Discuss two risk factors that can lead to teenagers having unprotected sex
1. Lack of education and awareness about sexual health: One significant risk factor contributing to teenagers engaging in unprotected sex is the lack of proper education and awareness about sexual health, contraception, and the potential consequences of engaging in sexual activities. Schools and families sometimes fail to provide accurate, age-appropriate information regarding safe sexual practices, the importance of using contraception, and understanding the potential outcomes of unprotected sex, including unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and emotional consequences. When teenagers are not well-informed about these matters, they are more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior, including having unprotected sex.
2. Substance use and peer pressure: Teenagers are often exposed to various social situations where they may experience peer pressure to engage in sexual activities or experiment with drugs and alcohol. Consuming substances like alcohol and drugs can impair a teenager's judgment, making it more difficult for them to make responsible decisions regarding sexual activities, including the use of protection. This risky behavior may also be influenced by a desire to fit in with their peers or to gain social acceptance, leading to teenagers engaging in unprotected sex. Moreover, being intoxicated or under the influence of drugs may cause teenagers to forget or neglect using protection, increasing the likelihood of adverse consequences such as unwanted pregnancies and STIs.