You’re not alone. No matter what you’re going through, you’re not alone because you can always Ask Ab-E (Abstinence Education) anything you like about abstinence or about sex! Below are some commonly asked questions.

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How many STDs are there?

Current estimates state that there are between 25-30 sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs.

Can you get an STD from kissing?

There are certain types of STDs that are passed from skin to skin contact. Syphilis, for example, can be passed by kissing a person with the disease.

How many teenagers have a STD?

The Center for Disease Control reported that 1 out of 4 sexually active teenagers have a STD.

How do you know if you have n STD?

Each STD has specific symptoms. If you experience symptoms after participating in sexual activity, you may have a STD and need to be tested at either a doctor’s office or health clinic. However, research states that approximately 70% of STDs show no symptoms at onset (when they are first contracted). If you have participated in sexual activity, you should get tested.

Is oral sex considered sex?

Yes. Oral sex is considered sex because it involves the exchange of body fluids between two people, involving either the male’s genitalia or female’s genitalia. Any thing that a person can contract in their genitals, they can contract orally.

How can someone contract or transmit a STD?

STDs are diseases that are transmitted through sexual activity. This can include vaginal sex, oral sex, anal sex, and even skin-to-skin contact such as hand to genitalia or genitalia to genitalia. In addition to sexual activity, there are some STDs that can be transmitted by blood, such as HIV and Hepatitis B. STDs can also be passed from mother to baby.

Why is it important to wait to have sex until you are married?

Research shows that married couples have the most satisfying and frequent sex. If you and your spouse wait to have sex until marriage, you eliminate the risk of bringing STDs, pregnancy and emotional damage to the relationship.

Is kissing the same thing as having sex?

No. Kissing and having sex are not the same thing. Having sex is much more intimate and is best when saved for marriage.

Can a girl give another girl a STD?

Viruses and bacteria know no gender. They are simply looking for a host to infect. So, yes! A girl can give another girl a STD and a boy can give another boy a STD.

Can STDs affect babies?

If STDs are left untreated, they can harm both the woman and her unborn baby, especially if the baby is delivered vaginally. Doctors will more than likely suggest that a baby be delivered via caesarean section (C-section) if a woman has an STD in or to protect the baby’s health.

Are all teens having sex?

No. According to the National Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance, 52% of America’s teens are not sexually active. That means that over half of the teenage population is NOT having sex.

What does the word abstain mean?

Abstain means to voluntarily choose to avoid something.

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