There is a lack of sexual education in high school and in life. What man knows how to really reach the 15-minute orgasm? Couldn’t tell you.

I tried to think of moments both in middle school and high school where I felt I learned anything about women’s reproductive systems and contraceptives–and the overall jazz of sexuality. All I can recall was being intimidated and not being in an environment where I could ask questions. I learned about a period, and that was it. This led me to always ask adults or research topics I knew little about. It was my willingness to be ‘open’ that allowed all of this information to be learned in my path.

Fast forward to now, I have a cousin in high school. Knowing how confused and scared I was at her age, I told her if her or her friends ever had questions about anything related to women’s health, protection, birth control, etc, I was only a call or text away. If a simple five-minute conversation could prevent someone from getting an STD or being included in the teen pregnancy margins–I am more than willing to help.

I was blown away at the amount of questions and lack of knowledge they had at 17 years old. I began to question if they did not take a sex education class in high school. Was it her Christian background that kept her in the dark? Or the lack of education? Or both? This topic really had me thinking about how important sex education is in primary school, and how over the years it has had little to no improvement.

Sex and sex education is something we NEED to talk about. It needs to be included in topics such as where to go on vacation and what books to read. Sex education must be explained and talked about. We must build a healthy communication about it with every generation. To break the stigma of “that’s weird,” and “I feel shy sharing that.” Communication is lubrication! If children as young as middle school can feel that their body is changing, then asking for help or questions about their own body is safe. The stigma behind kids being “bad” and exploring themselves would be diminished due to them being open about it early on. After taking human sexuality, it should be by law, required to be taken before getting into a relationship. I mean- come on now!