To be clear, this is not a subject that should be joked about or taken lightly, especially when you are young. Why is it useful to be informed, and to talk about it with someone who is older? Because it is important to "shell out" all those doubts, everything that is unclear, especially if you are not used to talking about it with your family. Because those who are comfortable with their own sex life can help you understand its value. Because getting used to talking means not being afraid of sex. Why might you be afraid of sex? This is certainly possible if you are not able to understand that what your body and mind are experiencing is not something "dangerous," but rather something new and normal! It's just like the blossoming of a fragrant flower.  What you don't understand can only scare you if you are not prepared to face it and live it fully in the best way possible. Talking about it can help you understand the warning signs of a situation that might be risky for you. These signs should never be underestimated, even if they come from people that are seemingly "friendly" or that you should be able to trust. The record, unfortunately, has shown this, and women should be well informed and prepared to "sniff out" danger. But at the same time they should be able to live their sexual lives with the people they really love. Love is a wonderful experience if it comes with respect.

Do you really think that you're not good enough to be admired by others just because you have a few extra pounds, a couple of pimples (which will disappear), or because you don't look like a supermodel? Start by asking yourself a few questions: who determines what is really beautiful and what is ugly? Do you really think that to be successful all you need are exterior accessories? This concept is completely ridiculous! The beauty in each of us lies in the differences that make us unique! Toss your pessimism as far away and as quickly as possible. Forget about "this is what others like" and wake up your healthy ability to think critically. Instead, remember "it's more important that I like myself" - why? Because what matters, especially when you are young, but is still valid at any age, is liking yourself along with all your defects. There are small imperfections that, when looked after, studied well and improved, can also make you become "an interesting type." So it's great to get rid of that sweet tooth, especially if it causes you problems with the your skin and your figure. Go, go, go and get yourself moving more! But the thing to keep in mind is, "I may not drop-dead gorgeous, but I like myself! And if I like myself, why shouldn't others like me?" The mirror doesn't have the last word, and it doesn't even tell the whole truth. You are always the only person who gets to have the last word! Think about that!

Is it possible that all these monstrosities have been focused entirely on you? Do you remember the song by Ligabue? "Let's save our skin, good or bad it's what we have, let's make it one of a kind." Both body and beauty, which by the way is subjective, are great gifts and must be cared for and cultivated. You can also become beautiful, because being beautiful is not just a matter of skin. To become beautiful it takes courage, the desire to communicate and the ability to be yourself. Live life to its fullest, and discover all those hidden assets that each person has within themselves. How can you discover the beautiful swan that you have growing inside of you? Here are 5 tips to start with: Take care of your hygiene and you've already resolved something. Do sports to get more toned and develop the parts of the body that interest you the most. Don't give too much weight to the mirror, which reflects an incomplete image, but in any case avoid stuffing yourself unnecessarily... and if something about you represents a real problem, talk to an adult you trust who can give you some good advice. Remember, you become what you love. Train every day in this gym of beauty and cultivate positive thoughts. Read thick books and sustain yourself with ideas and people that are of value. Surely the results will be effective, and your deepest beauty will blossom until you are able to enjoy it yourself along with those around you.

This is a really important question! Everyone has the right to find the most appropriate confidant, because we are not all the same! This explains why some girls speak with their best friends, while others speak with their mothers with whom they have a special relationship. Others speak with their aunts, an older sister or another adult whom they trust. But even outside of your family or circle of friends (who often may have the same doubts and have no answers), there are many others who can be of help based on the environment in which you live. Perhaps a teacher with whom you have a good relationship or a trainer if you're into sports. Perhaps a nun or a priest if you attend church, or a gynecologist from the  women’s health center if you prefer someone more professional. The important thing is that the person in whom you decide to confide is open to dialogue, is understanding, sensitive and willing to spend the time to really understand you and what you're telling them. Once you have confided your thoughts you should feel reassured and enriched. Don't be afraid or scared to ask. It's better to ask one more question that may seem stupid than to make a mistake that can affect your life and that of those around you.

