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What’s the big deal about sex?

You probably have a lot of questions about sex. If you, or a friend, are coping with sexuality, sexual hygiene, pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or HIV/AIDS, this is the place to talk to someone who can help.

Share your feelings about sex in the Nineline Forum.

Covenant House believes that human sexuality is an enriching and important part of our human experience. In keeping with our Judeo-Christian values, we believe that the exercise of our sexuality should be within the context of a life-long relationship and commitment in marriage.

Sexual abstinence - not having sex – is one of the most effective ways to protect against pregnancy, sexually transmitted disease and HIV/AIDS. Abstinence requires a lot of self-control and self-motivation as well as support from friends and family. Some people choose not to have sex until they reach a certain age or until they commit to a partner in marriage. Some people who have been sexually active in the past think of abstinence as a ‘second virginity’. Follow this link for more helpful information about abstinence.

Sexuality raises a lot of issues for teenagers. Am I sexy? Am I gay or straight? Am I ready to have sex?

Sexy images are used on television, posters and billboards to sell you everything from soap to shoes. And there is a lot of peer pressure to have sex. You’ll hear from friends that ‘sex is great and everyone is doing it’ but everyone isn’t doing it. And, that doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Sex is a very complex issue. Sex hasa lot of consequences: emotional, physical, psychological. It usually involves another person, making it two people that have to deal with feelings, expectations, and beliefs concerning sex. Sex can make you feel close to someone regardless of whether or not you have anything else in common. Casual sexual relationships can be hurtful to our sense of self-worth and human dignity; they can also be hurtful and denigrating to those with whom we have sex. Sex can also lead to pregnancy or a sexually transmitted disease. So consider sex carefully. Abstinence – not having sex – is the best way to avoid pregnancy or STDs.

By avoiding certain behaviors, you can reduce your risk of getting an STD including HIV/AIDS. Abstinence is the best way to avoid STDs. Avoiding all sexual contact (vaginal, anal and oral sex) is the best way to keep from getting an STD including HIV/AIDS. Abstinence could save your health – even your life!

Having many sex partners increases your risk of infection. And if your sex partner has other sex partners you can get an STD from those other people, through the person you have sex with.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are caught by having unprotected sex.

There are many kinds of sexually transmitted diseases but remember, there are no vaccines against STDs and your body cannot fight them the way it fights a virus like the flu. If you catch an STD you need to be treated by a doctor as soon as possible. Some STDs are incurable but the symptoms can be treated to make you more comfortable and stop the spread of the disease to people around you. If you think you have an STD, see a doctor as soon as possible and don’t continue to spread the disease by having sex. Let your partner or partners know, too so they can be treated.

Pregnancy is another consequence of having sex. Pregnancy does not just change you physically but emotionally – and it affects both your partner and the child you bring into the world.

Not having sex is the only 100% sure way of not getting pregnant. An unplanned pregnancy can be hard on you, your partner and your family. You will have to take good care of yourself and your unborn baby. And, when your baby is born, you will have to deal with the emotional and financial demands of being a parent. Set a good example for your unborn child and wait to have sex until you are ready to be a good parent.

AIDS or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome is caused by HIV (the human immunodeficiency virus). It kills your immune system making you more likely to get other infections and diseases like Tuberculosis (TB) and Kaposi’s Sarcoma (a deadly cancer). There is no cure for AIDS but you can learn how to protect yourself from getting it and how to stay healthy and stop the spread of the disease to other people if you already have it.