Single Adults & Abstinence:
It's Not Bad To Be Good

For many adults the words "abstinence" and living "single" means it's bad to be good. It seems staying pure is far from the minds of many promiscuous, on-the-prowl singles these days.

In their quest for a good time they expose themselves to physical and emotional pain, disease, infection, and, often, death. So…

While you’re out tonight downing shots with your buds, before you hook up with that hot guy or girl, and before you pop that birth control pill or strap on the condom, keep this next bit of info in mind…

It’s a given: the more sexually active you are the greater chance you have of contracting one or more sexually transmitted infections (STIs), like:

• Chlamydia


• Genital Herpes or Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2)


• Gonorrhea


• Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and


• Syphilis

Single adults become infected with these STIs every day across this country, often without any symptoms that may alert them to problems they may have.

This is especially true for women who aren’t aware of looming health risks until serious developments occur.

Check out these stunning stats:

• About 15 million new cases of STIs occur in the U.S. each year.


• An estimated 3 million new cases of Chlamydia occur each year.


• Young adults aged 20 to 29 are now twice as likely to contract (HSV-2).


• In 2000, more than 650,000 people were newly infected by gonorrhea.


• Each year, about 5.5 million people acquire a genital HPV infection.


• In 2002, 6,862 cases of syphilis were reported to the CDC.

Mmmm…doesn't that sound yummy! Seriously, though...

Because I was one of those young people who used no restraint when it came to sexual activity.

As a teen and a young 20-something, I believed the nonsense that I couldn’t control my sexual urges. So I gave myself permission to indulge.

Several failed relationships, a botched abortion, bouts with depression, and a shattered self-esteem later, I don’t feel empowered at all.

I was fortunate enough to dodge a few big bullets, though: I didn’t contract any diseases.

That fact did not diminish the regrets I have for the poor choices I made.

And I was angry with myself for believing the big lie that women are empowered by having sex before marriage.

Knowledge is power and education is key.

After the fallout that was my life, abstinence became similar to a refreshing oasis in the desert. I knew there had to be a better way to live.

The best way I found to accomplish this goal was to make quality choices.

I encourage you to check out the mountains of knowledge out there and educate yourself about the risks of engaging in sex before marriage.

Ultimately…

It’s your life, and it’s your call.

Sources:
National Institute of Health
Guttmacher Institute

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Related Content:

Grown & Sexy | Your Self Esteem | Abstinence Is Normal | Abstinent College Students
College Kids | Secondary Virginity | Charlotte Baird

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