2007/02/01 by Sonya S. Brady, Bonnie Halpern‐Felsher · 2 citations
Health Professions · Psychology · Medicine · #Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health #Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology #HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions
paper · doi:10.1542/peds.2006-1727
openalex publication_date 2007/02/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01
OBJECTIVE: The present study examined whether adolescents' initial consequences of sexual activity differ according to type of sexual activity and gender. METHODS: Surveys were administered to 618 adolescents recruited from 2 public high schools in the autumn of ninth grade (2002) and at 6-month intervals until the spring of tenth grade (2004). Analyses were limited to the 275 adolescents (44%) who reported engaging in oral sex and/or vaginal sex at any assessment. Participants were 14 years of age at study entry, 56% female, and of diverse socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds. RESULTS: In comparison with adolescents who engaged in oral sex and/or vaginal sex, adolescents who engaged only in oral sex were less likely to report experiencing a pregnancy or sexually transmitted infection, feeling guilty or used, having their relationship become worse, and getting into trouble with their parents as a result of sex. Adolescents who engaged only in oral sex were also less likely to report experiencing pleasure, feeling good about themselves, and having their relationship become better as a result of sex. Boys were more likely than girls to report feeling good about themselves, experiencing popularity, and experiencing a pregnancy or sexually transmitted infection as a result of sex, whereas girls were more likely than boys to report feeling bad about themselves and feeling used. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents experience a range of social and emotional consequences after having sex. Our findings have implications for clinical practice and public health campaigns targeted toward youth.