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| Is it time for me to
have sex?
| The decision to have sex is a very personal matter and only
you can decide if now is the right time. This decision needs to be based upon your
body, your emotions, and your personal values. It is not a decision that should be
rushed into, made while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or because of someone
else. Just because other teens are having sex, doesn't mean it is the best choice
for you. Make your own decision. |
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| Why do teens have sex?
| Some teens have sex so they will be accepted by others. Some
teens think that having sex is a "grownup" thing to do and they want to feel
more "grownup". Some teens have sex because of peer pressure. Some
teens are lonely and just want to feel close to someone. Some teens find it easier
to have sex than to just say no. Some teens want to experiment with their body and
things that feel good. Some teens have sex to rebel against authority figures in
their lives. None of these reasons are really worth the
consequences that sex can bring. Think about why you want to have sex . . . |
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| What should I think
about before having sex?
| Is having sex with (you fill in the name)
really what I want to do at this point in my life? How
will I feel about it tomorrow? Will having sex go against my personal values? Will I
have to lie about having had sex later in life? Will I feel guilty?
Am I ready for the feelings that a sexual relationship will produce?
Am I ready to become a parent if this relationship produces a baby?
Am I prepared to take precautions to prevent sexually transmitted diseases
or an unplanned pregnancy? |
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| Are there other ways
to express love?
| If you love (you fill in the name), there are lots of
ways to share that love without having sex. Spending time together to do lots of
activities is a great way to express your love. If you want to feel physically
close, there are ways to do this without sex. Kissing, hugging, and touching each
other are great ways to show your love. Just remember that these activities can lead
to sex unless you draw the line. If you really love (you fill in the name),
talk about where your "line" will be. Set limits together and then
help each other stay within these limits. |
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| Here's something to think about . . .
| Your decision to have sex will be one of the biggest
decisions of your life. Sex is a wonderful experience when the timing and situation
is right for both persons. Sex is a horrible experience when the timing and situation is
not right. Think about the consequences - some of them will last for a lifetime.
Some of the consequences can even be fatal. It is OK to decide that you want to
wait. No one who really cares about you will ever force you to have sex before you
are ready. Whatever your decision, just be sure that when you get up in the morning,
you would still make the same decision! |
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