#YouthDay sexual health talk: What every young person should know

Healthcare professionals are encouraging teenagers and young adults to take charge of their sexual health by seeking accurate information and avoiding the myths that continue to circulate online.

According to Vukona Baloyi, a pharmacist at Medipost Pharmacy, many young people are entering adulthood without the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their health, leaving them vulnerable to risky behaviour, delayed testing and preventable illness.

“Young people are smart. All they need is clear, practical information about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), without judgement,” said Baloyi.

She noted that many people still rely on information from friends, social media or internet searches instead of consulting trusted healthcare professionals.

Separating fact from fiction

Baloyi warned that social media has become a major source of misinformation about sexual health, with myths often spreading faster than facts.

One of the most common misconceptions is that a person would know if they had an STI.

“In reality, many STIs, including human papillomavirus (HPV), do not cause any symptoms. A person may feel healthy yet still pass the infection on to a partner,” she explained.

Another myth is that birth control protects against all sexual health risks.

While contraceptives help prevent pregnancy, Baloyi stressed that they do not protect against infections. Condoms remain important in reducing the risk of transmission, although they do not provide complete protection.

She also cautioned against relying on a single method of protection.

“Prevention requires a layered approach, including vaccination, barrier methods, regular testing and honest conversations with partners. Think of it like security: you do not rely on just one lock,” she said.

Creating safe spaces for conversation

Baloyi believes sexual health education should begin before young people become sexually active and should continue both at home and in schools.

She said parents, teachers, healthcare workers and pharmacists all have an important role to play in providing accurate, judgement-free information.

“Young people need adults who speak plainly, not in code and not with shame. They need to know what the risks are, how to protect themselves, when to get tested, why vaccination matters, what symptoms to watch for, and that asking questions about their health is responsible, not embarrassing,” she said.

Baloyi added that pharmacists, clinics and primary healthcare teams are well-positioned to offer advice and support.

She also reminded young people that medical information remains confidential.

“If you do test positive, the first thing to remember is that you have the right to privacy, and no one else will know about your condition unless you decide to share that information,” she explained.

Understanding HPV

Baloyi highlighted HPV as one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, yet one that many young people still know little about.

While HPV is often associated with cervical cancer, it can affect people of all genders. In men, it can lead to cancers of the anus, penis, mouth and throat.

The virus is also strongly associated with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, although HPV-linked primary brain tumours remain exceedingly rare.

According to Baloyi, the HPV vaccine remains one of the most effective tools available to help prevent future disease.

She encouraged families to view vaccination as a form of protection rather than a cause for concern.

“The message for young people is simple: Know the facts, protect yourself and do not ignore warning signs. If something feels wrong, get yourself checked. If you are unsure, ask. Your health is worth taking seriously, and so is the health of your partner,” she said.

Baloyi concluded by emphasising that every young person deserves access to reliable information and support.

“No young person should be left to guess when it comes to their health. They deserve the facts, the support and the confidence to make informed choices.”