Explain how to reduce the risk for HIV infection from sex. Explain how HIV is transmitted through drug use. Many teenagers are sexually active. Avoiding sexual intercourse is one sure way to avoid infection with the virus. You may want to bear in mind that the idea of delaying sexual intercourse conflicts with the many sexual messages young people encounter every day on television, in movies, at school, and from friends.
Many young people conclude that everyone is doing it.
By discussing the benefits of delaying sexual intercourse, you can help a young person make a wise and informed decision about when to become sexually active. The longer sexual intercourse is delayed, the longer the guarantee of one s safety from all sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection. Every 11 seconds a teen in the United States gets a sexually transmitted disease. Delaying sexual intercourse gives a person time to be sure he or she is physically and emotionally ready to engage in a sexual relationship. Delaying sexual intercourse helps prevent unwanted pregnancy.