Facts

Teen Sex and Abstinence

Abstinence from vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse is the only 100% effective way to prevent HIV, other STDs, and pregnancy
 34% of girls become pregnant at least once before age 20.
Albert B, et al. 2003. 14 and Younger
 Each year, there are approximately 19 million new STD infections, and almost half of them are among youth aged 15 to 24.
(Weinstock H, Berman S, Cates W. Sexually transmitted diseases among American youth: Incidence and prevalence estimates, 2000. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health 2004;36(1):6-10. )
58% of teens think it is not acceptable for unmarried teens to have sex.
87% of teens surveyed do not think it is embarrassing for teens to admit they are virgins.
(NCPTP. 2003. With one Voice…)
Over half of teens in high school are not having sexual intercourse
(CDC. 2001.YRBS)
Sexual intercourse will not guarantee a longer and closer relationship.
(CDC. 2001.YRBS)
Sexual intercourse will not make you more mature, grown-up, or a “real” man or woman.
(CDC. 2001.YRBS)
Renewed Abstinence is a decision someone makes to stop having sex and wait until marriage before having sex again
Choosing renewed abstinence will prevent new diseases and non-marital pregnancies

Risky Behaviors

One quarter of sexually active teens 9th-12th grade students report using alcohol or drugs during their most recent sexual encounter.
Among 15-17 year olds, 51% say that they are personally concerned that they might “do more” sexually than they planned to because they were drinking or using drugs.

Love/ Marriage/ Relationships/ Dating

One third (33%) of sexually active teens 15-17 reported “being in a relationship where they felt things were moving too fast sexually”, and 24 % had “done something sexual they didn’t really want to do,”
More than a quarter (29%) of teens 15-17 report feeling pressure to have sex.

Friends/Peer Pressure

Nearly one in 10 (9%) 9-12 th grade students report having been physically forced to have sexual intercourse when they did not want to at some point.

Links

1 in 4 sexually active teens will get an STD