What teens should know about sex?

For teens, the mere thought of sex can be overwhelming. There is so much to think about, so much to worry about, and so much that can go wrong. Whether you are sexually active or not, knowing the facts about what sex is, and what it is not, is very important.
Sex is:
-both psychical and emotional in nature;
-risky; you can get pregnant, catch a sexually transmitted infection, have your heart broken or your ego bruised, or feel let down and disappointed when it's over;
-a milestone; you only get one chance to lose your virginity;
-sensitive; be sure that the timing is right for you and your partner;
-not to be taken lightly or treated as recreation;
-best when it is a personal expression of caring between two people;
-messy and full of strange, sometimes embarrassing noise.
Sex is not:
-a way to make somebody love you or make a commitment to you;
-a test of your love for your partner;
-a measure of how mature or grown up you are;
-a way to get at your parents or assert your independence;
-a leisure activity;
-always fun or enjoyable; sometimes you will wonder if it worth it.
Remember! When you have sex for the wrong reasons you hurt yourself!