1. The incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) has reached epidemic proportions. Several of these diseases are incurable, some are fatal, and many have long-term physical and emotional consequences.
2. Sex is how babies get started. Each year one million teenagers will become pregnant, resulting in more than 400,000 abortions and nearly a half million births.¹ Whatever the circumstances of the sexual encounter that began it, a pregnancy cannot be ignored, and whatever follows, it will have a permanent impact on the young mother's life.
3. Infertility. An estimated 10 to 15 percent of couples (about 10 million people) have difficulty conceiving. A significant number (but not all) of these infertility problems arise as a consequence of sexually transmitted diseases and thus could have been avoided if both husband and wife had postponed sex until marriage.
4. "Safe(r) sex" isn't. Many people believe that teens will avoid the physical consequences of sex if they take certain precautions, including:
• Limiting their number of sexual partners.
• Knowing their potential partner's sexual history and avoiding having sex with someone who has had many partners
• Using a condom.
Unfortunately, scientific study and experience have shown that safer sex is not foolproof, and the results can be devastating.
5. Devaluation. Sex outside of the commitment of a marital relationship devalues the act and the individuals involved.

6. Sex never enhances a teenage romance. It almost always overwhelms and stifles the relationship. Condoms can't prevent a broken heart, and antibiotics can't cure one.
7. The "damaged goods" self-concept. Early sexual experiences never enhance self-esteem but usually leave a strong feeling of having been used, violated and devalued.
8. Sex outside of marriage can be dangerous to one's physical, emotional and spiritual health. Despite the rising tide of sexual anarchy in our society, a great many people still believe the words right and wrong apply to sexual behavior. Even someone with a casual exposure to traditional Judeo-Christian values should pick up an important message: The Designer of sex cares a lot about when it's done and with whom. Even for those who do not follow specific religious precepts, basic decency and concern for the wellbeing of others should curtail the vast majority of sexual adventures, which so often are loaded with selfish agendas.

ENDNOTES: ¹ R. M. Cavanaugh, “Anticipatory Guidance for the Adolescent: Has It Come of Age?” Pediatrics in Review (1994): 15.

—Adapted from the Focus on Your Family booklet, Talking About Sex and Sexuality to Your Adolescent, an excerpt from The Complete Book of Baby & Child Care (Copyright © 1997). Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

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