To Hookup or to Not

May 3, 2018 | Relationships, Sex

The hookup culture has become quite common these days, so why not have a one-night stand with that hottie from economics? It’s easier than having a relationship – no commitment, no worries about cheating, you have fun and move on. Sure, it seems fine. You get what you want seemingly hassle-free, but have you thought about the long-term, or sometimes even short-term effects of a hookup? Here are a few things to consider before hooking up:

What would happen if I got pregnant after hooking up? 

Yes, you may have worn a condom or were on birth control, but pregnancy is always a possibility. Is this person someone you want to have a baby with? Are you in a place in your life where you are ready to have a child?

And what about STDs?

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) there are nearly 20 million new sexually transmitted infections that occur every year – adolescents age 15-24 being the highest impacted by STDs. Before a random hookup, consider how contracting an STD may impact your health and your future relationships.

How will this affect you?

Thinking through how a hookup would affect you is really important; after all, you know your heart better than anyone. How would having a meaningless sexual encounter with a person who is not committed to you make you feel about yourself? Caught up in the moment, we often forget how we may feel later (maybe I shouldn’t have had that 5thcookie!). And yes, it is hard to slow down in the moment; but take time to evaluate if such a lifestyle is beneficial in helping you to become the person you want to be. Is it helping you reach your goals and propelling you into the future you always dreamed? Is the risk of an undesired pregnancy or an unwanted STD worth “the moment”?

Have you considered what effects hooking up might have on you spiritually? If your faith is important to you, you may want to ask yourself how hooking up aligns with your spiritual beliefs. For your spiritual well-being, stop and do a self-check here before you make any important decisions in life.

What does research say?

Even though the definition of a hookup is being involved in a sexual relationship without any strings attached, more may be happening than you think. Research has shown that during sex, the hormone oxytocin is released from both parties creating a bond between the two. What if you begin to develop feelings for this person and they do not feel the same way? By hooking up, your chances of getting emotionally attached increase.

In the end, your sexual health and well-being are your responsibility. We encourage you to step back and consider how your actions might affect you now, and in the future. Perhaps you may consider not even putting yourself in a situation where a casual hookup could occur. As in all decisions we make, there are always short-term and long-term effects. Taking the time to examine your decisions is always the right choice.

 

AVA Care is here to Advocate for you, Validate your concerns and provide Answers to your questions. We are here for you – no matter what you decide. Schedule an appointment online or call 540.434.7528 today.

Teresa Klansek Medical Director

Dr. Teresa Klansek

Medical Director

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our Medical Director Dr. Teresa Klansek.

Dr. Teresa Klansek

Dr. Teresa Klansek

Medical Director

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our Medical Director Dr. Teresa Klansek.

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