Considering the potential consequences of unprotected sexual intercourse and having multiple partners, and how these behaviors can damage lives, participation in risky sexual behaviors is a cause for concern. Each of the potential consequences related to unprotected sexual intercourse carries with it the risk for immediate and long-term consequences. Immediate consequences can include sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as Chlamydia and gonorrhea. All STDs, however, are not curable but instead, remain in the body as a constant reminder of earlier choices. These include HIV and herpes simplex-2. Another long-term consequence includes early, unplanned pregnancies, which may limit an adolescent’s future choices and perhaps cause the adolescent to make life choices (e.g. dropping out of high school) that further limit one’s future. Health care providers working with adolescents, regardless of the setting, should recognize the multiple risks they face from alcohol use and sexual behaviors. Health care providers must recognize that alcohol use and sexual behaviors frequently co-occur. Early-onset drinking was also associated with early cigarette smoking, even compared to late-onset drinking. If early alcohol use is occurring, it is likely
