摘要：Adolescence, a fundamental stage of youth development experienced by all young students, is marked by a moment of transition, when several changes take place, from attitudes, questioning and opinions to the passage towards sexuality, with a partner. During this stage, the body becomes loaded with connotations in relation to self representation and care, being interpreted in very specific ways by different societies and social groups. The study aims to present reflections on differences related to gender and body care found in the conception of young students between ages 17 to 20 from a class of secondary school in a State School located in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro – Brazil encompassing sexuality. The results indicate distinct conceptions of gender related to decision making linked to sexual initiation, as well as body care in connection with the acknowledging of body signals and attitudes for STD prevention.
