Unit 3: Abstinence, Personal & Sexual Health Lesson 9: Abstinence: What’s in it for Me?

Healthy Behavior Outcomes Be sexually abstinent.

Bell Ringer Journal Entry on page 69 How do you think the choices a person makes about sex can affect his or her sexual health?

Sexual Abstinence Sexual Abstinence – choosing to not engage in any sexual activity that can result in pregnancy or a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

Abstinent_______________________________________Sexually Active

Why Might a teen choose abstinence? May not be ready for sex Avoid negative consequences of sexual activity Have other priorities that don’t include dating or being sexually active May not feel sexually attracted to anyone May have values or beliefs that guide their choices

Does a person have the right to choose not to have sex? Why or Why not? Participating in sexual behaviors should always be a matter of choice. No one has the right to pressure or force someone else to have sex.

Why might a teen choose to be sexually active? They think it’s what other teens are doing Someone pressured them into it A way of fitting in A way to rebel or assert independence Under the influence of alcohol or other drugs

Benefits of Abstinence Write a list of the benefits or positive things teens get from being abstinent.

Barriers to Abstinence What are some of the things that could get in the way of being abstinent?

Appropriate ways to express attraction What are some safe and appropriate ways teens can express attraction to someone and remain abstinent?

Close If you had a friend who wanted to be abstinent, what would you say to support him or her?