Questions to Ask Yourself
Deciding to become sexually active is a life-altering decision. When you decide to become sexually active outside of marriage, you put yourself- and those you love- at risk for a number of serious consequences.
Try to answer the following questions regarding your health, your life and your future as honestly as possible.
- What are my goals for the next 2 years?
- Where do I see myself in 10 years?
- How can abstaining from sexual activity help me reach my goals?
- Do I believe that “safe sex” does exist outside a marital relationship? Am I truly unable to acquire an STD, get pregnant, or suffer emotional stress by using a condom, or other forms of birth control?
- Some young people believe that they are mature enough and responsible enough to become sexually active. They may be in a serious relationship and believe that they will marry in the future. If the above scenario describes you, please think about the following questions:
- Have I become well informed about the risk factors involved with being sexually active?
- Do I know the facts and long-term effects of STDs? What are my chances of being infected by an STD?
- Do I know the success vs. failure rates of the different forms of birth control? Do I know the side effects of using birth control?
- If I become pregnant, or get a girl pregnant, how will this affect my parents and other members of my family?
- Do I know the financial expenses of raising a child? Am I able to financially support my child?
- Should I become pregnant, or get a girl pregnant, would I keep my baby or give my baby up for adoption?
- Do I want to be forever connected with the boy or girl I am with now? (What if I have a child with this person, but marry someone else?)
- Is having sex with someone outside of a marital commitment really showing that person how much I love him or her?
- Why do I feel the need to have sex with my partner?
- What risks does my baby face being born to a teen mother?
- Would I be able to reach the above stated goals if I was to become infected with an STD or get pregnant?
Abstinence Education, Inc. Pure & Simple Lifestyle Project. 2006. |
