While some states require more thorough and medically accurate sex education than others, the field collectively lacks consistency and key information in several areas.

• Pleasure: "Pleasure has largely been left out of the conversation around sex and during sexual education," says Leiszle Rae Lapping-Carr, PhD, a psychologist at Northwestern Medicine who specializes in sex and sexuality. "It's important to negotiate a sexual relationship so that it's positive and pleasurable for all parties involved."
• Consent: Another shortcoming of sex education is the discussion of consent. Consent is an agreement between participants to engage in sexual activity. Consent should be communicated freely, clearly and in an ongoing way. Consent can be withdrawn at any time; verbal and affirmative consent helps you and your partner(s) establish and understand boundaries. "There's been a shift toward discussing consent in recent years, and there's been an emphasis on what to see in a healthy relationship," Dr. Lapping-Carr says. "But there's still a long way to go in a lot of places."
• Medical accuracy: Only 15 states require instruction to be medically accurate, and the definition of "medically accurate" varies widely across states. Additionally, while 37 states require abstinence to be included in sex education, only 18 states require educators to also share information about birth control.
• Relevant information for LGBTQ youth: Just nine states require that discussion of LGBTQ identities and relationships be inclusive and affirming. Seven states either prohibit sex education from including LGBTQ identities and relationships, or they require that sex education curricula frame LGBTQ identities and relationships negatively.
• Testing: Testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is one of the best ways to maintain your sexual health. Recommended testing frequency varies, however. Even if you are consistently using contraceptives or physical barriers like condoms, a test or full panel is the best way to ensure you do not have an STI.

 "There is no correlation with more education leading to more sex," Dr. Lapping-Carr says. "Without accurate information, you don't know how to keep yourself safe when having sex."

Educate Yourself

The National Sexuality Education Standards provide what is likely the most thorough guidance for sex education in the U.S. Though they aren't comprehensive, the standards lay out the terms, topics and principles that students should know, from kindergarten to high school.

"This is one of the best levels of inclusive sex ed, but it's still lacking," Dr. Lapping-Carr says. "For example, masturbation is not mentioned once."

For more information on sexual education:

• Planned Parenthood, the nation's largest provider of sex education, offers evidence-based and informed education delivered by trained professionals.
• The Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States is a nonprofit organization that aims to advance sex education through advocacy, policy and coalition building.

Your primary care provider or another physician can share with you medically accurate information and resources to help inform you about sex, sexuality and your sexual health.