WHY SEX EDUCATION IS SO IMPORTANT

Mar
27
2009

Posted by: admin in Categories: Men's Health-Erectile Dysfunction.
Using Tags: Men’s Health

Sometimes, lack of knowledge can lead to years of anxiety. Frank remembers some difficult times: “I had an operation on my testicles when I was about 6 years old,” says this insurance company vice president. He lowers his voice and continues:

“My testicles were filling up with fluid. The thing I didn’t know for years was that they didn’t operate on my penis. I thought my penis was shaped funny because of the surgery. I thought they cut my penis. When I saw other guys in high school gym class I knew my penis was okay, that the ‘seam’ on the backside of the penis was normal, not the line where they cut me. But thinking I had a scar, that I had been cut, that I was sort of lopsided, that caused me a lot of anxiety for a long time.”

Frank didn’t have a brother in whom he could confide or compare his penis to see if his was normal. So he never told anyone of his fears. Sex education was not a big part of his home life. “Once my dad brought home a book—he got it from the doctor, I think. Anyway it was very technical and anatomical. I was supposed to read it and then meet with him later in the day if I had any questions.” He stops, and almost snorts the next sentence. “I didn’t have any questions. My dad seemed very embarrassed—more so even than me.”

Frank, married for 15 years to a woman who is a social worker, believes that he’s learned to be more open about sex, and it’s an easier topic for him than it used to be. “But,” he says, “I still wouldn’t initiate such a conversation.”