Philippine E-Journals

Attitudes on Premarital Sex and its Consequences: Implications to Reproductive Health of College Students

Willie A. Bunag | Thelma C. De Mesa | Antonietta Rosemelinda C. Edra

 

Abstract:

A phenomenological was study done to determine attitudes of college students toward premarital sex, its consequences and how it affects their reproductive health. Thirty one statements were derived from the interviews conducted from which 5 themes were established, ie., agreement on premarital sex, sexually transmitted diseases, possibility of getting an abortion, facing the challenges associated with these repercussions and corrective measures to adopt to face the consequences. The study revealed that students have a very daring attitude toward premarital sex. Students engage in the act without considering the associated risks but they don’t consider abortion as an option because they value life. They are, however, aware of the sexually transmitted diseases that they may get through sexual contact, how such diseases can be prevented and how their bodies be affected once they get infected. The students are apprehensive to engage in pre - marital sex thinking that they are going to violate the moral code and their spiritual beliefs. Once they have experience sexual intercourse, the succeeding encounters are easier for them. However, for those who are knowledgeable about reproductive health, the next sexual encounter still created fear and guilt feelings. There is a tendency for students whose parents are separated, raised by a single parent or neglected due to being unwanted, to refrain from engaging in pre-marital sex because they don’t want to commit the same mistakes their parents did. Students think that simply engaging in a foreplay will prevent transmission of sexually transmitted infections, unplanned pregnancy and a healthy sexual life. Recommendations regarding the ill effects of pre-marital sex among young adults are provided.