SH - Consequences of Teen Sex (Lesson)

Consequences of Teen Sex

In this lesson, we will look at the emotional, physical, and social consequences of teen sex. It is vital to set boundaries before dating. Make sure your boundaries match your morals, values, and beliefs. Clear limits must be set and communicated by each person.

Consequences of Teen Sex

As we've learned, becoming sexually active at a young age can lead to many emotional consequences. The table below shows the consequence, the reasons for the emotional impact, and the additional effects of teen sex. 

Consequence of Teen Sex CONSEQUENCE: Worry WHY? Fear of pregnancy; getting an STD; parent finding out EFFECT? Feeling of loss when relationship ends; feeling used; guilt about going against personal values and beliefs CONSEQUENCE: Regret and Guilt WHY? Feeling of loss when relationship ends; feeling used; guilt about going against personal values and beliefs EFFECT? Medical problems. i.e.: ulcer, eating disorders, depression, etc. CONSEQUENCE: Impaired Personal Development WHY? Uses sex to escape pressures or to avoid learning how to communicate in a healthy way with the opposite sex EFFECT? May turn inward; fail to develop healthy interests and relationships; fail to develop a personal; independent identity; experience feelings of betrayal that can lead to rage. CONSEQUENCE: Fear of Future Relationships WHY? Fear of being used and betrayed; may be afraid of jealousy; controlling behavior or selfishness EFFECT? Difficulty in trusting; inability to make a commitment to someone; withdrawal from close relationships; pattern of use and abuse in relationships CONSEQUENCE: Low Self-Esteem WHY? Concern about their attractiveness; sexual performance; reputation; opinion of their partner EFFECT? May feel used or damaged, unhappy or lacking dignity; difficulty accepting love from others; may have sex with others to feel in control; may seek attention or turn to destructive behavior Loss of joy in daily activities; suicide CONSEQUENCE: Depression WHY? Disappointment after a breakup; feelings of failure; lower self esteem EFFECT? Loss of joy in daily activities; suicide

Pregnancy-

Ask your parents...parenthood is a full-time, long-term, no-looking-back job! Hopefully by now in this module, you know that if you're sexually active you're putting yourself at risk for getting pregnant (or getting someone pregnant) - not to mention risking contracting STDs, including HIV! Remember, abstinence is the only sure way to prevent pregnancy. Please watch the presentation below to learn about pregnancy. 

 

Contraceptives

The facts we've learned about sexually transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDS, and pregnancy can be very scary. People who choose to practice abstinence don't have to worry about any of it! They don't have to worry about it failing since it's 100% effective! So why don't more people choose to do this? 

If abstinence is not an option for a person, there are many forms of contraception available that can partially protect them from these potential negative consequences of sexual activity. Contraceptives are methods or devices used to prevent pregnancy. Planning, provision and use of contraceptives is called family planning. Everyone has the right to access and use contraceptives, as well as to plan how and when you want a family! 

However, each form is costly, has potential side effects (some of which can be very damaging), and none are fail proof. 

Hormonal CONTRACEPTION Involves the use of hormone(s) (either estrogen &/or progesterone) to prevent ovulation, alter uterine lining, and make an unhealthy environment for fertilized eggs. hormonal contraceptives only offer protection against pregnancy. Barrier CONTRACEPTION Involves the use of some barrier from a synthetic material that prevents sperm from reaching ova and prevents male and female reproductive secretions from contacting, barrier contraceptives offer only partial protection against pregnancy and some STDs.

Common Contraceptives

Female and Male condoms 

The only protection against both pregnancy and HIV and STIs. The thin rubber cover is worn on the penis (male condom) or inside the vagina (female condom) during sexual activities. It is a simple method, which is easy to purchase in convenience stores or health centers and on some occasions, you can access them free at health centers. 

Contraceptive pill (or oral contraceptives) 

Women take the pill daily for 3 weeks in a row to prevent ovulation until the 'stop week', when women don't take the pill and menstruation starts. After 7 days women start the same cycle again. This form of contraception works by preventing ovulation, thickening the cervical mucus, and altering the uterine lining. Pills can be obtained in health centers and pharmacies (usually with a prescription). This method only prevents pregnancy, it does not prevent STIs. 

IUD (Intra-Uterine Device) 
The IUD (sometimes called coil or loop) is a small device containing either copper or levonorgestrel and is placed inside the uterus by a professional health worker in a health center. It gives protection against pregnancy for 5 to 10 years; however, this method does not prevent STIs. 

Contraceptive injection (Depo Provera) 

A hormonal injection is an effective way for women to protect themselves during one to three months against pregnancy. This form of contraception may prevent a woman from becoming pregnant after she has discontinued its use for up to one year. They are given in health centers. Just like other hormonal contraceptives, they do not prevent the transmission of HIV and STIs. 

Sub-dermal implants 

Thin tubes (with 1, 2 or 6 rods) which are inserted in a woman's upper arm by a trained health worker and release hormones. Implants prevent pregnancy for five to six years. 

The natural method (Family Planning/Fertility Awareness) 
 

A frequently used method for women to calculate their fertile days. This form of contraception involves trying to estimate when a female is ovulating and avoiding intercourse during this time. This method is not very accurate, especially for girls and women who have irregular menstruations. The natural method does not prevent against STI's. 

Vasectomy and tubal ligation 

Provide permanent protection against pregnancy (vasectomy for men, tubal ligation for women). Vasectomy- the surgical cutting and sealing of part of each vas deferens, typically as a means of sterilization. Tubal Ligation- involves clamping or severing a woman's fallopian tubes and is meant to be a means of permanent sterilization. These methods are performed by a professional and involve a minor surgery. 

Abstinence 

Refraining from sexual behavior until marriage. This method is considered the most responsible and wisest decision until marriage, as it provides the only 100% protection against pregnancy as well as contracting an STD. 

COMMON CONTRACEPTIVES Intrauterine devices Oral contraceptives Contraceptive patch Female condom Male condom Injectables Natural family planning Vaginal ring Diaphragm  

Abstinence

Download and read the article. Links to an external site.

Setting Boundaries

It is vital to set boundaries (limits) before you begin dating and in life. These boundaries will help you make wise choices when you are in the middle of a situation. Make sure these boundaries match your morals, values, and beliefs. Let's look at the following examples of setting boundaries: 

Setting BOUNDARIES AVOID CERTAIN locations -- example: where you will be alone with someone of the opposite sex AVOID CERTAIN situations -- example: parties where activities are too out of control. AVOID CERTAIN practices -- examples: never take off clothes, no use of alcohol or drugs.

Preventing Sexual Violence

Read the article below to learn how to prevent sexual violence. 

Download and read the article. Links to an external site.

 

How to say No

 

Consequences of Teen Sex

 

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