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 Young
adults need to know alternatives
to risky sexual behavior
- Holding hands
- Hugging
- Dry kissing
- Body rubbing
- Masturbation
- Mutual masturbation
- Sexual intercourse with
a condom
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Photo: B. Goldberg
Slide 40
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Unmarried young people need to know that they should not be
in a hurry to begin sexual activity — that intercourse
is just one of many ways of expressing love, affection and acceptance.
They need to decide for themselves when to begin, and not be
talked into having sexual intercourse before they are ready.
They also need to know alternatives to high-risk sexual behaviors.
Abstinence from sexual intercourse is the most effective way
to prevent pregnancy and STIs. While abstinent, there are ways
to express sexual feelings that are safe in terms of preventing
pregnancy and STIs. These behaviors include holding hands, hugging,
dry kissing, massage, body rubbing, masturbation and mutual
masturbation. Contrary to popular myths, there are no health
risks from masturbation. Wet kissing is usually safe as well,
although it has been associated with HIV transmission in people
with exposed sores in their mouths.
When unmarried and married young adults choose to have intercourse,
they need to be able to make an informed choice about contraceptive
options that can prevent unintended pregnancy and STIs. They
also need access to these services. While there are various
methods that young adults can use safely and effectively to prevent
pregnancy, the male condom is the most effective method for
prevention of all STIs, including HIV. When the male partner
will not use a condom, the female condom is recommended as an
alternative.
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