Sexual health.

• Know the difference between external and internal body parts.
• Explain simply what needs to happen for a pregnancy to begin.
• Practise asking questions about bodies using specific words.

Preparation

Use simple, anatomically accurate drawings of different bodies. Introduce a few words at a time and repeat them. Adapt further explanations to the group's questions.

Between your legs, you may see the external genitals. Our bodies can look different. In some bodies, the area around the vaginal opening is called the vulva. It includes the labia, which are folds of skin, and the clitoris. The clitoris is a sensitive part of the body. Touch may feel good there. It is important for sexual pleasure, meaning pleasant feelings associated with sexual touch or activity. Other bodies have a penis and scrotum. The scrotum is a pouch of skin containing the testicles.

In a body with a vulva, the opening that pee comes out of and the vaginal opening are two different openings. The vagina is a soft passage inside the body. It runs from the opening between the legs to the cervix, which is the lowest part of the uterus.

The body also contains internal reproductive organs. An organ is a body part with a particular job. The ovaries lie low in the tummy and contain egg cells. The testicles in the scrotum make sperm cells from puberty onwards. Cells are tiny building blocks of the body. Egg cells and sperm cells have special roles in the beginning of a new life.

The uterus lies low in the tummy and is a small, hollow organ with muscles in its walls. A baby can develop there during pregnancy. From an early stage of development, the developing baby in the uterus is called a fetus. Pregnancy means that a baby has begun developing inside the body.

A sperm cell may meet and join with an egg cell. This is called fertilisation. A pregnancy can begin when the fertilised egg implants in the soft lining inside the uterus. A common way sperm cells enter the vagina is during intercourse, when a penis is inside the vagina and semen comes out of the penis. Semen is a fluid that may contain sperm cells.

• Why is it helpful to know the names of body parts?
• What is the difference between the vaginal opening and the opening pee comes from?
• Who can help with stinging or pain?

Conclude the lesson

Explain one new word about the body and make a question for an adult.

• Distinguish protection against pregnancy from protection against infections.
• Find advice about contraceptive choices and possible side effects.
• Describe where and how to get advice on testing.

Preparation

Have an overview of contraceptive methods and verified sources ready. Use fictional scenarios in activities and provide opportunities for individual conversations about personal choices.

Contraception is used to reduce the risk of pregnancy. Different methods work in different ways. Condoms also reduce the risk of several sexually transmitted infections, which can be passed on during sexual contact. Other contraceptive methods do not offer this protection against infection.

An infection may be present without obvious symptoms. Healthcare professionals can explain when testing is appropriate, which samples are needed and when results can be reliable. Contraceptive choices depend on preferences, health and what works in everyday life.

Hormonal contraception can cause side effects. Some people notice mood changes or low mood after starting or switching methods. Studies have produced mixed results about an association with depression, and contraception may not be the cause for a particular person. Take young people's mental health symptoms seriously and support individual assessment. If a contraceptive method is changed or stopped, continued protection against pregnancy must also be considered.

• Why might condoms and another contraceptive method both be relevant?
• Where can someone get help choosing a method or assessing possible side effects?
• What should someone ask about when they want testing?
• How can a teenager describe mood changes without having to know what caused them?

Conclude the lesson

Write the difference between pregnancy protection and infection protection, and name a place to get help with contraception, side effects or testing.