Let’s talk about sex
If you are sexually active, you should know the risk you face from sexual transmitted diseases. STDs do not always have signs or symptoms. STDs are very dangerous to the life of the unborn if the mother is infected and the disease goes untreated. STDs can seriously increase chances of infertility, ectopic (tubal) pregnancy, and cancer of the cervix. When infected with an STD, a woman has 3-5 times increased risk of acquiring HIV if exposed. You may not realize what risk you are at when you have casual sex. Did you know that if you have had 5 sexual partners and your current partner has had 5 partners, you have a total exposure to 31 partners? Each sexual partner you have greatly increases your risk of STD’s!
Most forms of anal & oral sex expose the partner to risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease. According to the Medical Institute for Sexual Health, a number of STDs can be transmitted through skin-to-skin, fluid-to-skin, or oral-genital contact, though not necessarily through vaginal intercourse.
Condoms are not as effective as you may think in protecting against sexually transmitted diseases. The Medical Institute for Sexual Health has found that Human Papilloma Virus, or HPV, is one example of an STD that can be contracted even when using a condom. HPV is acquired by direct intimate skin-to-skin contact. Since condoms don’t cover everything, HPV can be easily transmitted despite the use of a condom.
If you have already been sexually active, there is still hope. You need to be tested for sexually transmitted diseases to make sure you are clean from infection, or get treatment for any infection you may already have. Then you should consider the only 100% effective way to prevent pregnancy, STD’s, & the emotional and spiritual consequences of sex outside of marriage ~ “Second Virginity”. This starts with a commitment to yourself to keep away from any form of sexual contact until you are married. The sooner you stop sexual activity, the less risk you face! This takes a lot of commitment on your part, but many young people today are waiting. AND… it’s the best thing you could possibly do for yourself, your future spouse, and your future children.
Grace House cares about the whole woman, and therefore believes that abstinence is the only way to protect your heart and health from the consequences of pre-marital sex.