American Sexual
Health Association

Talking to Girls and Young Women about Sex

“[Girls] have told by society that sex is great but that’s not their experience. They don’t know how to talk about that disconnect, there’s a certain amount of shame that shuts down their voice….for me, sexual empowerment for girls is helping them to find a voice in their sexual relationships.”

In a compelling TED Talk video, nurse practitioner Jane Epstein makes the case that our efforts are sadly lacking with it comes to talking to teen girls and young women. In an episode of ASHA’s podcast with Ms. Epstein, we delve deeper into the topic, discussing not only what to say when talking to young females about sex, but how to help them speak up for themselves.

Jane Epstein is a Yale graduate and a clinician who sees teenagers at a high school-based health clinic where, as part of comprehensive health care, she provides sexual health care including contraception services to teens.

ASHA’s Sex+Health podcast is on iTunes. Subscribe today!
Get_it_on_iTunes_Badge_US_1114

More to Explore

An older couple kissing

STIs Are Not Just for the Young

STIs aren’t about age, they’re about sexual behavior. Older people are having sex, and they need to be thinking about sexually transmitted infections.

Hands holding a variety of vibrators and dildos

Dildos to the Dump!

In this essay, certified sexuality counselor Evelyn Resh reflects on how our sex lives and perceptions of pleasure change over time.

Talking about sexual pleasure on the podcast

Talking about Sexual Pleasure on the Podcast

Featuring interviews with medical professionals and experts in the field of sexuality, ASHA’s Sex+Health podcast aims to offer information and resources to with the goal of helping people take charge of their sexual health.

Woman in bed reading with her partner

Do You Have to Be Turned on to Have Sex?

The number one complaint of women that I see for sexuality counseling is that they have no libido – zip, gone, disappeared. Contrary to what many of us assume, this happens to women of all ages and levels of love, attachment, and attraction to their partners.