Let me start off by saying that sex can be a pretty great thing, but with it also comes some consequences. Just like in Spiderman with great power comes great responsibility. Sex can lead to pregnancy and it can also spread STDs, so it is super important to know how to protect yourself and your partner. So, let's diver right in and talk about sex.
First, lets talk about how sex can lead to STDs
STDs are sexually transmitted diseases. Sexually transmitted diseases (or infections) can be spread during multiple kinds of sexual activity. These activities are oral sex, anal sex, vaginal sex, and skin to skin genital touching. Some of these sexually transmitted diseases are spread through bodily fluids like semen or blood. Others can be passed to each other when the skin of your mouth or genitals rubs against the skin of someone else's mouth or genitals. So pretty much any type of sexual contact with another person (where there are bodily fluids or genital skin touching) can put you at risk for sexually transmitted diseases.
While all of this might sound scary, it doesn't have to be. Being informed can help you to avoid getting an STD. And keep in mind that sexually transmitted diseases are super common. Most people get one at some point in their life. In fact, 25% of sexually active teenagers get an STD each year. Some STDs can be serious, but thankfully most of them can usually be treated or cured. If you are having sex, make sure to protect yourself by using condoms and getting tested for STDs. Condoms are the number one best protection against STDs.
Watch the video below for even more information.
Now, let's talk about how sex can lead to pregnancy.
Along with the risk of getting an STD there is also the risk of pregnancy if you are having vaginal sex. Anytime semen from a penis enters a vagina, pregnancy can happen. Pregnancy is also a risk if semen gets near the vagina. That means if you are having sex, or think you might have sex soon, use birth control! You have options for birth control like condoms, an IUD, or the pill (keep in mind that the pill and IUDs require a visit to your healthcare provider). All of these will help to prevent pregnancy. Birth control is THE best way to avoid pregnancy if you are having sex. Use it!!
According to a study by the Kaiser foundation, 55% of sexually active teens said that they worry about pregnancy. However, only 48% of those same teens said they always use contraception. When these same teenagers were asked why they had unplanned pregnancies and most responded that they felt immune from pregnancy. You are NOT immune! Make sure you use birth control every single time you have sex. Every single time!!
So, what is the best way to protect yourself against STDs and pregnancy?
The only completely certain way to avoid getting an STD is to not do any sexual stuff that has bodily fluid involved or skin to skin touching with another person. And the only completely certain way to avoid pregnancy is to not have sex or do anything sexual where the sperm can touch the vagina or vulva. This means abstinence. But if we are being honest, we know that most people have sex at some point. And many of you are thinking about it (or have done it) already. Thankfully, there are ways to help protect yourself from getting an STD and/or from pregnancy if you do decide you want to have sex.
Using safer (not completely safe) sex barriers like condoms and dental dams every single time you have sex helps to protect you from getting STDs. And using birth control (this includes condoms) every single time you have sex helps to prevent pregnancy. Keep in mind that condoms are the only type of birth control that helps to protect against both STDs and pregnancy at the same time. However, if you are having sex, the very best way to protect yourself is to use condoms AND another method of birth control. This way you are double protected from pregnancy and you are also protected from getting an STD.
You should also be talking honestly with the people you are having sex with (or are thinking about having sex with) as well as getting tested for STDs routinely. This is the best way to prevent pregnancy and STDs and is another way to keep yourself healthy.
While 55% of teenagers believe their parents to be the most complete and reliable source of information about contraception and sex, they really don't know as much as you think. So seek out information from credible sources. Use the links included, ask your healthcare provider, or visit a Planned Parenthood location. But also, keep talking to your parents! They love you and want what is best for you. If you feel comfortable, use them as your resource. They can help guide you to the correct information.
If you are looking for even more information and still have questions, make sure to check out the CDC website. They have information on topics like having sex or thinking about having sex, talking with your parents, talking with your healthcare provider, and being strong! The CDC says "His condom + her hormonal birth control or IUD = DOUBLE PROTECTION"
The bottom line is this: if there is any chance you are going to be doing any kind of sexual stuff that can lead to pregnancy, birth control is your new best friend. Ask your healthcare provider or visit your local Planned Parenthood provider about getting on birth control. And remember that some birth control you can get from a grocery or drug store. Anybody can buy condoms. You don't need a prescription and you don't need to show ID. You can even get free condoms at certain events. Plus, remember that condoms protect against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
References:
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Facts about teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted disease, and birth control. Contraception Report. Retrieved August 19, 2022, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12346334/
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Sex, birth control and sexually transmitted diseases: Teens voice their beliefs. Contraception Report. Retrieved August 19, 2022, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12291812/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, May 16). For teens. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved August 19, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/teenpregnancy/teens/index.htm
Choc. (2022, January 5). Teens and Stis: A check-up on sexually transmitted infections. CHOC. Retrieved August 19, 2022, from https://health.choc.org/teens-and-stis-a-check-up-on-sexually-transmitted-infections/
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