Lets Talk About Sex...

Turn on your TV, sex, sex, sex. Turn on your radio, sex, sex, sex. Flip open a magazine, sex, sex, sex. Check out that billboard, sex, sex, sex. In today's society it's hard for you to do anything or go anywhere without being faced with those three letters S.E.X. So, what does that mean for you? For many teenagers this can pose a really serious question. Should you let society think for you and go ahead with what “everyone” else is doing. Or, think for yourself and do what you feel is right and what you are ready for.

In the United States today about 750,00-850,00 teenage pregnancies occur every year. Wow, that's a lot. About 74-95% of those pregnancies were unintended. Even though the statistics say that the numbers of teenage pregnancies are declining every year, there is still a lot of work to be done. So, this is where you come in. The best bet to protect your self if you are going to engage in sex is through knowledge. Become aware of all the contraceptive methods that are available. Make sure that your partner is also aware and willing to use protection. You also have to be aware of all the diseases, and infections that are out there. And the most important thing is to be comfortable with who you are. If you are not comfortable, then you may be having sex for the wrong reasons. Talk to people around you, your parents, older brother or sister, teachers, or someone you trust. Many older people then you are more then happy to listen and to help you sort out your feelings and answer you questions. Most of them have gone through the same emotions that you have and have had the same questions at one time. If you don't feel comfortable talking to anyone, look on line for a credible website like www.iwannaknow.org or find a book at the library or online, like What Smart Teenagers Know…About Dating, Relationships & Sex, by Deborah Hatchell.

You may feel that society and friends can really make you feel pressured, but think about yourself and who you are. Do not make decisions that are not true to you. You have a lot of life left ahead of you; there is no need to rush into anything. Take this time of you life to get to know yourself, hang out with your friends, watch movies, read books, go shopping and just be young.