Making Sexual Decisions

Human sexuality is a universal experience. We experience our sexuality through our relationships with others, through our own personal fantasies, and through the many symbols of sexuality used by mass media and advertisers to persuade us to purchase products ranging from cigarettes and beer to automobiles and perfumes.

As we learn to understand these sexual experiences within and around ourselves, we form beliefs about what is acceptable sexual etiquette and learn about the ways our bodies biologically respond to sexual emotions.

Enjoying our sexuality depends, to a large extent, on communication and education. It is crucial that we talk about sexuality with our partner(s), friends, and family and that discussions of sexuality include both education about sex itself but also education about how to properly use contraceptives and issues of safe sex and also considerations to think about when deciding whether or not to have sex.

When making decisions about when to be sexually active you should ask yourself these questions:

Do I want to be sexually active, and if so, to what degree?

• How important is independence to me?
• How important is my virginity to me?
• Do I feel lonely, unsafe or uncool without a sexual partner?

Why or why not should I have sex?

• For whom am I making this sexual decision?
• Do I have a reproductive life plan and am I using/considering birth control accordingly?
• Am I protecting myself against AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases with contraceptives?

With whom, and in what context will I have sex?

• Do I reserve intercourse for a permanent partnership or marriage?
• Do I have questions about my sexual orientation or the kinds of people who attract me

Being able to having Healthy Communication with your partner is a key element to a mutually satisfying sexual relationship.

Other areas of potential questions:

Understanding Human Sexuality

Understanding Sexual Concerns

Pregnancy

STD Resources