By: Affiah Basajjangabo, Precious Gift Ssewannyana and Dream Katasi
Teenage sexual intercourse is a topic of great concern due to the many consequences it brings. These consequences can be physical, emotional or health and can have long lasting problems.
This article explores such consequences.
Teenagers who get involved in sex are at a high risk of getting accidental pregnancies
These are effects concerning how a person feels, e.g. sad, happy, etc.
Teenage sexual relationships can lead to the following;
• A distressed feeling: It can lead to a feeling of guilt, hatred and fear especially if one of the partners was forced or lied to.
• Depression and Fear: This can happen when one gets diseases or pregnancy.
Bad experiences with sex can affect a teenager’s feelings about his/her body and image.
The community may also take the teenager for a prostitute if they know about her sex life.
STDs means Sexual Transmitted Diseases. One of the most common and serious effects of teenage sex is STDs. Most teenagers lack information on how STDs are spread and how to prevent such diseases.
Getting involved in sexual activities during adolescence can have academic and social results:
Academic performance: The distractions and stress related to sexual relationships and their results can negatively impact academic performances.
Social Stigma: Teenagers who are known to be sexually active may face social stigma and judgement from peers, family, and community members.
Disrupted Relationships: teenage relationships that involve sex can sometimes lead to conflicts and breakups, causing emotional turmoil and affecting friendships
Teenagers are particularly vulnerable to abuse in sexual relationships due to :
Power Imbalances:
Age differences and power imbalances can lead to situations where teenagers feel pressured into sexual activities
Lack of Consent:
Teenagers may not fully understand their rights to give consent, leading to non-consensual sexual encounters
Exploitation:
There is a risk of sexual exploitation, especially for teenagers who lack support and resources
Engaging in sex during adolescence can have long term health implications, including:
Reproductive health issues: Untreated STDs can lead to long term health problems such as infertility and chronic pelvic pain
Increased risk of Cervical Cancer: Early sexual activity and exposure to HPV can increase the risk of developing cervical cancer later in life
Mental health disorders: The stress and trauma associated with negative sexual experiences can contribute to the development of mental health disorders
Addressing the risks related with teenage sex requires a multi-faceted approach involving education, healthcare, and supportive environment.
Comprehensive sex education that includes information about STIs, contraception, consent, and healthy relationships in crucial.
Acess to reproductive health services and resources is also essential to help teenagers make informed decisions and protect their health .
By fostering open and supportive conversations about sexual health , we can help teenagers navigate these risks and promote their over role well-being
