Abstinence by KIMBERLY MARTINEZ PARRA

Abstinence is...

kmartinez0016 — 2024-03-15 16:14:23 UTC

Abstinence is when a teenager's interest in sexual activity increases. The interest in sexual activity is normal while growing up and it's important that you make the right decisions when you're deciding to be active. For example, most adult relationships share intimacy for sexual feelings, while teenagers usually share emotional intimacy.

Benefits

kmartinez0016 — 2024-03-15 16:23:41 UTC

Choosing to avoid sexual activity can have various benefits. For example, it can help in avoiding unwanted pregnancies, especially at a young age when someone may not be prepared to take on the responsibilities of parenthood. For example, avoiding unwanted pregnancies can help teens focus on their goals and not gain any distractions. It can also reduce the risk of getting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) which can have long-lasting health consequences. For example, the younger you are when being sexually active can cause you to many sexual activities which can higher the risk of getting an STI.

Pressures

kmartinez0016 — 2024-03-15 16:34:56 UTC

The two main pressures to being sexually active are internal and external pressure. Internal pressure is when someone wants to engage in sexual activity within themselves. For example, internal pressure can come from the desire for emotional intimacy. When teens feel this way it can make their lives more complicated and even create distance in their relationship. External pressure is when a person feels from another person or group to engage in a behavior. For example, a partner, or friends, or even social media can force you to engage in an activity or behavior that you may not be comfortable in. This can cause teens to feel lost, disconnected, and unworthy. People who don't respect you don't care about your well-being.

Protective factors

kmartinez0016 — 2024-03-20 03:00:18 UTC

Protective factors, such as having supportive relationships with parents, participating actively in school and community activities, and making a personal commitment to remain abstinent, play important roles in reducing the likelihood of engaging in sexual activities. Risk factors, including alcohol and drug use, dating older people, having sexually active friends, and past sexual experiences, increase the chances of being sexually active. Understanding both protective and risk factors is important for teens so they make the best decisions about their sexual health. For example, having protective factors and minimizing risk factors help teenagers increase their ability to make healthy choices and avoid early sexual activity.

Set limits

kmartinez0016 — 2024-03-20 03:33:08 UTC

Practicing abstinence means choosing not to engage in sexual activity. It's important because it helps avoid negative consequences such as unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and emotional distress. Even though there may be pressures to be sexually active, it's important to avoid these pressures by setting personal limits and communicating them to your partner. This involves avoiding situations where you might feel tempted, such as being alone together or consuming alcohol or drugs. For example, dating partners who share their abstinence values can also support and encourage sticking to eachothers commitment. By setting limits and surrounding yourself with supportive friends, you can maintain your abstinence and prioritize your well-being.