Questions to Ask Before Having Sex

 

Why do I want to have sex?

(to prove something; to fill an emptiness; to rebel; to hold on to a relationship; to be accepted; to avoid saying no; I don't really know)

Do I really want to have sex with this particular person?

Am I feeling pressured or afraid?

Have I been sexually abused in the past?

(victims of sexual abuse are more likely to become sexually promiscuous. If this is you, please seek help.)

Can I use some other way to show this person I care? How will this person react if I say no?

Why does my partner want to have sex with me?

What have my parents/caregivers/educators taught me? Would they approve?

How do my personal values and/or religious beliefs affect this decision? Will I feel guilty?

What do I really know about birth control and sexually transmitted diseases?

(Did you know condoms aren't 100 percent effective, the pill doesn't protect against STDs, and teens can get HIV/AIDS?)

(Get more information from your parents, your doctor, sex education classes, family planning organizations, the library, or school counselors)

What does my partner know about birth control and sexually transmitted diseases?

Is my partner pressuring me to have sex without using protection against sexually transmitted diseases?

Do I have an effective method of birth control?

Do I have an effective way to keep from getting an STD?

Do I know all of the possible consequences?

(pregnancy, STD, HIV/AIDS, guilt, parental anger/disappointment, partner's betrayal)

Am I willing to accept all of the consequences?

How will having sex affect this relationship?

How will having sex affect my self-image? Will I feel I've made a mistake?

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