To love is a bit like watching a young plant growing in spring. Love, in fact, has its own rhythms, its own need for attention, care and the intelligence to find out what's inside the other person's heart. And just like a young plant, it is very, very delicate at the beginning. The first step is to understand whether the road can be traveled together, without skipping steps. How do you interpret the signals you get from the person you like? Gestures are very important; they should let you know that there is a special yet respectful, serious interest. Even kisses are serious, and should be used with seriousness. It's better not to trust those who appear to be too affectionate or pressing right away; they might not be truly sincere, but simply looking to have fun. Even silences speak sometimes in the sense that they can hide a great timidity from the other person, who might just be crazy about you! There is no unique way of loving, but one thing is certain; for those who really love you, you become indispensable and they will want to show in every way! They will find you beautiful both inside and out. They will accept your weaknesses, and even love them. You don't play with love, you live it.

Yes that's right, the first kiss is never forgotten, along with its anxieties, emotions, desires, hopes and disappointments! It can change the course of a story, just like sealing a pact of love! A kiss is an important gesture. It's valuable, and should not be wasted; it sets certain dynamics in motion, from which it can be hard to go back. Every kiss tells a story about us, and about how much we care for another person. Throw away your fears and think about the fact that in love, there are no stereotypes. There is no technique that you have to imitate, thankfully! Everyone is free to play with their own creativity. If a kiss becomes an imitation or an experience to brag about with friends, it loses its most intimate feature, which is to give and receive true love. Bad kisses mean nothing like those given to pass the time or in an effort to pretend to be cool. With a kiss I communicate myself and everything I feel inside, and if I don't feel anything inside, then I don't communicate anything. So what to do now? Respect for yourself and for the person you love, if well cultivated, will give balance and beauty to every kiss. One last thing is the value of waiting: a kiss long desired will have a unique "taste" regardless of 1000 techniques! It's worth it to think about this.

Summer is the season of love at first sight, made especially for firsthand experience of the "explosive potential" of this kind of love. How can you recognize it? Nothing could be simpler. Do you see the person you like and forget about everything else? Are you attracted to him like a magnet? That's it, it's love at first sight! It's a strange feeling, and it can flare up just by seeing the person - you don’t even have to know them that well. The heart takes off on its own path, and the brain cannot always keep up. Sure there are plenty of great emotions, but there is also serious danger! Often, you can even get crushes from the movies. Most importantly, keep the heart and brain connected at all times. Then take some time to talk and see what kind of person you are dealing with. There is always the possibility that the person you have in front of you may seem beautiful on the outside, but isn't that great on the inside. Beauty is not measured by the circumference of certain muscles or the depth of the gaze. Do not stop at outward appearance, try to dig a little deeper. If there is a treasure, you will certainly find it, and it will be worth the wait.

One thing should be considered right away, and that is that having sex is not proof of love! Certainly it is a critical component, but it doesn't demonstrate it, and it does not make it more real. In other words, don't trust those who pressure you, who shower you with gifts and then seek only to take you to bed! Love doesn't blackmail. The person who loves will know how to be respectful and wait. Another important thing to consider is that you don't hurt yourself or your boyfriend or girlfriend if there is mutual respect for each other's nature. Hurt is caused when you trivialize or degrade the relationship, or if you choose not to choose and to let things go. But how do you know when the right time is? The answer is within you, if you're not afraid to get involved, ask questions and make considerations. These are answers that only you can discover in your everyday choices, in the "yes" and "no" for which you assume responsibility. Love is a beautiful and serious thing that must be treated with respect; it is not exhausted by a physical relationship. When you are together you share a project; there are many things to discover and experience. In short, live the experience, because you don't play with love, you live it.

These are two of the many hoaxes and urban legends that still revolve around sex and the risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases.
It's difficult to understand why, but there is a common belief that sperm die in water. In reality, having sex in the water is the same as doing it anywhere else. If you don't want to renounce the pleasure of doing it in the middle of the ocean, it's best to just use a contraceptive.

A woman is generally less fertile during her menstrual cycle, but the possibility of pregnancy still exists, so it's better not to risk it! In case of an irregular or particularly long cycle, the menstrual cycle may overlap with the beginning of the ovulation period and increase fertility, especially in a young girl going through her first menstrual cycles.

This is yet another big hoax! The difference in desire between men and women does not involve the amount of desire, but the quality of it. For example, a woman's arousal is distributed throughout her entire body, not just her genitals. Even erotic fantasies are different between men and women.

