What is sexual desire?
- Sexual desire refers to one’s interest in sex
- The sexual drive is a natural feeling or urge
- It influences thoughts, behaviors and fantasies
Is sexual desire normal?
- This feeling is normal and is part of growing up
- Everyone will have this feeling due to the changes in our hormones. See understanding adolescent
- These hormones are important to carry out reproductive and sexual functions
When sexual desire does become unhealthy?
- Uncontrollable sexual urge leading to sexual aggression (e.g. rape).
- Sexual attraction towards same sex, children and animals.
What influences sexual desire?
Factors responsible include:
Inner drive
- As a normal adolescent, you will have sexual interests and feelings
- You can become emotionally and sexually attracted to the opposite sex and drawn towards physical relationship
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- Lack of responsible adult supervision and guidance
- You might get wrong information about sexuality in places like cybercafes, pornographic materials
- Environmental situation
- Being alone with your partner in a quiet area such as a park, car, room, house and other places might induce your desire
How can I control sexual desire?
- Be aware of what stimulates your desire either within yourself or with others.
- Believe and stand by your own values.
- Avoid situations that stimulate your desire further.
- If the desire is with others, you need to:
- Respect each other boundaries
- Know your limits
- Learn to communicate and negotiate. Able to say NO
- Be responsible and know the consequences for your actions (3R concept on sexuality)
Get accurate information from reliable sources:
- Your parents
- Teachers
- Doctors
- Religious teachers
Get involved in activities and programs that build skills. Examples:
- Rakan Muda,
- PROSTAR ( www.prostar.gov.my),
- Teenager activities by the Ministry of Youth and Sports(www.kbs.gov.my)
Express and communicate your feelings with your parents or a trusted adult.
Get involved in healthy social activities. Examples: be a volunteer in charity activities, religious activities www.befrienders.org.my
Last Reviewed | : | 27 April 2012 |
Content Writer | : | Dr. Nik Rubiah bt. Nik Abd. Rashid |
Cik Lim Siow Yen | ||
Reviewer | : | Dr. Nik Rubiah bt. Nik Abd. Rashid |