This starter kit is useful for young people looking to learn more about sexual and reproductive health. Resources in this kit cover topics including the difference between gender and sex, puberty, devlopment for intersex youth, menstruation, period stigma, family planning, sexually transmitted infections, sexual anatomy, and consent.
First, some context: Gender vs. Sex - While “gender” and “sex” are often used interchangeably, these terms actually describe two different features of a person. This video explains the difference between gender and sex which will help to contextualize the remainder of this starter kit.
Puberty: Puberty is the period during which adolescents reach sexual maturity and become capable of reproduction. The following resources will acquaint you with this process and help you know what to expect during this stage of life.
- The Basics of Puberty - This webpage explains the basic ins and outs of puberty. Select the drop down menus at the bottom of the page for more information about puberty in people who were assigned female at birth and puberty in people who were assigned male at birth. For information about puberty in intersex people, click here.
- How Puberty Affects the Body - This interactive website allows users to explore how puberty affects different parts of the body. Note that this website only shows two cisgender individuals, meaning people who’s gender identity matches their assigned sex at birth. Some people’s bodies, however, may experience a combination of these changes (which is normal!).
- What Happens During Puberty if I’m Intersex? - This webpage explains what it means to be intersex and how intersex people may experince puberty.
Menstruation: Menstruation is a specific feature of puberty that some people, typically those assigned who were assigned female at birth, experience. The resources in this section aim to define menstruation and dispels myths and stigmas surrounding the menstrual process.
- Menstruation - This resource explains the process of menstruation, what a menstrual cycle is, and when people can expect to begin menstruating. At the top of the page there are also links to pages explaining Premenstrual Syndrome (also known as PMS), how to use tampons, pads, and menstrual cups, and how to know if one’s cycle is “normal.”
- Ending Period Stigma - This infographic dispels myths about menstruation in an attempt to end the stigma surrounding periods.
- Menstruation as a Human Rights Issue - This article explains the link between menstrual rights and human rights.
- How to Make a Reusable Pad Instructions and Video - These resources provide instructions for how to sew your own reusable menstrual pad.
Sexual Health and Wellness: Whether you are currently sexually active or not, it is important to understand your body’s anatomy and the potential risks associated with sexual activity. The resources in this section serve to provide you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about sex.
- Sexual Anatomy and Sex - This webpage offers an introduction to the basics of sexual anatomy. This webpage describes the standard anatomy girls and boys. For more information about intersex individuals, view this video. To find a support group for intersex individuals in your country, click here.
- LGBTQIA Safer Sex Guide - This resource is specifically designed to address the unique needs and concerns of the LGBTQIA community as it relates to safe sex.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections - This comprehensive web page explains what sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are, how they are spread, prevention techniques, and how to treat STIs if acquired.
- HIV/AIDS - This resource takes a closer look at the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
- Family Planning and Contraception - This webpage describes different forms of contraception, also known as family planning, and their relative levels of effectiveness. For more information about emergency contraception, click here.
- Key Facts on Abortion - This webpage offers an abdundance of information about abortions including why people might seek them out, why abortions are a human right, and the dangers of restricting access to abortion.
- Preventing Unsafe Abortion - This resource differentiates between safe abortion techqniues and unsafe abotion techniques and describes how to avoid the latter.
Spotlight on Consent: When engaging in any kind of sexual contact with another person (even kissing!), it is important that each party has given their consent to the activity. The following two resources define consent and show what consent looks like in action.
- What is Sexual Consent? - This resources introduces the concept of sexual consent and the importance of enaging in safe sexual relations.
- Consent Video - This video illustrates consent in action through the metaphor of tea.
- Power Dynamics and Consent - This document explains how power dynamics can influence one’s choice to grant consent and why they must be considered before engaging in sexual contact.
Now what? Putting the starter kit in motion:
- Read through the resources in this starter kit and, where applicable, share with others.
- Consider what stigmas you have around SRH and challenge them! For instance, have you been shy talking about menstruation? The first step in reducing stigma is to recognize that menstruation is a natural process.
- Get to know your own body. What stage of development are you at? Have you noticed any changes in your body as you have aged? What changes might you continue to expect?
- Host a demonstration on how to properly use contraceptives, such as condoms.
- If you have any questions about your own SRH, talk to a doctor or trusted adult.
- Provide your feedback on this site! Which tools are working and what is missing? How else can we support you?