Adolescence: Privacy Care, Sexual Impulses, and the Dangers of Premature Sexual Activity

**26. Why should you take good care of your intimate areas?**

Medical research shows that the male reproductive system requires a lower temperature than body temperature. Excessive heat is detrimental to sperm production and survival. Therefore, we must pay attention to the "microenvironment" of the genitals. First, avoid bathing in excessively hot water, especially saunas. Some boys believe that hot water can kill bacteria, so they wash with hot water when they experience discomfort. However, this is very harmful, significantly reducing sperm survival rates and potentially causing infertility and sexual dysfunction in adulthood. Second, men's underwear should be soft and breathable. Avoid wearing tight underwear, and preferably avoid jeans, opting for looser trousers. Jeans are generally slim-fitting, constricting the genitals and causing excessive heat. Furthermore, the thick and stiff fabric of jeans can cause friction on the genitals with prolonged wear, which is particularly detrimental in hot and humid weather. We need to allow the scrotum to cool down and breathe. Third, consider sleeping naked, allowing the genitals to enjoy a rare and comfortable feeling in the quiet of the night.

In addition, we need to keep our private parts clean. Underwear should be changed and washed frequently. Avoid wearing underwear made of polyester or blended fabrics; instead, wear soft, pure cotton underwear to keep the lower body dry and fresh. Develop the habit of washing your genitals with warm water before bed, being careful not to use water that is too hot. When washing, pay attention to the order: wash from top to bottom, and from front to back, that is, wash the penis and scrotum first, then the anus. Never use the same basin of water to wash the genitals after washing the anus. After washing, dry the genitals with a separate towel, wash the towel with clean water, and then let it air dry.

**27. What is sexual desire?**

Sexual impulses are a result of the physical and mental development of adolescents during puberty and are a normal physiological and psychological phenomenon. Sexual impulses are the desire and urge for sexual activity under the combined influence of sex hormones and internal and external environmental stimuli, often accompanied by congestion of the reproductive organs and psychological excitement and euphoria. The driving force behind sexual impulses originates from instinct, hormone release, etc., and is a comprehensive physiological and psychological response.

While sexual urges are a normal phenomenon, it does not mean that one can satisfy one's sexual urges at will. Teenagers should learn to rationally control their sexual urges under proper guidance.

(1) Cultivate good living habits and control sexual impulses physiologically. Develop strict daily routines, do not have random thoughts after going to bed, and fall asleep as soon as possible; pay attention to the cleanliness of the external genitalia and avoid unclean things stimulating the reproductive organs; underwear should be loose, and the sleeping posture should be relaxed. Do not adopt a prone position to avoid pressure and friction on the external genitalia, which may cause impulses.

(2) Set goals for life and endeavors. A person with ideals and goals is less likely to be disturbed by their own desires and external factors, and is more likely to focus their energy on things that interest them. In this way, their excitement will always be focused on their studies and work, and they will be more likely to control their inner impulses.

(3) In daily life, you can interact with the opposite sex extensively to eliminate the sense of mystery and curiosity about them. Participate in more group activities and physical exercise. This will make you feel very comfortable and at ease. Through such conscious "desensitization" training, you can reduce the frequency of sexual urges.

**28. Why shouldn't you get involved in sexual activity too early?**

Adolescence is a time of youthful vigor, strong desires, and weak self-control. However, engaging in sexual activity too early, once one has the desire and ability for sex, often leads to serious consequences.

First, adolescents' sexual organs are not fully developed, and engaging in sexual activity too early causes significant physical depletion, making them prone to problems such as premature ejaculation, impotence, lower back pain, and premature aging in adulthood.

Secondly, most teenagers lack basic knowledge about contraception. Although they know that sexual intercourse can lead to pregnancy, they don't know how to take precautions, or they take chances and don't, resulting in serious consequences.

Furthermore, premature involvement in sexual activity, especially with multiple sexual partners, often leads to the infection of sexually transmitted diseases. Most teenagers are embarrassed to tell their teachers or parents after contracting the disease, and they lack the financial means to seek treatment, which can easily delay the diagnosis and cause great harm to their health.

Finally, sexual activity inevitably affects studies and work, which is detrimental to the individual, family, and society. Moreover, during and after sexual activity, the fear of pregnancy and exposure can lead to feelings of fear, guilt, and regret, which can have a significant impact on mental health over time.

**29. What are the changes in sexual psychology during puberty?**

Adolescence refers to the stage of transition from childhood to adulthood, that is, the period from the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics to the completion of physical development and sexual maturity. The maturation of adolescent sexual psychology is predicated on physiological maturity. During this stage, secondary sexual characteristics, sex organs, and sexual functions develop rapidly in boys and girls, and tend towards maturity.

Adolescents' interactions with the opposite sex generally fall into three stages:

(1) Rejection of the opposite sex: At the beginning of puberty, due to the increasingly obvious differences in form and function among adolescents, such as penile erection in boys and breast development in girls, there is a phenomenon of mutual avoidance between the sexes, and even feelings of aversion. For adolescents at this stage, we should not interfere or blame them without analysis, but should carry out correct sex education and guidance, and try to eliminate the sexual psychological experiences and reactions that are harmful to the physical and mental health development of adolescents.

(2) The period of contact with the opposite sex: As physical development matures, sexual psychology also matures, and emotional attraction emerges. Young people enjoy interacting and talking with the opposite sex, are happy to participate in activities with the opposite sex, and like to show their strength, charm, and talent in front of the opposite sex. Young people in this stage need to adjust their sexual awareness under proper education and guidance, by concentrating their energy, studying hard, exercising, and strengthening their physique.

(3) The period of romantic love between the sexes transitions from adolescence to adulthood, with more mature sexual and psychological development, and a greater emotional attachment to each other, as well as a more mature socialization process. During this stage, boys and girls are prone to "first love and early romance," requiring our active guidance and patient instruction. At the same time, we should view and address various psychological issues from a developmental perspective, ideally by becoming their close friends and providing guidance in an equal and friendly manner. All of these are of great significance to their healthy development.