Are you really ready? THE RISKS to CONSIDER

What are some reasons people choose to have sex?

What are some reasons people choose not to have sex?

SEX IS…. PHYSICAL and EMOTIONAL in nature. RISKY! You can get pregnant, Be infected with an STI, or HIV Have your heart broken—or be disappointed when it is over. A MILESTONE —virginity—so you should make every effort for the partner and timing to be right. NOT be taken lightly or as recreational.

SEX IS NOT… THE ONLY way to show somebody you love and are committed to him/her. A TEST to prove your love or devotion to your partner A MEASURE of your maturity A WAY to get back at your parents by showing your independence. ALWAYS FUN—you will wonder if it was really worth it.

Sexually Transmitted Infections STIs are infections or diseases that people get by having sex with somebody who is already infected. (Name has recently changed because disease typically means it comes from with in the body—where an Infection starts outside the body) You can become infected by: Sharing body fluids Touching or rubbing infected body parts Sharing needles.

TWO STD CATEGORIES: VIRAL AND BACTERIAL STDs are often divided into two categories--based on the type of microorganism that causes the specific disease. Those STDs caused by bacteria-such as Gonorrhea, Syphilis, and Chlamydia-are curable with antibiotics. STDs caused by viruses ( Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Herpes, and Hepatitis B. ) are NOT CURABLE, and only the symptoms can be treated. om/artteensb/publish/ar ticle_124.shtml

Other STDs Some STDs are also caused by protozoa (Trichomoniasis) and other organisms (crabs/pubic lice and scabies). These STDs are curable with antibiotics or topical creams/lotions.

Scabies Gonorrhea Facial Genital Warts Genital Warts

COMMON STI SYMPTOMS Burning during urination Discharge from the penis or vagina Sores, blisters, swelling around penis, vagina or anus Itching or pain around penis, vagina or anus Painful sexual intercourse Pain in the pelvic area

EA CH YEAR 1 in every 4 teens contracts an STI = 8000 teens per day! ONE in every TWO sexually active persons will contract an STI by the age of million people acquire Human Papillomavirus (HPV) each year. Left untreated, one strain of HPV can lead to cervical CANCER in women.

HIV and AIDS HIV stands for HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS. It is the virus that causes ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME, or AIDS. Over time—infection with HIV can weaken the immune system to the point that it can’t fight off certain infections— ones that would normally be controlled by a healthy immune system. A blood test can determine if a person is infected with HIV. However—that person will be diagnosed with AIDS after developing an AIDS indicator illness.

SOME STARTLING STATISTICS: Just under 1 million people in the US are living with HIV. ½ million people diagnosed with AIDS in the USA have died---69% died before ,000 NEW HIV infections each year (70% Male/30% Female)

TEEN PREGNANCY YOU WILL NOT get pregnant if… ▫You ABSTAIN ▫Hold hands, Kiss, Dance ▫Heavy kissing with clothes on—or in hot tub or swimming pool ▫Oral sex ▫Touching of genitals with hands

TEEN PREGNANCY BUT IF THE WOMAN IS ON TOP YOU MIGHT!!!!! TREVOR CLAVERIE YOU MAY get pregnant if: ▫There is genital to genital penetration, in any position, EVEN if it is the first time—or during your period. ▫There is any contact between female genital area and male sperm or pre-ejaculatory fluid.  THIS IS CONTROVERSIAL ▫You have anal sex—if any sperm makes contact with female genital area. It only takes ONE sperm to fertilize an egg.

THINK ABOUT THIS: Every year, 1 in 5 women (20%) aged who have had sex become pregnant. 78% of teen pregnancies are unintended. Teen pregnancies account for about 1/4 of all accidental pregnancies annually. 13% of all U.S. births are to teens.

THE EMOTIONAL RISKS The emotional risks of sexual activity are harder to predict—and harder to prepare for.  Will having sex change how I feel about myself and my partner?  Do my partner and I share the same level of commitment?  What happens if and/or when our relationship ends—will he or she “kiss and tell”?  Will my reputation be damaged?

THE DOUBLE STANDARD Research suggests that boys are encouraged to be sexually experienced, where as girls are encouraged to restrict sexual activity. Those findings may partly stem from society's double standard about sex. Boys were more likely to say their popularity rose when they became sexually active. Girls were more than twice as likely as boys to say they felt bad about themselves. Girls were also more than three times as likely to say they felt used as a result of having sex.

The SPUR POSSE: What does this article suggest about society’s expectations for sexual behavior in girls and boys? Do you feel as though the appropriate actions were taken against the boys that were part of this SPUR POSSE? What can you determine about the girls that were victims in this situation? Comment on the parent behavior? How do think parents play a role in teenagers views and actions in regards to sexual activity? Do you think the girls involved should be held responsible for participating? Is this an acceptable idea in your current high school environment? Do you know— boys OR girls that participate in sexual activities for RECREATION or COMPETITION?

DEPRESSION AND SUICIDE Teenage boys and girls who are sexually active are significantly less likely to be happy and more likely to feel depressed. Teenage boys and girls who are sexually active are significantly more likely to attempt suicide.

YOUR RIGHTS as a TEEN If you are under 18 you have the right to : Birth control, including emergency contraception Testing and treatment for STIs/STDs Pregnancy testing and prenatal care Abortion services HIV/AIDS testing You do not need anyone's permission, including your parents or guardians, or your boyfriend or girlfriend.