$Unique_ID{BRK01542}
$Pretitle{Community and Social Problems}
$Title{Can Having Sex at an Early Age Affect You in Later Life?}
$Subject{sex childhood}
$Volume{Q-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Can Having Sex at an Early Age Affect You in Later Life?


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QUESTION:  I would like to know if having sex at an early age, can damage you,
and affect you in later life?  I think this is an important question for you
to answer in the paper.

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ANSWER:  This is a hard question to answer for you personally, as you provided
me with no background about yourself.  Here, however is some important general
information, which may be education for you an others as well.
     If childhood self-exploration, masturbation or peer sex play has been
pleasurable and without a frightening experience attached to it, then there
should be no negative affects later in life.
     If, however, the early sexual experience is marred by a frightening
episode, such as the discovery by an adult, exploitation, shame, punishment,
pressure into the act (such as incest or rape), then an early sexual
experience may lead to sexual disfunction later in life.
     Feelings of shame, anxiety, inhibition, quilt, and remorse may lead to
arrested sexual development.  It may make the person unable to continue normal
personal growth and leave him or her unable to achieve appropriate
relationships involving trust, closeness, and positive sexual expression.
Early sex can also lead to medical problems later on in life.  Cancer of the
uterus is more prevalent in women who began sexual relationships early on in
life.  There is also a high rate of venereal diseases (VD) associated with
early sex.
     If you are a young teenager thinking about getting involved in a sexual
relationship, you have some important thinking to do, before making some major
decisions.  You would be wise to discuss this with parents, counselors,
clergy, teachers or physicians, anyone you trust and respect.  If then, you
decide to proceed, find out all you can about disease prevention and learn
about birth control, whether you are a boy or girl.  With the use of condoms
and spermicidal jellies and creams, you can help prevent unwanted pregnancy
and the transmission of some forms of VD.
     I am not advocating any action, merely trying to make it clear that there
are responsibilities you must accept, that accompany these deeds, and in an
attempt to provide you with the information you are seeking.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