Women's fantasies are generally more emotional, sentimental, tender and affectionate, with a tad of exhibitionism and narcissism thrown in. The images are more abstract and imaginative. Women imagine real, personal stories.

Male fantasies are usually more explicit than female ones. They are more visual, with genital images, and detached from any emotional context. The classic male fantasy of sex is desire in its purest form - a purely physical gratification.

Nothing could be more wrong! Coitus interruptus is one of the riskiest methods. The man is not always able to control his ejaculation, and seminal fluid can also escape during sexual intercourse. Even just a small amount of sperm can lead to pregnancy.  Furthermore, when a boy is very young, he is inexperienced and very involved; it can be difficult to know the exact moment to pull out, and can also be frustrating because it interrupts "the best part." It is not enjoyable for everyone.

"I want to experience this completely spontaneously, then I'll think about it!"

Let's debunk this myth right away! You can get pregnant the first time, and it doesn't get more true than that. So the best way to live this experience spontaneously and with passion is to avoid unnecessary risks by choosing a contraceptive that enables you to concentrate fully on this unique life experience. Knowing that you run no risk of unwanted pregnancy, and at the same time being able to protect your "gift" of fertility gives you a real chance to experience sex spontaneously, safely and calmly. It also creates trust and complicity, which are important values to begin your sex life with.

After menopause, you don't have to give up sex, even if your body needs a little more "help," like counteracting vaginal dryness, for example. Although sexual activity decreases with increasing age, the satisfaction and the quality of relationships remains high! We also talk about this in the Menopause "Sex life and menopause" section.

As you should - it is quite the opposite! It is scientifically proven that alcoholic spirits, especially when consumed in large quantities, favor impotence and decreased sexual desire. In addition, the state of intoxication can lead people to expose themselves to risky situations, such as unprotected sex...or unwanted sex! Girls, it's always better to be clear-headed! In every situation.

It is, in fact, and one of the most dangerous.  The belief that practicing oral sex

keeps you safe from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is widespread, but untrue.  The exchange of body fluids can cause the transmission of many infections (AIDS, HPV, gonorrhea, Candida, Chlamydia ...) through small cuts or abrasions in the oral mucosa.

Once these were called venereal diseases, after Venus, the goddess of love. They are infections that are contracted through sexual intercourse with infected persons. The greater the number of sexual partners, the greater the risk of contagion. AIDS is only the most obvious example, but there are several other sexually transmitted diseases such as candidiasis, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, genital herpes, syphilis and hepatitis B. They are caused by germs (bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi) present in semen or vaginal secretions. The main warning signs are noticeable foul-smelling vaginal discharge, burning during urination, pain in the lower abdomen or pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia), the presence of small lesions, such as blisters, pustules etc. All these signs require a quick visit to the gynecologist. The majority of STDs can be treated in a rather simple manner, and all partners must follow the course of treatment to avoid being infected again. Infection can be prevented by always using condoms during sexual intercourse, and avoiding risky sex or sex with many partners.

Making love can be wonderful, as long as there are no risks or anxieties of an unwanted pregnancy or from sexually transmitted infections. Unfortunately, the signals that help us recognize dangers are not always so clear and, in some cases, the sexual attraction we feel towards another person, and the sincerity of our intentions, make us less attentive. What behaviors are particularly risky? Here are a few that you should pay the most attention to: lack of hygiene and promiscuous situations sex with strangers or with multiple partners simultaneously sex with people who, in turn, have sex with other partners sex with people who have infectious diseases sex with people who have AIDS (HIV-positive or with the full-blown disease) sex with drug addicts exchange of infected syringes sex with prostitutes or with men who often have sex with prostitutes.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that can be spread through unprotected sexual contact. They affect people of all ages and from all walks of life, but they are more frequent among young people and teenagers. Every year at least 1 adolescent out of 20 contracts an STD, and the age of infection tends to decrease in relation to the increasingly early age of first sexual intercourse (already 7% for the 13-14 year-old age range) and the increase in the number of casual sex partners.

