Risks of Adolescent Sexual Activity 20.1

What Is Your Health IQ? Only about 1/3 of pregnant teenagers ever complete high school. True Most teen mothers eventually marry the father of their child. False, only about 20% of teen mothers eventually marry the father of their child

Health IQ con’t. Teen parents usually must interrupt their education to work True Babies born to teen mothers are more likely to suffer health problems There is no effective way to prevent all of the risks of teen sexual activity. False, abstinence eliminates the risks of teen sexual activity

Objectives Identify the possible consequences, especially for teens of sexual activity before marriage Describe how pregnancy can affect the lives of teen parents & babies of teens Identify how abstinence eliminates the risks of teen sexual activity Predict how a pregnancy now (yours or your partner’s) would affect your life goals

Key Terms Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) An infectious disease that is spread by sexual contact

Risks of Teen Sexual Activity Unplanned Pregnancy Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Beliefs vs. Reality “If I have a baby, I’ll be the center of attention.” He won’t leave me if I’m pregnant w/his baby.” “I can’t get pregnant the first time.” “Jan is a really nice girl. She’d never have an STD.” Few teens want to be around a baby. Teen pregnancy adds stress to a relationship You CAN get pregnant the 1st time you have sex. Sexually active individuals are at risk of getting STDs.

Teen Pregnancy Most teens think it won’t happen to me. 800,000 – 900,000 females get pregnant each year 1/5 sexually active females get pregnant each year 4/10 females become pregnant at least once before age 20 The majority of pregnant women under the age of 20 are not married

Health Effects On Teen Mom Pregnancy is hard on the teen mother Teen bones & muscles are not ready for the physical stresses of pregnancy Teens are still developing physically Teens must eat well & get medical care to stay healthy & to increase their chances of delivering a healthy baby, Otherwise both the mother & the baby can have health problems.

Teen Parents The responsibilities of teen parenthood require: Personal Social Educational & Financial Sacrifices

Teen Parents Caring for a baby is hard work. Teen parents take on adult responsibilities Usually have to interrupt their education Have limited job options Parents are legally responsible for the care & well-being of their children Most teen parents are not prepared to make these sacrifices or to take on adult responsibilities

Realities Of Teen Parents Teen fathers earn, on average, less money per year than male teens who delay fatherhood until age 20 – 21 Being a teen parent means having less free time for yourself Only 20% of single teen mothers eventually marry the father of their child Only about 30% of pregnant teenagers ever finish high school

Babies Of Teen Parents Teens often delay medical care Babies born to teen mothers are more likely to suffer from health problems Are more likely to be born premature & to have low birth weight (less than 5 ½ #s) Babies with low birth weight are more likely to have physical & mental problems than babies w/normal birth weight

Pregnant? If someone you know is or thinks she is pregnant, encourage her to see a doctor right away She & her partner should also talk to a parent or trusted adult Many communities offer counseling, prenatal care, & classes on childbirth & parenting to pregnant teens

Abstinence Eliminates The Risks Of Teen Sexual Activity One way you can protect your dreams & goals is to remain abstinent from sexual activity Only abstinence eliminates the risks of teen sexual activity, pregnancy, or STDs. There are many ways to show love & affection non-sexually

Nonsexual Ways To Show Love & Affection Make your partner feel special Find hobbies to do together Get to know the person you’re interested in Spend together & show respect for each other Closeness & caring are as important as sexual attractiveness.

“Everyone Is Doing It” The reality is that a majority of teens in high school choose abstinence Abstinence allows you to: Allows you to be in charge of your future Makes many options possible Allows you to protect your health By practicing abstinence, you will be able to finish your education & prepare for your career.