If you're a teen thinking about becoming sexually active or entering into a sexual relationship, here are some important things you should know about sex.

Your decision to enter into a sexual relationship with another person can be extremely exciting, difficult, scary, or intense. Like any big, important decision, it is one that requires that you gather and consider a good deal of information beforehand so that is an educated decision. There are many aspects of sexual intimacy to consider.

Personal, Psychological and Spiritual Principles to Ponder

From all directions, there are messages in our society about sexual activity. If you are thinking about entering into any kind of sexual relationship, it is wise to think over the following points (and the rest of the information on this sheet) and figure out what your own beliefs and conclusions are before making the choice.

• Will my behavior harm me or the other person, physically or psychologically? Will I still like myself? What are all the possible outcomes and/or problems that could arise?
• Will my behavior help me become a good future spouse or parent? Do I believe that premarital sex is okay? Is this behavior consistent with my personal principles?
• What do my spiritual values say about this behavior?
  • Am I willing or able to follow the principles of my religion?
  • How will I feel if I don't?

• Does my sexual expression enhance my self-esteem, self-respect, positive feelings about myself
  • Do I believe this will be enjoyable and gratifying to me?
  • If it isn't, will I continue or not?

• How will having a sexual relationship with this person affect our relationship beyond sex?

• What will I do if my partner and I get pregnant?
  • Can I handle having a child?
  • Marriage?
  • An abortion?
  • Putting the baby up for adoption?
  • Am I financially ready for these things?

• What precautions will I take to avoid pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases? What will I do if I or my partner gets a sexually transmitted disease?

What are Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)?

Sexually Transmitted Diseases are infections, some of which can be fatal, that get transmitted from one person to another during unprotected sexual contact. Sexual contact includes a wide variety of activities which are listed on the other side of this sheet. The various STDs include: Chlamydia, Human Papillomavirus Infection (HPV) which includes Genital Warts and Condylomas, Herpes, Hepatitis B, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which leads to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). There are other brochures in this office and at Health Services that can provide more information about these STDs.

How Can I Protect Myself?

Use latex condoms to prevent the exchanges of semen and vaginal secretions. Be sure you learn the proper way to use a condom before trying it. Used incorrectly, condoms are ineffective at preventing STDs and pregnancy.

Lubricants can prevent discomfort associated with dryness during intercourse, as well as the bruising that happens during anal sex. However, if you choose to use lubricants, always use water-based lubricants such as K-Y Jelly or spermicidal jellies. Oil-based lubricants like Vaseline or most hand or body lotions can weaken condoms and make them break. Lubricants that contain the spermicide nonoxynol-9 also provide extra protection against HIV.

Communicate openly and effectively with your partner before any sexual activity.

Don't mix alcohol or drug use to help you overcome uncomfortable feelings associated with sexual intimacy. You probably would benefit from re-examining your reasons for entering a sexual relationship a this time or with this particular person.