Teens should receive honest and accurate sexuality education classes before they become sexually active. This is what should happen, because if we’re educated about safer sex before engaging in sexual behaviors, we will understand how to prevent unplanned pregnancies and/or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

However, a new study by the Centers for Disease and Control (CDC) revealed that nearly 83 percent of teen girls who had had sex did not have a formal sexuality education class until after they had vaginal sex for the first time. This means that sex ed is happening too late for many of us! How can we properly protect ourselves if we are not really educated about what steps we should be taking when it comes to using a condom or accessing hormonal birth control?

I know what you’re thinking: I can’t do anything if my school is giving us the information too late. Not so fast! You do in fact have some options. With our handy Sex in the States tool, you can click on your state and read about what kind of sex ed you are entitled to by law. If you feel like your school is not providing the sex ed required by law, then you should talk to the administrators at your school about getting the sexuality education you need and deserve.

And don’t forget, even if your state or school district isn’t providing you with the sexual health information you need, you can always turn to Sex Etc. magazine and Sexetc.org.