Young women in many parts of the developing world have little control over how, when and where sex takes place. They usually have little influence over the use of contraception and even where sexually active young women are aware of measures to protect against HIV, rarely do they have the power to ensure that condoms are used. The high social value placed on virginity in unmarried girls in many societies may pressure parents and the community to ensure that young women are kept ignorant about sexual matters. Such female ignorance is often viewed as a sign of purity and innocence. This prevents them from seeking information about sex or services relating to sexual health.
Different pressures prevent young men openly seeking information.
Dominant versions of masculinity encourage young men to seek sexual experience with a variety of partners. Young men are therefore expected to be more knowledgeable about sexual matters. But because sexual ignorance is socially unacceptable, young men are reluctant to admit they are lacking in knowledge and cannot openly seek it. So there are a number of obstacles, in both the developing and developed world, which make it difficult for young people to protect their sexual and reproductive health. They often have less access to information, services and resources than those who are older.