Teenagers and young adults often get bombarded with conflicting messages regarding the loss of their virginity. Between magazines, television shows, movies and of course, their peers, it is hard to determine what is true and what is false when it comes to having sex for the first time.
The following are some statements and thoughts teenagers often have about sex, and information about whether or not each is true or false:
"I’m the only virgin among my friends and/or at school." That’s false.
The truth: a Seventeen Magazine sex survey found 75 percent of teenagers think that all teens are having sex. About half of adolescents 15 and older have had sex. That means the other half have not had sex.
"If I don’t have sex with him, my boyfriend will dump me." That’s false.
The truth: if a guy tries to force you to have sex, he is not worth being your boyfriend. Losing your virginity is something that can never be taken back. Spend time with people who treat you with respect.
"We’re truly in love, so we must have sex." That’s false.
The truth: there are many false expectations about when couples should have sex. Teens on television seem to do it a lot, but that is not real life! Instead of giving in to peer pressure, talk it over with your boyfriend.
"Having sex makes you a grown-up." That’s false.
The truth: sex does not magically transform you into a mature adult. Many girls expect to act and feel different after their first time, but they don’t. According to a Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States survey, 65 percent of girls and 45 percent of boys who have had intercourse said they had it too soon.
"A girl’s hymen breaks during sexual intercourse and is proof she is no longer a virgin." This can be false.
The truth: a broken hymen is no guarantee virginity is gone. The hymen can break by using a tampon. A hymen may be broken, or simply disappear during childhood, without the woman even being aware of it.
"Sex hurts the first time." Again, this can be false.
The truth: about eight out of ten girls do not experience any physical signs when losing their virginity.
Being armed with the truth can help with making big decisions. Each person is best served by using their own judgment to determine if it is the right time to lose his or her virginity.
Stacy Lloyd is a writer and video producer in Phoenix, Arizona. A former television news journalist, she covered stories around the world. Currently, she produces corporate and non-profit videos and broadcast programming.