The Facts

Sometimes it's difficult to see your child as anything but that: a child. Yet, in many way, teens today are growing up faster than ever. They learn about sex through the media and their peers, but they rarely have accurate facts. That's why it's so important for you to talk to your child about sex, including the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Although unpleasant to think about, there are many serious consequences when teens enter into a sexual relationship. Reality must be presented to help make this matter as serious as it needs to be. Here are some of the facts that can be helpful in making the decision to wait.

“The emotional connections teens are looking for in a sexual relationship are not delivered as often promised. When the relationship ends, a shattered teen is left. Sex is simply not a substitute for a genuine relationship. Once a teens heart is wounded in that way, teens are shown to have trouble with personal and interpersonal growth and continue to have unsatisfying relationships and sexual habits that carry into adulthood."

"Condoms have a 33% failure rate in preventing the spread of HPV, a sexually transmitted disease linked to increased risk of cervical cancer."

"Annually 3 million teens contract STDs, roughly 1 in 4."

"80% of teens with STDs show no symptoms and therefore never get medical attention..."

"Babies born to teens are more likely to have low-birth weight."

"11% of all U.S. births are to teens"

"Premarital sexual behavior in teens has been shown to have effects on friendship, dating, marriage and desirability. Both genders have been shown to prefer marrying someone and being friends with someone who has not "played the field."