence, fidelity and condom use.Just how well-versed are young Singaporeans when it comes to protecting themselves against unsafe sex and pregnancy?

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