Becoming sexually active is a large part of being an adolescent and a marker for the transition to adulthood. An adolescent’s exploration of their sexuality is a very crucial time in their life and they do not always know where to go for answers.

Abstinence
There are many programs around the world that promote abstinence.  Campaign For Our Children, Inc. is a nonprofit organization in Baltimore, Maryland that creates mass media campaigns to promote abstinence among 9-14 year olds (Flowers-Coulson, Patricia A. Kushner, Mikhel A. Bankowski,Susan 2000.)  Abstinence Education and Related Services (AERS) is a study that is being done in Pennsylvania that evaluates the knowledge and opinions of adolescents about sexual abstinence through a three-week program. A group of students will go through a series of discussions, skits, and group work activity learning about abstinence and sexually transmitted diseases. The purpose of the program is to educate adolescents about sex and for the researchers in the study to learn what adolescents know about sex to develop better abstinence programs  (Smith 1998.)

Birth Control
When a person decides it is time for them to become sexually active but they are not ready to have children there are many forms of birth control available that they might not know about.

The Pill
  A woman takes the birth control pill that contains hormones that prevent pregnancy.  It has been studied for more then thirty years, and has many advantages such as making monthly periods more regular, help protect against cancer of the ovaries, provides relief from acne and facial hair, and can strengthen you bones by regulating hormones (<http://arhp.org/private-bin/question.pl.html>.)  Disadvantages are, that is does not prevent the occurrence of sexually transmitted diseases and for some women it is hard to remember to take her pill the correct time everyday

The Diaphragm
 The diaphragm is placed in the woman’s vagina and stops sperm from reaching the womb. Side effects from use of a diaphragm are uncommon. Disadvantages are, incorrect use may cause the method to fail and that you always have to plan your sexual activity ahead so that you have the diaphragm with you (<http://arhp.org/private-bin/question.pl.html>).

The IUD
An IUD is another form of birth control; it is a small T-shaped piece of plastic that contains either a hormone or copper.  The IUD is inserted into the womb of the woman where it can stay for several years. It is a very effective and safe form of birth control for women who are not at risk for sexually transmitted diseases (cite.).  The only real disadvantage is possible infection. Women that engage in sex with more then one partner should not use this method of birth control.

The Shot
 A woman may also receive a shot in the arm or buttock every three months that contains hormones.  The shot is highly effective and provides long lasting protection (<http://arhp.org/private-bin/question.pl.html>). Since it provides such long lasting protection it is not recommended for woman who want less then a year of birth control protection.

The male and female condom
The male and female latex condoms do not require a prescription from a doctor and you can purchase them over the counter.  The male condom is placed over the erect penis and the female condom is a latex pouch that is inserted into the vagina (<http://arhp.org/private-bin/question.pl.html>).  Latex condoms do prevent sexually transmitted diseases and HIV when used properly.

How to use a condom

The Arm Implant
Women may also receive an implant under their skin on the inside of her arm that contains a hormone to prevent pregnancy but not sexually transmitted diseases.  A benefit of the implant is that it may be used right after childbirth and while breast-feeding (cite<http://arhp.org/private-bin/question.pl.html>).

Sterilization
Sterilization involves a surgery that prevents you from ever becoming pregnant or impregnating a woman.  Both men and women can be sterilized; women receive a tubal sterilization that block her reproductive tubes and men have a vasectomy that prevents sperm from ever reaching the penis (<http://arhp.org/private-bin/question.pl.html>).

Who is at risk?
The age that people engage is sexual activity has a lot to do with their environment and home life.  Girls that grow up in homes with no father actually tend to be very permissive but they want no long-term emotional link with the male (Ellis, B. K.Dodge, G. Pettit, and J. Bates.)  Having a strong home life with a parental system that is loving and open will enable adolescents to talk to their parents about sexual questions and activities that they might engage in.  Planned Parenthood is an organization that is completely confidential; willing to answer questions and talks to adolescents about any concerns that they might have.  They give check ups and birth control at a discounted rate to minors.

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Reference List:

Ellis, B. K. Dodge, G. Pettit, J. Bates. (1999). Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 77, 387-401.

Flowers-Coulson, Patricia A. Kushner, Mikhel A. Bankowski, Susan. (2000). Journal of Sex Education and Therapy Vol. 25, 178-188.
 

Lau, Bjorn, Alasker, Francoise D. (1999). Ife Psychologia: an International Journal. Vol 7, 128-137.

(2001, February 22). Planned Parenthood. <http://arhp.org/private-bin/question.pl.html>

Smith, Ed. (1998). Proposal to Evaluate Pennsyvania’s Abstinence Educatioin and Related Services Initiative.