Not having sex may seem easy because it's not doing anything. But peer pressure and things you see on TV and in the movies can make the decision to practice abstinence more difficultÑespecially once you have already been sexually active. If it seems like everybody else is having sex, some people may feel they have to do it, too, just to be accepted. Don't let kidding or pressure from friends, a girlfriend, a boyfriend, or even the media push you into something that's not right for you. The truth is that most teens are not having sex; and you don't have to either. A couple can still have a relationship without having sex. If you've made a decision not to have sex, it's an important personal choice and the people who care about you should respect that. Men can sometimes pressure women to have sex in many waysÑsubtle and not so subtleÑeven through anger at times. This extreme pressure can lead a woman to agree to sex even though she doesn't want to do it. Women don't always realize how special they are and that they deserve to experience sex in a relationship where they are treasured and cherished with a man that has committed to her in marriage.

Some women make the decision to avoid future unplanned pregnancies through the use of contraceptives. However, most young women don't realize they can still get pregnant even when using the pill, condoms or other forms of birth control consistently. (Learn more about the baby in the womb atJUST THE FACTS. The truth is that continuing sexual activity outside of a committed loving marriage can result in other serious consequences besides pregnancy related STD's.

If you are truly involved in a committed, loving relationship with someone who cares about you, that person will be willing to wait and not pressure you into continuing or starting a sexual relationship. Out of respect for yourself, learn all that you can about these issues before making a decision to continue sexual activity. When you are in a crisis situation, it can be hard to think straight, make good decisions or always know what to do. You've been given a giftÑa second chance; be sure to take advantage of it by learning all you can about this topic by visiting the other pages on this site or contacting someone at our center for more information.