Published: 16 Jun 2023, 17:15 pm IST
Raise your hand if you don’t want to go through the phase of having your parents explain you everything related to sex! Yes, a taboo topic that many still avoid addressing. While times have changed, it can still be difficult for parents and kids to have open and honest conversations about sex. Thanks to the access teenagers have to information, they are able to learn everything on their own. But everything they see on the internet is not right! So, some of the best information anyone can get about sex is through books. Yes, we are talking about sex education books that can help you get the right information.
Of course, sex education is not only limited to teenagers. Individuals of all age groups can acquire the knowledge. For starters, it equips them with essential knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. Before getting to the books, let’s understand why it is important to gain proper sex education.
Why is sex education important?
It goes without saying that when you have comprehensive knowledge about sex, it promotes responsible and safe sexual behaviour. This, in turn, reduces the risk of unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Not only does sex education teach you how to do it, but helps you teach an individual about consent, understanding and respecting boundaries, fostering healthy relationships and preventing sexual violence.
Furthermore, sex education empowers individuals to embrace their sexuality without shame or stigma, promoting body positivity and sexual diversity. It will also encourage open communication about sexuality and sexual health, helping people develop a healthy attitude to improving their overall well-being.
5 sex education books you should read
Now that you know why you need sex education, here are some sex education books that you should read to learn more about it.
1. Kama Sutra by Vatsyayana
This is one book we have all heard of but have you ever read it? While the original version comes in Sanskrit, this one is in English so should be accessible enough for you. So, the Kama Sutra of Vatsyayana is an ancient Indian text written by Vatsyayana around the 3rd century CE. While most people misinterpret the book as a manual for sexual techniques, it goes beyond it. It is a comprehensive guide to human sexual behaviour, which not only talks about sex positions but also teaches you about love, relationships, manners and pleasure.
2. The Blue Book: What You Want To Know About Yourself by Tarshi
The Blue Book: What You Want To Know About Yourself is a self-help guide that helps you delve into self-discovery and personal growth. It claims to be a guide to help teenagers understand sexuality, and how to enter the world of adults with knowledge and enthusiasm. Authored by renowned psychologists, the book offers a comprehensive exploration of one’s inner world. If you are just beginning to understand the sexual side of things, you may want to start from this “Blue Book” that walks you through it all without being too overwhelming.
3. Complete Sex Education Guide by Dr Ankit Chandra
As the name suggests, “Complete Sex Education Guide” is a one-stop for all thing sex education. Written by an expert in the field of sexual health, this book aims to educate individuals about various aspects of human sexuality. The clear and comprehensive approach of the book will help you understand the importance of healthy relationships, communication, consent, and sexual pleasure. It is touted as the perfect book for all individuals, including students and adults alike. The guide also addresses the importance of healthy relationships, communication, and sexual consent. It serves as an invaluable tool for individuals seeking accurate and reliable information to make informed decisions about their sexual well-being.
4. The Sex Book : A Joyful Journey of Self-Discovery by Leeza Mangaldas
Have you been having puzzling concerns about sex and the body? Well, the book The Sex Book: A Joyful Journey of Self-Discovery by award-winning sex educator Leeza Mangaldas might be the book you need. It is a captivating book about human sexuality that covers a wide range of topics, including anatomy, hygiene, consent, contraception, orgasms, and more. The purpose of the book is to help you embark on a joyous journey of self-exploration, where you understand your desires, boundaries, and preferences. This sex-ed manual will help you better understand yourself, your body, and your relationships while emphasising pleasure. If you are looking for a fun book to understand the intricacies of the sexual world, this book is for you!
5. Dr Cuterus: Everything Nobody Tells You About Your Body by Dr Tanaya Narendra
This book is an enlightening and empowering guide that sheds light on the intricacies of the human body. Written by Dr Tanaya Narendra, popular on Instagram as Dr Cuterus, the book offers a wealth of knowledge on topics often considered taboo or neglected. It covers menstrual health, reproductive organs, sexual pleasure, pregnancy and menopause. The book aims to dismantle societal taboos and educates readers about their bodies, empowering them to make informed decisions and take charge of their own health and well-being.
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