Why should I wait to have sex?

1. Abstinence from sex is the only form of pregnancy prevention that is 100% effective. Every method of contraception has a risk of failure, however, small, but practicing abstinence guarantees that you will never become pregnant. 
2. By abstaining from sexual activity you also avoid the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). 
3. Young People who practice abstinence are much less likely to experience a physically or emotionally abusive relationship, drop out of high school, engage in substance abuse, or feel pressured into having sex — all risk factors for teens who explore and become sexually active at an early age. 
4. A young person who practices abstinence and is in a romantic relationship is secure in the knowledge that her/his partner is not interested in them purely for sex — a concern of many of us. 
5. Some studies indicate that couples enjoy greater relationship satisfaction when they delay having sex. 
6. Young People are at a stage in life in which they’re already emotionally vulnerable. Getting involved in a sexual relationship increases that vulnerability and the chances of being hurt or used by a partner. By abstaining from sex, it’s a lot easier to figure out if a relationship or a person is good for you. 
7. Studies have revealed a connection between low self-esteem and early sexual activity. A young person who deliberately chooses to wait to have sexual intercourse is less likely to look to a relationship for validation and may be more self-reliant. 
8. Some youth use sex as a way to achieve intimacy and closeness with someone, but this is an artificial way of doing so. Young people who practice abstinence build relationships with partners based on mutual likes and dislikes, common approaches to life, and shared interests and develop a more authentic relationship that can better stand the test of time. 
9. Abstinence may help students do better in school. According to the American Journal of Health studies, students in abstinence-only education programs demonstrate stronger peer relations, positive youth development, and greater awareness of the consequences of risky behavior, such as teen pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases.” 
10. Abstinence costs nothing and there are no side effects as there are with oral contraceptives and many other forms of pregnancy prevention
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