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| Dear CAP, |
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| Six months ago I met "THE ONE"
and we're in love. Lately we have been talking about "DOING
IT ". I'm not sure I'm ready. How do I know if I am? |
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| "Confused"
in Elmira |
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| Dear Confused, |
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| There is no single way to know when you are ready to have
sex. Parent, friends, and your partner all have an opinion,
but ultimately the decision is up to you. Feelings of love play
a part in sex, but aren't the only things to think about when
deciding about sex. Ask yourself the following questions: |
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| Do you know how to protect yourself from STD's and HIV? The
symptoms of STD's? How to use a condom? Are you ready to practice
safer sex every time? |
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| What about pregnancy? Do you know how about different types
of birth control? Where to get them? How to use them? Do you
know that even if you use birth control you or your partner
may become pregnant? Are you prepared to deal with an unplanned
pregnancy? |
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| Can you talk about sex with your partner? How about your partner?
Can he or she talk about important sexual issues? Can you listen
to and respect each other's opinions and decisions? |
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| What about your family? Can you talk to them? If you feel
that you can not talk to your parents, is there someone else
you can trust? |
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| And these are just a few of the things to consider! |
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| Making the decision to have sexual intercourse is not an easy
one. Talk to your partner before you're in a situation that
could lead to sex. Talk to your family. If that is not an option,
talk to a trusted adult. Counselors are available at Clinics to listen and answer your questions. Remember all
conversations with Clinic staff are completely confidential. |
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| What ever choice you make, the decision whether or not
to have sex is YOURS! |
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| Good Luck! |
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| View
Our List Of Answers to Teens |
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