Ways Sexually Transmitted Diseases are Spread
STDs can be spread through ALL forms of sexual activity.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are generally acquired by sexual contact. The organisms (bacteria, viruses or parasites) that cause sexually transmitted diseases may pass from person to person in blood, semen, or vaginal and other bodily fluids.
Sometimes these infections can be transmitted non-sexually, such as from mother to infant during pregnancy or childbirth, or through blood transfusions or shared needles. Many people with STDs are asymptomatic 3 or without symptoms. It's possible to contract sexually transmitted diseases from people who seem perfectly healthy and may not even know they have an infection.
CDC 2021
What's wrong with viewing pornography?
Pornography devalues people especially women, treating them as a collection of body parts. It is a major cause of human trafficking and sex slavery. Pornography is addictive, studies have shown that viewing pornography releases the same chemicals in the brain that hard drugs release. Viewing pornography can change the way you see relationships and cause problems later when you want to develop real relationships with real people. Pornography addiction can cause job loss and the breakup of relationships including marriage.
Why should I save sex until marriage?
Two-thirds of teens who have had sex wish they had waited.
Those who save sex for marriage are far more likely to experience lasting sexual satisfaction with their spouses.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are at epidemic levels in this country. Most STDs occur in teens and young adults.
Sexually active teens are more likely to be depressed.
Sexual activity typically speeds up the breakup of a relationship and can lead to heartbreak.
Being sexually active can damage your reputation.
Your body is your treasure and you are worth waiting for!
Is "safe sex" really safe?
The "safe sex" myth is a lie. Webster defines "safe" as "free from risk or harm". Those who are engaging in sexual activity and are relying on condoms, pills or any other form of contraception are taking a risk. Condom use cannot provide absolute protection against any STD. "The most reliable way to avoid transmission of STDs is to abstain from sexual activity, or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner. However, many infected persons may be unaware of their infection because STDs often are asymptomatic and unrecognized.” (Centers for Disease Control) Condoms cannot guarantee protection from STDs or pregnancy. The birth control pill offers women absolutely no protection against STD infection. Does this sound "safe" to you? The only safe sex takes place inside of a marriage. The Centers for Disease Control says “The surest way to avoid STDs is to not have sex.”
What steps can I take to save sex for marriage?
1. Make a personal commitment to yourself, your parents and your future spouse to wait until marriage.
2. Choose friends who share your commitment. You can resist peer pressure more easily when you have friends to stand with you.
3. Avoid being caught in a compromising situation (such as home alone without adult supervision, in a parked car, etc…). Remember that sex is progressive. Kissing can lead to touching, touching can lead to fondling, and fondling can lead to sex.
4. Consider group dating. Not only can group dates often be more fun, but the temptations that happen on individual dates are typically removed.
5. Plan your dates, set and discuss your physical intimacy boundaries BEFORE going on a date. Always remember, saving sex for marriage is the greatest gift you can give yourself and your future spouse.
What if I've already had sex?
Your past does not have to determine your future. You can start over beginning today. If you’ve already had sex and regret that decision, the first step is to stop having sex and begin with a renewed commitment to wait. Second, ask yourself some tough questions: Why did I start having sex? Was I pressured into it? Was I looking for love and thought sex would fill that void? Was I merely curious? By beginning now, you can still experience the most fulfilling sex, love, and marriage relationship possible. To experience your best future you must move forward today - regardless of your past - by making a commitment to save sex until marriage. It is well worth the wait!
Isn’t everybody having sex?
Despite what you might think, most teens are not having sex. Recent studies in the US show that a majority of all high schoolers are not sexually active. Surveys show that teens think more of their peers are sexually active than they actually are. Sexual activity, especially with guys, tends to be exaggerated. Studies also show that the majority of teens who have had sex wish they had waited.