1. Bell Ringer Open your student workbook and turn to page 67.
Under the heading Journal Entry, write a few short sentences about how you think teens can take care of their bodies to maintain and promote their sexual health.

2. Unit 3: Abstinence, Personal & Sexual Health
Lesson 8: Taking Care of Your Sexual Health

3. Healthy Behavior Outcomes
Be sexually abstinent.
Use appropriate health services to promote sexual health.

4. Lesson Objectives By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
Explain the importance of vaccines, checkups and examinations to maintain sexual and reproductive health.
Summarize the importance of talking with parents and other trusted adults about issues related to sexual health.
Identify reliable resources for accurate information about sexual health.
Analyze the role of individual responsibility for sexual health.

5. What are some sexual health problems you may have heard about?
Breast cancer, testicular cancer, or other cancers of the reproductive organs
Trouble getting an erection
Sexually transmitted diseases
Cramps or other menstrual symptoms
Complications during pregnancy
Getting hit or struck or other injuries to the reproductive organs

6. Review Keys to Sexual Health
What are some actions both men and women can take to protect their sexual health?
What are some sexual health issues men should be aware of?
What are some sexual health issues women should be aware of?
How can seeing a doctor or other health care provider for regular checkups help a person stay healthy?

7. Review Keys to Sexual Health (cont.)
Why is it important to see a doctor or other health care provider if you are having symptoms of STD or another infection?
When should a man see a health care provider?
When should a woman see a health care provider?

8. Procedures of Self-Exam
One of the important things young men and women can do to protect their sexual health is to learn to do a self-exam.
This is a way to check your own genitals or breasts to find any potential problems or concerns early.
Knowing what is normal for your own body will help you notice any changes that should be examined by a health care provider.

11. Close
Your sexual health is an important part of your overall health. Taking care of your sexual health can lead to a lifetime of healthy habits.
Name one thing you will do as a result of learning more about protecting your sexual health.