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Teens: What you decide about sex today can make a big
difference tomorrow.
Teens have the right to make their own choices about sexuality — but deciding on a course of action can be confusing. There’s so much more to sexuality than
just "having sex."
Are you ready for the responsibilities that come with being sexually active? There are many things to consider — both physically and emotionally. What is
right for one person may not be right for another.
In making your decision, you should think about how to protect yourself against sexually-transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies. You should also think about what you want from a relationship, so
you will know when the time is right for you -- and when to say "no."
Whether you’re thinking about having sex, or whether you’re already sexually active, here are some facts and a list of places you can
call for help, or the information you need to make responsible decisions.
How do I stay healthy?
What if I get pregnant?
What if I'm just not ready?
I'm ready. What kinds
of protection are best?
Where can I go for health exams, STD testing and
contraception (birth control)?
Emergency Contraception (EC)
School-based Health Centers
Confidentiality
Cost
Other resources
How do I stay healthy?
That’s an important question, because some sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs) are presently incurable. Although the symptoms of
STDs such as HIV, herpes, and genital warts can be treated, the virus does not go away and can be passed on to others through sexual
contact.
To reduce your chances of getting an STD:
What if I get pregnant?
Becoming a parent is one of life’s greatest rewards — but to be a good parent, you should be physically, emotionally and financially
prepared. Teens who become parents are less likely to finish school, get a good job, or create a
rewarding future for themselves or their children.
Are you ready to give up having fun with your friends? To sit up all night with a crying baby? To earn the money it will take to support
a child? If not, make plans to protect yourself from an unplanned pregnancy: abstain from sex, or use birth control every time.
 |
Monthly expenses
for infant care:
(Diapers, formula, baby food,
clothing, bottles,
furniture, equipment,
doctor’s visits, etc.)
$785
|
What if I’m just not ready?
Never let anyone talk you into having sex if you feel you are not ready. If someone is
trying to pressure you, chances are that person cares more about sex than about you.
You decide — and you don’t have to prove anything to anyone. Saying "no" isn’t
always easy, but it can be done. And you won’t be alone. Many teens have decided to
postpone sexual involvement until they are older.
If you need help making up your mind, talk to people you respect and can trust — at
home, at school, or at church. Your parents might be the best place to start, and they’re probably the ones who care about you the most. And don’t be afraid to be honest with
your partner about your feelings: it might lead to a whole new level of understanding
and honesty in your relationship.
 I’m ready. What kinds of protection are best?
The chart below highlights some of the options most often used by teens for birth control and protection against sexually-transmitted
diseases. Other methods are also available. Check with your health provider for
the method that will work best for you.
Condoms
A sheath which fits over the penis to catch sperm when it is released,
preventing it from traveling into the partner’s body. 98% effective when
used carefully. Readily available at drugstores. Latex condoms offer the
best protection against sexually-transmitted diseases, and are recommended
in addition to the other methods below. |
Spermicides
(Film, Suppositories, Cream, Jelly)
Made of chemicals that kill sperm. Put into vagina before intercourse.
95-97% effective if used carefully. Readily available in drugstores. Used
only when needed, must be put in no more than 20 minutes before sex. May
help protect against sexually-transmitted diseases, but use of a condom is
recommended. |
The Pill
Pills made of artificial hormones which stop the ovaries from releasing an
egg each month. Taken daily. 99% effective when used carefully. Must be
prescribed by a clinician. Simple to use, doesn’t interfere with sex. No
protection against sexually-transmitted diseases. |
Depo Provera
(the Shot)
An injectable artificial hormone which stops the ovaries from releasing an
egg each month. Protects against pregnancy for three months. Prescribed by
a clinician. 99% effective, greater convenience than daily methods. No
protection against sexually-transmitted diseases. |
About
Emergency Contraception (EC)
Can reduce the risk of pregnancy for up to 5 days after unprotected
sex. For more info about EC, call the Emergency Contraception hotline at (888)
NOT-2-LATE, or click here.
Where can I go for:
Birth control, pregnancy tests, STD tests, health exams:
Clinica Atabex (Hispanic Health Council) (860) 548-1350
175 Main Street
Charter Oak Health Center (860) 550-7500
21 Grand Street
Community Health Services (860) 249-9625
500 Albany Avenue
CCMC Primary Care Center Adolescent Program (860) 545-9300
282 Washington Street
Hartford Health Department (860) 543-8822
131 Coventry Street
Hartford Hospital Women’s Ambulatory Health Services (860)
545-2780
80 Seymour Street
Planned Parenthood
(1229 Albany Ave.) (860) 728-0203
(1030 New Britain Ave.) (860) 953-6201
If I talk to someone, will it be confidential?
Confidentiality in reproductive health services is required by law, but it
is a good idea to discuss any concerns you might have during your appointment.
How
much does it cost?
Payment varies from health center to health center, as does the type
of health insurance they accept. But don’t let the ability to pay stop you
from getting the health services you need. Some centers will provide low cost or
even no-cost services depending on your income or ability to pay.
School-Based Health Centers:
Students at the following schools can go to their school based health clinics
during school hours. Some of the centers also offer extended hours. Services
vary from site to site, but usually include health exams, pregnancy tests, STD
tests and counseling. Some of the centers offer contraception. Call for
information:
Bulkeley High School (860) 695-1014
Hartford Public High School (860) 695-1359
Fox Middle School (860) 695-6701
Fox Elementary School (860) 695-3604
M.L. King Elementary School (860) 695-3988
Quirk Middle School (860) 695-2309
Sanchez Elementary School (860) 695-4963
Weaver High School (860) 695-1800
Other
Resources
CT Careline (800) 842-2288
Child abuse services
Facts of Life Line (888) 337-FACT
Infoline 211
National STD Hotline (800) 227-8922
National AIDS Hotline (800) 342-AIDS
National Runaway Hotline (800) 621-4000
Sexual Assault Crisis Center (860) 522-6666
Suicide Prevention (Infoline) 211
It’s your decision. Choose wisely.
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