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This page discusses sexuality in the terms of both the practice of having (or not having) sex and the idea of sexual orientation.
Abstinence
Abstinence is not having sex. If two people don't have sex, then sperm can't fertilize an egg and there's no possibility of a pregnancy. You don't have to be a virgin to practice abstinence. Sometimes people who have been having sex decide not to continue having sex. Even if a person has been having sex, he or she can still choose abstinence to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases in the future.
How Well Does It Work?
Abstinence is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy. Although many birth control methods can have high rates of success if used properly, they can fail occasionally. Practicing abstinence ensures that a pregnancy will not result because there is no opportunity for the male’s sperm to fertilize the female’s egg.
Sexual Orientation
During the teen years, sexual feelings are awakened in new ways because of the hormonal and physical changes of puberty. These changes involve both the body and the mind, and teens may wonder about new — and often intense — sexual feelings.
It takes time for many people to understand who they are and who they're becoming. Part of that understanding includes a person's sexual feelings and attractions.
The term sexual orientation refers to the gender (that is, male or female) to which a person is attracted. There are several types of sexual orientation that are commonly described:
Heterosexual. People who are heterosexual are romantically and physically attracted to members of the opposite sex: Heterosexual males are attracted to females, and heterosexual females are attracted to males. Heterosexuals are sometimes called "straight."
Homosexual. People who are homosexual are romantically and physically attracted to people of the same sex: Females who are attracted to other females are called lesbians; males who are attracted to other males are often known as gay – although the term gay can describe persons of either gender preferring this lifestyle.
Bisexual. People who are bisexual are romantically and physically attracted to members of both sexes.
Thinking sexually about both the same sex and the opposite sex is quite common as people sort through their emerging sexual feelings. This type of imagining about people of the same or opposite sex doesn't necessarily mean that a person fits into a particular type of sexual orientation.
Some teens may also experiment with sexual experiences, including those with members of the same sex, during the years they are exploring their own sexuality. These experiences, by themselves, do not necessarily mean that a person is gay or straight.
The Importance of Talking
No matter what someone's sexual orientation is, learning about sexuality and relationships can be difficult. It can help to talk to someone about the confusing feelings that go with growing up, perhaps a parent or other family member, a close friend or sibling, or a school counselor. Whomever you choose to talk to about these feelings, it should be with someone you trust.
Whether gay, straight, bisexual, or just not sure, almost all teens have questions about physically maturing and about sexual health. It's important to find a health professional to discuss these issues with — someone who can provide reliable health advice.
Information found above is from http://teenshealth.org. All information on KidsHealth® is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2010 The Nemours Foundation.
Other sites containing helpful information:
http://www.plannedparenthood.org
http://kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/contraception/abstinence.html
http://www.avert.org/teens.htm
