Virginity
At some time in your teens, you're probably going to feel that you should make a decision about losing your virginity.
At present the average age for first having sex is about 18. But again, please don't be rushed into this – for instance, by 'peer pressure' (in other words, pressure from friends, classmates and others of your age).
There's nothing dreadful about deciding to postpone sexual intercourse for a while!
By putting it off, you achieve the following:
- you protect yourself against STIs
- you avoid any risk of pregnancy
- if you're a girl, you reduce the risk of
getting cancer of the cervix.
So, before you decide to embark on your first sexual relationship, think things over and obtain as much information as you can about the benefits and the dangers of sex.
Please remember that it's well known that teenagers who are poorly educated about sexual matters are more likely to have unwanted pregnancies!
Very importantly, when you first meet someone that you really want to have sex with – do talk over the possibilities with them.
Discuss whether you should postpone intercourse for a while.
Remember: there's a great deal of pretty harmless pleasure to be had from kissing and
petting.
Incidentally, don't fall into the common trap of deciding to have your first sexual experience, whilst you're under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
You shouldn't be making this vital decision, while your brain is effected with alcohol or drugs.
When you do decide to have sex for the first time, make sure that it's safe sex.
Remember two simple facts:
- these days, there are many STIs around, particularly
chlamydia
- large numbers of teenage girls are still getting pregnant, despite the Government's attempts to reduce the teen pregnancy rate.
We strongly recommend that you and your partner agree to use
condoms to begin with.
There's nothing wrong with the other methods of contraception, but they don't protect you against STIs.
jz sharin,
