[barry dawson]

Hi my name is Barry Dawson and I am studying year 11, and I am taking part in a new subject called research project to help gain my SACE.

My research question is, what are the consequences of unprotected sex in teenagers?
So if anyone has any answer or websites that could help me out, I would really appreciate it.

Thanks!

[CHANDLERS WISH]

Welcome barry,

Websites can't be linked so I'm warning the possible spammers that read this, we will monitor this thread...

I am sure that STD's, Pregnancy is on the top of the list...and I am sure our member's will elaborate on that.

I wanted to say, good for you, for having the inituative to write on a Women's Health Forum to assist you with your project...

[WildChild]

Check out the World Health Organisation (WHO) they have a lot of info and links to other sites.

[mommies3]

Well definately the risk of STD's is a major concern. I was 14 when i lost my virginity and i wished i could take it back. I had two scares of pregnancy. i would think this is probably one of the biggest concerns,( it is in my opinion). And when i was 17 i got pregnant and married. It is a very scary situation for any girl. You lose your innocence and i know here in this little town of ours you get a bad reputation, (which i dont think is right and i went thru it).You have to be wiling to accept the consequences. And by the way using protectio doesnt always work either. We used protection and it broke. So nothing is 100%. If i had it to do all over with i would have waited till i got married because my hubby is a wonderful man.
Sorry to ramble and not sure if that answers any question.

[themeximini]

Well, I think the obvious consequences of UNPROTECTED sex are possible STD's and unwanted pregnancy. However, there are a lot more consequences of teens having sex. I should think emotional consequences have to rank up there somewhere. I think some older teens are ready for sex and can deal with the heightened emotions that go along with it, most are not. I certainly was not, and I was already in college when I lost my virginity. I think most teens are unprepared for the fact that (in my experience and that of others with whom I have discussed this topic) you do feel differently about the relationship and often will try harder to hold on to a relationship after having had sex with a partner.

As far as statistical data, I would think Planned Parenthood would be a good resource!

[LanaBear]

Sexual education overall is really lacking in this country. It's so taboo and hush hush, which is unfortunate.

[Agony_Aunt]

I completely agree with Themeximini..

There is also emotional consequences, I was 15 when I lost my virginity and I regret it a lot. It was with a guy who I thought loved me and respected me, but at 15 years old I wasn't mature enough to see through his charms and wit. Now when I think back about how it just happened at a party, it makes me sad to think I was led on and lost my virginity to someone, who actually really didn't care very much about me.
Loosing your virginity is something very special and important and should only happen when you are ready and with someone who loves and highly respects you.

[ItsASecret]

Just google STDs, make sure you find the realistic pictures of what happens when you get infected, none of those cartoon images. Add in the stats as well. Its not to scare a kid, it is to make them fully aware of what can happen when they do not at the very least keep a condom on hand if they so choose to have sex. Viral infections are not picky, a bacterial flesh eating STD does not care if it is your first time...that stuff will mess with you. I am not sure people are completely aware of what the STDs really mean other than just saying the name of it. That is what I would advocate, a lot of education and statistics.

[barry dawson]

Hearing your personal experiences has helped me with my research.
If anyone has past experiences that they would like to share, please feel free. I need all the help i can get as i am not aware of females emotions and their sexual experiences.

Thanks!

[x.st.angel.x]

I would like to add one of my stories to this thread. This is in relation to STD's. I was with my ex boyfriend for about two years, i was on the pill but we did not use any other protection. In the beginning we did use condoms and after a year or so that phased out. He then cheated on me about 6 months later which i only found out at a later date. One thing that scared me was STD's because he had gone off with another chick and i dont know what protection he used. Thank goodness everything was fine after visiting the doctor.

People need to be made aware also that your partner is also to be responsible for protection its not just a one side thing.

When i was in high school in south africa sex education was pretty big. Due to the high risk of HIV and Aids it was taken pretty seriously. They would bring in certain speakers from all over the country to talk to us about certain topics. The one i will never forget was bascially just a class where graphic images were shown of what STD's can do to you.

I can understand some parents being hesitant to talk to thier children about these issues. Sex and sex education should not be "a forbidden subject"

I know many women who as teenagers did not have access to birth control or were too embarrassed to find a way to get some. This resulted in many of my friends being mothers at a very young age and a few ladies who didnt live past year 12 due to HIV and Aids.

From my experiences i'd say i would rather young people learn about safe sex and learn about all aspects at the right age before they start to become sexually active rather than them figuring it out for themsevles and ending up with a disease for life or even a baby in thier teens.