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As all people develop and mature, each person becomes aware of their sexuality. This is a time when each person becomes aware of their attraction to males or females. Regardless of who you are attracted to, you're welcome at the Children's Clinic. We're here to provide quality healthcare and medical advice no matter who you are.
Click here for a good website that offers information about teens and sexuality.
Click here for the LGBT National Youth Talkline if you are a LGBTQ youth and need someone to talk to.
The decision to add sex into a personal relationship is a personal one. Remember, not everyone is having sex. Before you decide to have sex or if you are already having sex, you need to know how to stay healthy. Even if you think you know everything you need to know about sex, take a few minutes and read on.
Important Reminders:
Are You Ready for Sex?
Sex can change your life and relationships. Having sex may affect the way you feel about yourself or how others feel about you.
Many teens believe waiting until they are ready to have sex is important. The right time is different for each teen. For example, some teens may want to wait until they are older (adults); other teens may want to wait until they feel their relationship is ready.
You may feel that your relationship is ready when:
The following signs mean your relationship is not ready for sex:
Why Wait?
There's nothing wrong if you decide to wait. Not everyone is having sex. Half of all teens in the United States have never had sex. If you decide to wait, stick with your decision. Plan ahead how you are going to say no so you are clearly understood. Stay away from situations that can lead to sex.
Here are reasons why waiting to have sex makes sense:
If someone is pressuring you to have sex or tells you that having sex will let him or her know that you really loved them, then it is time to re-evaluate the relationship and not to add the complications of sexual activity. If you feel you may be being pressured or are ready to start a sexual relationship, it is an important time to speak with a respected adult or healthcare professional.
For more trusted information on sexual health for teens and youth adults, a trusted resource is:
Expect respect. No matter your experience (or lack thereof), you should expect respect in your relationship.
Signs of a Healthy Relationship:
Relationships are supposed to make both people feel happy. People should feel good about what happens when they are together.
Respect:
Common Interests:
Being With Each Other or Being Apart:
Learn more about healthy relationships and dating! Trusted resources include:
When anyone engages in sexual activity, pregnancy is a possibility. Additionally, pregnancy prevention does not mean sexually transmitted disease prevention. It is important to think about both. Talk to a trusted adult about pregnancy prevention and schedule an appointment to talk to your healthcare provider at the Children's Clinic
To read more about pregnancy prevention, trusted resources include:
Being sexually active brings the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Who gets STIs?
Anyone who has had sexual contact can get an STI. Men and women of all ages, regions, ethnic backgrounds, and economic levels can get STI. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), there are about 20 million new STIs diagnosed every year in the United States and people between 15-24 years of age have half of them.
Anyone at any age can get an STI; however, males and females who have sex with multiple partners, or have sex with a partner that has many sexual partners, and gay and bisexual men are at a greater risk than others.
How can I prevent getting an STI?
The best way to prevent getting an STI is to not have sex. Some STIs can’t be cured, so you should always practice safer sex, or find ways to be intimate in a romantic relationship without having sex. This means preventing the passing of body fluids such as blood, semen, and vaginal fluids, and avoiding direct oral, anal, or genital contact (by using a latex condom).
If you need STI testing or are concerned about getting a STI, contact the Children's Clinic and schedule an appointment.
Here are some great links with more information:
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