Sexual Activity in Teenagers
What are the positives and negatives in sexual activity?
By Joanne, Molly, Ashley, Kevin and Kyle
Some of the different effects:
Physical Effects in Sexual Activity
- Getting pregnant
- Getting an STD
- If you do get pregnant, the baby is more likely to be pre-mature
- Girls can get an early lead in uterus cancer
- Researchers found that male animals showed signs of depressive-like behaviors, low body mass, small reproductive tissues, and changes to cells in the brain
- Decrease in Epididymis, which is a highly convoluted duct behind the testis, along which what sperm passes to the vas deferens (the duct that conveys sperm from testicles to the urethra)
Mental Effect in Sexual Activity
- Feeling used, regret, guilty
- Feeling good about them
- More likely to get depressed
- Shame
- Anxiety
- Inhibition
Social Effects in Sexual Activity
- bad reputation
- relationship stays improved
- get in trouble with their parents
- lose your friends respect
- If you get pregnant, you would have a high probability of long-term poverty
- abuse
10 Life Choices to Lower Sexual Activity in Teenagers
- Abstinence
- Vaccination
- Condoms
- Getting tested
- Limiting the number of partners
- Avoid alcohol and drug use
- Talk to your partner before sexual activity
- Wash yourself before and after intercourse
- Avoid sharing undergarments
- Consider the consequences
Other Facts
Teenage mothers are less likely to gain adequate weight during their pregnancy, leading to low birthweight. Low birthweight is associated with several infant and childhood disorders and a higher rate of infant mortality. Low-birthweight babies are more likely to have organs that are not fully developed, which can result in complications, such as bleeding in the brain, respiratory distress syndrome, and intestinal problems.
Teenage mothers have a higher rate of poor eating habits than older women and are less likely to take recommended daily prenatal multivitamins to maintain adequate nutrition during pregnancy. Teens also are more likely to smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, or take drugs during pregnancy, which can cause health problems for the baby.
Teenage mothers receive regular prenatal care less often than older women. Prenatal care is essential for monitoring the growth of the fetus and the health of the mother. During prenatal care, medical professionals provide important information about good nutrition and about other ways to ensure a healthy pregnancy. According to the American Medical Association (AMA), babies born to women who do not have regular prenatal care are 4 times more likely to die before the age of 1 year.