Section 6.4 Choosing Abstinence Slide 1 of 17 Objectives Identify some risks of sexual intimacy. Explain why emotional intimacy is important in close relationships. Section 6.4 Choosing Abstinence List some skills that can help you choose abstinence.

Section 6.4 Choosing Abstinence Slide 2 of 17 Health Stats Who has the most influence on a teen’s decisions about sex? The graph shows how some teens responded to this question. Which influences do you think would help teens to make healthy decisions about sex?

Section 6.4 Choosing Abstinence Slide 3 of 17 Health Stats Who has the most influence on a teen’s decisions about sex? The graph shows how some teens responded to this question. Which influences do you think would help teens to make healthy decisions about sex?

Section 6.4 Choosing Abstinence Slide 4 of 16 Another name for feelings of intense attraction to another person is infatuation. Physical Attraction and Dating Although these feelings can sometimes be overwhelming, they are normal and healthy for teenagers. Dating is typically the way that teenagers get to know people to whom they are attracted. By dating someone, you can learn about his or her personality, interests, abilities, and values. Read Great American Date…….

Section 6.4 Choosing Abstinence Slide 5 of 17 Sexual intimacy is not risk free. Risks of Sexual Intimacy The risks include 1.the effect on your emotional health 2. the effect on your relationship 3. the risk of pregnancy 4. the risk of sexually transmitted infections

Section 6.4 Choosing Abstinence Slide 6 of 17 A decision to become sexually involved may go against a person’s values. Effect on Emotional Health The person may feel a.guilty or ashamed b.Lose self-respect

Section 6.4 Choosing Abstinence Slide 7 of 17 Sexual intimacy can affect each partner’s expectations. Effect on Your Relationship One partner may expect to have sex whenever the couple is together, while the other partner may not.

Section 6.4 Choosing Abstinence Slide 8 of 17 A teenage pregnancy can pose serious health problems for the baby and the mother. Risk of Pregnancy Babies born to young mothers are often smaller and less healthy than those born to older women. Teenage mothers are more likely to have health problems during pregnancy than women in their twenties. Young people are aware of the problems teenage parents face, but they often don’t think that pregnancy can happen to them. 1 in 6 teenage girls who engage in sexual intercourse becomes pregnant.

Section 6.4 Choosing Abstinence Slide 9 of 17 Some infections can be passed, or transmitted, from one person to another during sexual activity. Risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections Some STIs can cause infertility, or the inability to have children. Others shorten a person’s life or require medical treatment throughout a person’s life.

Section 6.4 Choosing Abstinence Slide 10 of 17 Millions of young people today choose to postpone sexual activity. Emotional Intimacy Emotional intimacy refers to the openness, sharing, affection, and trust that can develop in a close relationship. A couple can have a close relationship without being sexually intimate. But it is hard for them to keep a relationship close if there is no emotional intimacy.

Section 6.4 Choosing Abstinence WHY DO PEOPLE CHOOSE TO BE ABSTINENT? Slide 11 of 17

Section 6.4 Choosing Abstinence Reasons young people chose to postpone sexual activity PersonalMedicalRelational Slide 12 of 17

Section 6.4 Choosing Abstinence Reasons young people chose to postpone sexual activity PersonalMedicalRelational Personal/family values Religious/moral belief Not ready yet To avoid guilt, fear or disappointment Fear of pregnancy Fear of HIV/AIDs or other STI Lack of information on contraception Health & protection against disease Ex: risk factors for cervical cancer = early age of 1 st intercourse; high # of sexual partners; & younger age at 1 st pregnancy Haven’t met the right person To strengthen a relationship May allow time to develop deeper friendship Establish intimacy that is not sexual Slide 13 of 17

Section 6.4 Choosing Abstinence WHAT MAKES ABSTINENCE WORK? Slide 14 of 17

Section 6.4 Choosing Abstinence What makes abstinence work? Being able to talk to each other Commitment Partner cooperation assertiveness A positive vision for the future Self-esteem Self-control Information Knowledge of consequences Awareness of your personal values Ability to identify sexual situations Slide 15 of 17

Section 6.4 Choosing Abstinence WHAT MAKES ABSTINENCE FAIL? Slide 16 of 17

Section 6.4 Choosing Abstinence What makes abstinence fail? Alcohol & drugs Peer pressure Threat or force “Alone for the weekend” Slide 17 of 17

Section 6.4 Choosing Abstinence ABSTINENCE SKILLS Slide 18 of 17

Section 6.4 Choosing Abstinence Slide 19 of 17 Abstinence is the act of refraining from, or not having, sex. Abstinence Skills Abstinence skills include 1. setting clear limits 2.communicating your limits 3.avoiding high-pressure situations 4.asserting yourself

Section 6.4 Choosing Abstinence Slide 20 of 17 If you set limits before a situation arises, it will be easier to stick to the standards you set. Set Clear Limits a. To help yourself set limits, be sure to consider the important values that you hold and the possible consequences of your actions.

Section 6.4 Choosing Abstinence Slide 21 of 17 Once you have decided on your limits, it is important to communicate your feelings to your partner. Communicate Your Limits b.Try to talk honestly to your partner about your feelings and values. For teens who are sexually involved, it doesn’t mean that they have to continue to be sexually involved.

Section 6.4 Choosing Abstinence Slide 22 of 17 You can make it easier for yourself by avoiding certain situations. Avoid High-Pressure Situations c. Spend time with friends that share your values. Avoid alcohol & drugs

Section 6.4 Choosing Abstinence Slide 23 of 17 d. State clearly and directly that you want to stop. Assert Yourself If your partner does not respect the limits you set, the relationship may not be worth continuing.

Section 6.4 Choosing Abstinence Slide 24 of 17 Vocabulary emotional intimacy The openness, sharing, affection, and trust that can develop in a close relationship. abstinenceThe act of refraining from, or not having, sex.

Section 6.4 Choosing Abstinence HOMEWORK: Due Next Class 1.Read & annotate packet. Outline of notes will be next class (loose-leaf paper) Review questions will be administered next class based on reading. Read poem & answer questions on the back Discussion next class: EVERYONE shares Slide 25 of 17