Among girls and women, the consequences are more serious and can affect fertility. Don't think that these infections only affect people who have promiscuous relationships. Anyone who has unprotected sex can contract an STD. Being affected is not a shame, but it is a shame to put your health at risk, along with that of the person you love and the baby on the way, if you become pregnant. Information and prevention are the keys to protect yourself from STDs.

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that is transmitted sexually, and is increasing along with the increased frequency of sexual encounters among women, with 54 million new cases each year worldwide. Women are more susceptible than men due to their different anatomy, and they are more vulnerable to its complications because the infection often begins without symptoms in women. Young women (<25 years) can run into serious complications more easily, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an extended and painful inflammation involving the female genital tract (uterus, fallopian tubes and/or ovaries) and sometimes even the nearby pelvic organs. PID, if neglected, can lead to tubal infertility, and significantly increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy.

These are viruses from the same family, but it is not the case that having herpes labialis (cold sores) also predisposes you to genital herpes. This latter is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, and is usually more common in women than in men. The infection is manifested by small blisters, usually gathered in a "cluster" that may be accompanied by glandular swelling and pain. These rupture, leaving erosions that form a scab and heal spontaneously in 2-4 weeks (faster during recurrences), rarely giving rise to scarring.

The cold sores cause skin lesions around the mouth or on the mucous membrane inside. Infection with the virus occurs by direct contact with an infected person, or is mediated by contaminated objects, and usually occurs during childhood. After infection the virus migrates through the sensory nerve endings or the blood to the ganglia of the trigeminal nerve, where it sits latently, and by which it can later be reactivated by various stimuli (psycho-physical stress, menstruation, excessive sun exposure, immune deficiencies, etc.). When it is reactivated, it travels to the skin using the same pathway, and gives rise to recurring lesions. The primary treatment used is antiviral drugs.

Fungal Candida infections are frequent, especially among teenagers. It was estimated that about 75% of women have had at least one episode of vulvovaginal candidiasis in their lifetime. Among them, more or less half will have a second relapse, and in some cases the infection will turn into recurring candidiasis (characterized by 3-5 episodes per year that are repeated). It is important to talk immediately with your gynecologist to try to establish a good plan to prevent recurrence.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is considered the agent responsible for the most frequent forms of sexually transmitted infections in the general population. Its prevalence varies with age, and is higher in young women. There are over 120 strains of HPV, which differ in the types of tissue that they infect. More than 40 types can colonize the epithelium around the anus and genitals (cervix, vagina, vulva, rectum, urethra, penis, anus), and some of these are defined as high-risk HPV. Among the high-risk HPV strains, 16 and 18 are those most frequently implicated in cervical cancer. Other high-risk types are also associated with cervical cancer, but less frequently, while low-risk HPV types (those not linked to cancers) can still cause anogenital warts in both sexes. For several years a preventable vaccine has been available that is meant to be used prior to the start of sexual activity.

Nothing could be more true. Unfortunately that's the way it is! But silence does not mean that this disease has disappeared. If anything it's quite the opposite! Although in recent years it is spoken of less, it is very important to remain vigilant because this virus has not been eradicated. In Italy, it is estimated that there are between 108,000 and 156,000 cases of people with the HIV virus (HIV-positive) or with full-blown AIDS, including undiagnosed cases – 21% of all cases are women between 15 and 49 years of age. Very young girls (10-19 years) are the most vulnerable.

HIV infection causes a progressive weakening of the immune system (immunosuppression), increasing the risk of both cancer and infection by viruses, bacteria, protozoa and fungi, which under normal conditions can be cured.

After infection, it is possible to live for years without any symptoms, and find out only after the manifestation of a disease. HIV testing is, therefore, the only way to find out if you have been infected. For about thirty years, the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (National Institute of Health) has made a toll-free phone service available, 800861061, that answers all questions anonymously. Write it down.

It is true that summer is the period most at risk for Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). Why does this happen? Because many people, especially young people, travel around and go in search of casual adventures.

Remember that these infections, even when they are asymptomatic or not too visible, if neglected can lead to sexual disorders and fertility problems in both sexes, especially among women. Women often realize that they have been infected only when they are trying to have a baby. A condom should always be used for all sexual relations - it is the only effective protection against STDs. If you also want to protect yourself from an unwanted pregnancy, it is better if you use a reliable form of contraception as well, based on the advice of your gynecologist.