Risk of Premature Sexual Activity Among Adolescents

Risk of Premature Sexual Activity Among Adolescents" by Taku Ikemoto functions as a survey of research into the personal and social dangers associated with sex among teenagers. Each problem associated with adolescent sex is outlined and given corresponding support in the form of statistical evidence.

Ikemoto begins by detailing the physical and emotional toll that adolescent sex can have. He names STDs, and particularly AIDS, as growing concerns in the modern age since "Time Magazine reports that the number of cases of AIDS among teenagers doubles every 14 months" (Ikemoto 1). He further notes an emotional consequence that can not be ignored, as "The high probability of emotional soars, guilt, confusion about self and others ... make sexual activity a high-risk proposition for both boys and girls" (Ikemoto 2). A host of psychological problems including sleep disorder and suicide are also linked to premature sexual activity according to the research mentioned (Ikemoto 2).

The article goes on to mention studies which indicate that risk-taking behavior is more common among sexually-active teenagers, including experimentation with drugs, alcohol, and educational truancy (Ikemoto 2). Ikemoto does not directly attribute these risks to the sexual activity, but merely advocates more attention to the issue.

The next key issue explored by the article with relation to adolescent sex is the risk of pregnancy and its ensuing complications, such as paternal abandonment of the child and relationship, lack of prenatal responsibility, and abortion. Ikemoto goes over the many ways in which pregnancy can complicate the life of a teenager and how teenagers can find themselves unprepared and ill-equipped to handle a child.