Before you make any choices in life, it's best to get as much information as you possibly can. A person who is trying to choose which college to attend will probably spend some time researching and figuring out which most suits their interests and goals. The same applies when buying a car or house or MP3 player or outfit--you look at a lot of options and think it all through first.

But sometimes we don't take the time to think through the choice about whether or not we want to have sex with someone before we're in a situation where we have to choose. That's what this page is about. There is a lot of information about sex scattered across the internet--lots of unreliable stuff mixed in with the truth. We want to help you put it all together for yourself by giving you the best information we can find from the most reliable sources out there. That's why, whenever possible, we will include links to the sources for this information.

When it comes to your body, your health, your happiness and your future, it's absolutely crucial that you make the most informed choice you can. This stuff is need-to-know...N2K. Click the links below to see some of the latest info on these different topics...

The 411

1. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). Are you one in 15 million? Are you one in four? How many sexually transmitted diseases are there? How can you find out if you have an STD? If some of these questions seem new or confusing to you, check out the material here.

2. Sweet Emotion. How is sex affecting young people emotionally? Does sex change the relationship and how you feel about the other person? Will it make your relationship with your partner stronger? Click here if you're wondering about issues like these.

3. Pregnancy. How many teenage girls will become pregnant this year? What does it take to have a pregnancy? How much does it cost to have a baby? How can you avoid a pregnancy? Questions like these are answered here.  (Photo by Jyn Meyer)

4. It's Mental. How will sexual activity affect your mind? What about pornography or fantasy stuff--is that bad? Why should I care what goes in my mind, so long as it feels good? You might want to check this out.

5. The Moral of the Story. Is it wrong to have sex before marriage? Why do people feel guilty after they begin having sex? Isn't sex a beautiful thing? Tough questions! but fair ones. You can learn more about these here.