Of course everyone isn't familiar with WHO's definition and the term "sexual health" means different things to different people, especially when in reference to youth. It is a topic that provokes a strong emotional response and is an issue that remains taboo for many people.

Another consideration, which creates a barrier is the confusion of terms "sexual health" and "sexual activity". Many people in our society are uncomfortable with the fact that young people are sexually active. They also think that if we talk about youth sexuality it will mean more sexual activity engaged in by youth. What needs to be emphasized is sexual health may included sexual activity, but the intention of enhancing sexual health is, as previously mentioned in our definition, the capacity to control, enjoy, and understand one's sexual and reproductive behavior. Therefore, all youth have the right and need for good sexual health.

Developing good sexual health requires supports and resources that are available across the life span, as well as across cultural, geographic, linguistic and other categories of diversity.¹ These supports and resources are especially important in adolescence. In order to make a successful transition from childhood to adulthood, young people need supports and resources to help them learn about:

• personal confidence and comfort
• formation of personal ethics to guide sexual health
• relationships and sexual behavior, including sexual orientation
• sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and safer sex
• pregnancy, including outcomes and options
• parenting skills and parental responsibility

Another misconception deterring youth and community, is many people think reproductive health refers only to physical aspects of reproductive health - things such as fertility, contraception, and STIs. Also, the fact that the words "sexual" and "reproductive" are often used together leads some people to believe that these are concerns of women only. In fact, it is much broader that this: it applies to every person, regardless of age or gender.²

Nurturing the forming of confidence, personal ethics and skills will lead youth to making healthy decisions about their sexuality.³ Reaching such confidence is aided by the strengths of a community, particularly, parents and other family members, teachers, the medical professionals, youth advocates/professionals and the faith community. Unfortunately, youth are bombarded with pressures in society. Young people are overwhelmed with sexual images and messages while at the same time caught in trap which places taboos and judgements in the way of those who seek information and assistance. To ignore the sexual health needs of our youth is to ignore the well-being of our society.