Emotional cost of early sex

Psychologist and developmental coach Akashni Maharaj writes on the effects on youngsters of engaging in sex

YOUNG girls’ bodies are simply not ready for child rearing, and untreated sexually transmitted diseases can result in infertility.

These are some of the concerns raised by Durban gynaecologist and fertility specialist Sagie Naidu.

“While understanding the need to decriminalise consensual sex between the ages of 12 to 16, this has to be counter-balanced by the consequences of teenage sexual activity,” he said.

“The only positive outcome of this law is that these children, who were prosecuted for sex before the age of consent, will not be treated like criminals on the adult (sexual offences) register.”

However, Naidu said there were many negative consequences, such as teenage pregnancy.

“Teenage pregnancy is associated with an emotional, physical and social burden.

“Girls have an increased risk of premature labour, hypertension in pregnancy, and increased caesarean section rate. Simply put, their bodies are not yet ready for child rearing.”

Naidu described the social consequences of teenage pregnancy as “far worse”.

“There are cases of child abandonment and often the child is left with an ageing grandparent in rural areas. In turn there are lesser chances of developing family units due to a rise in single moms.

“Their schooling is disrupted leading to a lower educational level and reducing their earning potential and this increases the burden on the state social welfare system.”

Naidu said increased sexual activity led to a greater risk of sexually transmitted infections and pelvic inflammatory disease resulting in infertility later on, chronic pelvic pain and human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced cervical cancer; girls should be vaccinated against HPV.

“Numerous studies indicate these teenagers are prone to low self-esteem, depression, suicidal ideation, relationship violence and other risky sexual behaviour,” he said.

“School performance is affected, and it is often associated with substance and alcohol abuse and increased smoking.

“Postponing sexual activity minimises exposure to harm.” HAT happens when your teenage child is suspected of engaging in sex? Is your teenager emotionally ready to take on the huge responsibility of being sexually active?

These are questions that many parents are sitting with, especially since the Department of Justice and correctional services tabled the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act.

According to the Act, it will no longer be a crime for children aged 12-15 to engage in sexual activity with each other, nor will it be for 1617 year olds, if they engage in consensual sexual activity with an adolescent two years younger than them.

Concerns are being raised about the emotional maturity of children under the age of 15 who engage in sexual activity.

Early adolescence is a difficult period in a child’s sexual development; it is a time of rapid brain development, and with the onset of puberty and hormonal changes, makes life a huge challenge.

At this stage young people are less reasoned and logical, and lack the mental capacity (cognitive development) and emotional maturity (ability to control emotions) necessary to make healthy decisions regarding their sexuality; therefore they are not prepared for the consequences of engaging in high-risk behaviours.

When two young people engage in any sexual activity, dopamine and oxytocin are released. These are two value-driven, pleasure hormones. Oxytocin is a bonding hormone that creates a strong bond in the female brain; it is powerfully active during physical touch, or even intense gazing. Oxytocin and dopamine release increases the likelihood of bonding and trusting with the sexual partner. It is driven by impulse and pleasure (emotional) but decreases ability to think clearly (cognitive capacity).

However, what happens when there is a fallout? Will they be able to handle the emotional disconnection? The emotional pain for the abandoned young girl increases when the relationship has ended.

The young man requires more excitement and stimulation to achieve the same level of pleasure, and may seek out other riskier conquests in an attempt to achieve excitement.

Therefore, engaging in sexual experiences while brain nerve cells are still developing can lead to longterm side effects – low self-esteem, low confidence, lack of self-worth and sexual dysfunction as adults.

Research has shown that children who have sex by age 13 years are more likely to have multiple sexual partners, engage in frequent intercourse, have unprotected sex and use drugs or alcohol before sex.

The job of the parent is to ensure that they educate children about the value of acting responsibly.

Knowledge is power.