There's more to sexuality than you may think. The physical part of it, as you're probably already aware, deals with our bodies and the actual act of sex. But wait--there's more--much more! We're complex beings, and our sexuality is a thread woven throughout every area of our lives. Sexuality is a part of who we are and it influences the choices we make as female or male individuals.

Your sexuality should be treated as a treasured gift. Saving this gift to be opened in marriage has wonderful benefits for you and your future.

What About Sex on TV and in the Movies?

Looking at sexuality through the eyes of the media only gives you part of the picture. Missing are the problems that can occur when someone has multiple sexual partners. Folks in Hollywood don't tell you about Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), unplanned pregnancy or emotional pain. Often only communicating the pleasure of sex, the media industry fails to show the negative effects of sex before marriage.

What’s the Problem, it's JUST Sex?

Actually there's more going on than you think. You see, the biggest, most powerful sex organ is your brain. And some pretty serious “brain events” always occur with sexual experience:

• Attachment-Do you ever wonder why you just can’t shake the thoughts of someone you were sexually active wi th? This is because the brain releases endorphins and enkephalins when two people share repeated sexual acts. These neurohormones can cause people to want more contact with each other. This attachment or “bonding” is felt as an emotion, but it’s actually brain activity.

• Pleasure Addiction-How can something that feels good, be harmful? Remember the last time you did something so exciting you felt a rush? Well, that rush came from your brain, releasing dopamine—which acts as a “reward signal.” When we do something pleasurable, such as sex, it causes a desire for more, which is one characteristic of addiction. Again felt as an emotion, but it’s caused by brain activity.

As you can see, sex is a lot more complicated than you may have originally thought. After all, you can’t stop what goes on in your brain.

Hey, I’m Just Having Fun While I’m Young…

Go ahead and have fun! But exploring sexually will most likely bring you to a dead end. Patterns of behavior repeated over and over will become habit – that’s just how our brains are structured. Physical sexual expression outside of marriage can produce challenging and even life-altering outcomes.

I've Been Sexually Active...is it too Late for Me?

It’s never too late. If you have already been sexually active you can make the decision to stop. Although starting over, like with any habit, will have its challenges. You can do it though! And AAA Life Services would like to help. Contact us or stop by; our services are free and we’re in walking distance from Clarion University.

If you have experienced sexual abuse, you can have a fresh start too. We can help you work through the emotional pain you’ve experienced. Talking about what happened and how you feel can begin the process of healing. We are here to support you!

Choosing Abstinence for Your Sexual Health

Abstinence is 100 % risk free! In choosing to wait, you’ve eliminated the threat of STDs, the possibility of an unplanned pregnancy, and also the emotional and relational damage that can come with sexual activity. On the other hand, if you have sex outside of a faithful marriage you put yourself at risk for all of the above. And unfortunately you won’t know how it will affect you until the damage is done.

Abstinence is not out dated nor is it unrealistic. If you are not having sex, even if you are in a serious relationship, then you are abstaining from sex. It can be a realistic choice and lifestyle that can take a lot of pressure off any dating relationship. Only YOU can make this choice for your life and it will take courage.

Making the Change

So maybe you are starting to think this may be true. Well, you may need some help and that’s where we come in. Stop by and talk to us at AAA Life Services. We’re honest, open and good at listening. Remember, you alone are responsible for the decisions about your sexual health. Call us at 814.226.7007 today!

Here is a website where you can learn more:

www.troublewith.com