What teens should know about sex (II)

Being sexually active


If you are sexually active there are some important things you should know about the sex act itself. There is so much more to think about than whether or not you are doing it right but this is the thing people tend to worry about the most. Rest assured that there really is not right or wrong way to have sex.
When it comes to see one thing that people should think about but rarely do is the law. There are age of consent laws surrounding how old you have to in order to have sex and what constitutes consensual sex. There are even laws about the kind of sex acts you can engage in.

Most known facts about sex


Unless you want to get pregnant, and you wouldn't want this if you are a teen, birth control is a must.
The only protection against STIs for sexually active people is a barrier method like a condom. This a safe sex must even if you are using something else for birth control. Oral sex is still sex and some STIs, including HIV and AIDS, can be transmitted orally. A barrier method, like a condom or a dental dam, must be used for this type of sex as well. If your partner is under the age of consent, intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, pressured or threatened in any way, or ask you to stop at any point, you can't legally engage in sex. Any or all of this scenario could result in your being charged with rape. You can get pregnant or catch a STI the very first time you have sex, even if you use protection. It is always a risk. Birth control and STI protection must be used properly to be effective. Missed pills and doubled up condoms are the most common misuse of birth control and can result in pregnancy or STI transmission. There is no right or wrong to have intercourse but if it hurts, or if it doesn't feel right emotionally, you should stop right awawy.

The sex checklist


If you are going to have sex you must have:
-a willing partner who is legally who is able to consent to sex;
-effective and properly used birth control;
-STI protection, a male or female condom;
-realistic expectations about what having sex will mean for you;
-a safe place to engage in sex;
-the maturity to understand that sex has emotional and psychical consequences;
-respect and trust between you and your partner.

Articles source: www.about.com