Your Future...  

If you choose to be sexually active outside of marriage you open your life up to risks in all areas of your life, because you are a whole person. Physically, socially, spiritually, and emotionally you are putting yourself at danger...

 
Physically  - STD's, pregnancy, date violence/abuse...

Socially - Hurt reputation, mad or suspicious parents, loss of friends...

Spiritually - Feelings of worthlessness, feeling distanced from God, feeling unworthy of love...

Emotionally - Feeling used, depressed, angry, extreme guilt or shame...
 

Your Children's Future...  

If you choose to be sexually active outside of marriage, that choice will have an impact on your future children. You are living your story, but you are also writing your children's story. What kind of story do you want for them? Below are some impacts on a child when he or she is conceived and/or is living outside of the protection of marriage...

 
Physically - May be born with an STD, more likey to use drugs, be abused and be sexually active and are less healthy in general...

Socially - May live in poverty, and are more likely to commit a crime and go to jail...

Spiritually - May feel ashamed of heritage, may have a hard time understanding true love, and not having a father may affect his/her view of God...

Emotionally - Less confident, trusting, and happy, may feel angry, depressed and have a low self-esteem...

HPV  

What is it? Where is it?
HPV, or Human Papillomavirus is the name of a group of viruses that includes more than 100 different strains or types. More than 30 of these viruses are sexually transmited, and basic skin contact in the genital area is enough to contract HPV. This STD is one of the most prevalent STDs in Ogemaw County and the surrounding area. HPV is highly common among teens and young adults.

What are the symptoms?
Most people who become infected with HPV will not display any symptoms, so it is often unknowingly spread to others. Some strains of HPV are called "high-risk" types, and may lead to cancer. Other are called "low-risk" types and they may cause genital warts.  These warts usually appear as soft, moist, pink, or flesh-colored swelling, usually in the genital area.

Is there a cure?
There is no "cure" for HPV infection but abstinence can assure that you never contract HPV.  It is important to note that condoms make no differenece in protecting you from HPV, because only skin contact in the genital area is needed to contract it.

HIV/Aids  

What is it? Where is it?
HIV, human immunodeficiency virus, is the virus that causes AIDS. In 2002, in the US alone, there were 886,575 cases of AIDS with 501,669 deaths.
                                                                                                                                    
How is it transmitted? What are the symptoms?
It is transmitted through sexual contact and blood to blood contact. The common ways HIV is passed is by having sex (anal, vaginal or oral), sharing needles, or birth (mother is HIV positive.)

Is there a cure?
There is no cure for HIV or AIDS but new medicines help prolong life and treat symptoms.

Genital-Herpes  

What is it?
Genital Herpes is an STD caused by the herpes simplex viruses. Outbreaks can occur every few week to every few months. Each outbreak can last from two to four weeks, but over time outbreaks become less severe. 
                                          
What are the symptoms?
Most people have little to no symptoms, however sometimes blisters appear on or around the genitals and when they are broken they become painful ulcers. If a mother has sores at the time of vaginal delivery, the baby is at high risk to become infected, many times causing blindness or death.

Is there a cure?
There is no cure for Herpes, once infected you will experience outbreaks for the rest of your life. New medicines, however, help to shorten and prevent outbreaks, as long as the person is taking them on a regular basis. Condoms do not provide complete protection from Herpes, especially during outbreaks.

Been sexually active already?  

*Used with permission from "Why kNOw Abstinence Education Inc." Chattanooga, TN

If you have been sexually active, whether you used a condom or not,  you NEED to be tested now! Please don't put it off. 

Your life and your future may depend on it. There are many STD's that display little or no symptoms yet can cause severe damage to your body. If you would like more information on a certain STD please contact us. Also you can check out www.lovematters.com/epidemic.htm, www.teenbreaks.com/hookingup/stds.cfm for more information on STD's and for more information on condom failure checkout www.lovematters.com/condoms.htm.

If you think you might be pregnant, or know you are, please contact us and let us know how we can help you. Feel free to checkout our other website www.oopspregnant.com. 

When you decide you are going to save physical sexual expression for marriage, and start focusing on being sexually whole in all areas of your life, you will impact every area of your life in a positive way!

Take a look at what waiting can do for you...

Physically  

• Better overall health
• Longer life
• No STD's
• Less abuse and violence

Socially  

• Good Reputation
• Better Friendships/Relationships
• Happy parents                                                                                
• Future spouse feels loved and valued

Emotionally  

• Happier, more hopeful
• No guilt or shame
• Understand true love
• Beginning to feel whole

Spiritually  

• Feel worthy of God's love
• Feel purpose in your life
• You can learn to grow spiritually
• You can feel God's forgiveness