Whether having indulged in sexual interactions or not by the time an individual reaches the chronological age at which he or she is deemed to have joined the ranks of adulthood, he or she has most likely received sex education from varied sources. These sources include school, religious affiliations such as churches, synagogues, mosques and so on, the internet, parents, friends, possibly personal experience and the perpetration of myths.

Sex education experts agree that healthy sexuality can only be attained when certain criteria have been met. Included in this list of criteria the ability of the individuals to appreciate and accept their own bodies, to take responsibility for their behaviors, to be able and willing to effectively communicate and interact with family members as well as both genders, outside the family, in an appropriate respectful manner. Contrary to stereotypical popular belief sexual health isn't defined by what sexual behaviors an individual has or has not been involved with and sex education can provide the information enabling an individual to experience healthy sexuality.

Those who haven't received accurate, comprehensive information while growing up need not be left in the dark but have the option of accessing adult sex education. Problems associated with incomplete or misinformation can lead to physical issues as well as contribute or cause the psychological barriers that plague many adults. These problematic issues affect those participating in the dating scene as well as those comfortably ensconced in a relationship. For those participating in the dating scene issues may seem much more problematic and if sex education isn't pursued may result in embarrassment and the ending of promising relationships.

Sex education can be a touchy subject for some since there's such extensive emotional and moral significance embedded in the idea of a sexual relationship. It's imperative to fully understand such things as the role hormones play, the sexual organs and their construction, basically how everything works and why. Responsible choices can only be properly instituted when the full range of medical facts are readily accessible. 

An example of the need for complete information can be illustrated in a discussion of the menstrual cycle. Hormones precipitate the occurrence of most bodily functions whether directly or indirectly and this is true of the cycle of fertility that includes the releasing of an egg which if it is fertilized by sperm will attach itself to the readied uterine wall for its nine month gestation period.  Knowledge of what the results of hormone functioning within normal parameters is as compared to those experiencing 'technical difficulties' is necessary. Such information can be accurately gleaned from an adult sex education class and might mean the difference between pregnancy or not. At the very least, knowledge is power as they say and the more knowledge the better able an individual is to make responsible choices. Understanding the way our bodies work and the possible repercussions of any natural occurring issues or the expected outcomes of implementing some form of birth control is essential sex education.

While the information received through sex education is largely based on scientific based facts, very often the implementation of the information is based on religious or ethical considerations. Even if religion or ethical factors are going to have the deciding voice in the matter of responsible decision making having participated in a program of sex education provides the necessary medical facts to proceed forward with.