ARE YOU READY FOR SEX?

Sexual feelings and thoughts are normal for teens and adults. Many teens have sex before they are ready for it. Sexual relationships have an impact on many parts of a person's life. Television and movies make sex seem really casual and cool and without consequences. Sex in the media is not like sex in real life.

Some teens who have had sex too soon feel guilty and ashamed. Others find their relationship with their partner changes after sex and that they have become further apart. There are teens who have sex to hold onto a relationship or because they feel pressured to prove their love. It is important to honor yourself when you are thinking about having sex. Listen to yourself. If you feel ill at ease, or anxious, stop. Ignoring how you really feel could lead to disaster.

When teens have sex too soon, they may not use birth control, and pregnancy may result. They may not protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases. They may use drugs or alcohol, which can change their ability to make good decisions, and sex may be the result. They may later discover that their classmates have found out about what they have done.

So before teens put themselves into a situation where sex may occur, they need to:

think about what their parents would say
think about how they would handle a pregnancy
think about what their religion says about sex
think about how it might change their relationship
think about what it would be like if people at school knew and
think about getting HIV, herpes, chlamydia, hepatitis, gonorrhea, or other sexually transmitted diseases

Giving each other massages, hugging, and kissing are passionate ways of showing and sharing love. This can be as, or more, fulfilling than sexual intercourse. If you do not feel totally ready for sex, you probably are not. The decision of whether to or not to have sex is very important. Talk to a counselor, pastor, parent, or an adult you respect. They can help you sort out your feelings. In the meantime, avoid putting yourself in a situation where sex could occur. Wanting to wait is called "abstinence." This can be a long-term or short-term decision. Make an informed decision that is right for you.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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