Tips for Teens: Things You Need To Know About Sex, Tobacco and Alcohol

Your Health

It’s never too early to start being responsible for your health. How you take care of your body now will affect you for the rest of your life.

Did you know that in Anne Arundel County…?

  • Teens ages 19 and under gave birth to 144 babies in 2023. Pregnant teens and their unborn babies have unique medical risks, including high blood pressure, low birth weight babies and premature birth.
  • Teens and young adults have the highest rates of sexually transmitted infections* (STIs). In 2023 in Maryland, 29 percent of chlamydia cases and 21 percent of gonorrhea cases were in teens ages 19 and under. Both chlamydia and gonorrhea are STIs that can cause sterility (inability to have babies) if not treated.

*The term sexually transmitted infections (STIs) refers to any infection that can be spread through sexual contact. These infections are also often referred to as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). STI and STD have the same meaning.

What are some “risky” behaviors that can affect my health?

  • Vaginal, oral and anal sex can cause you to get an STI, and vaginal sex can lead to an unwanted pregnancy.
  • Alcohol and drugs can affect your ability to use good judgment and make decisions, including those related to sexual activity. Alcohol and drug use can result in an unwanted pregnancy, date rape, sexual violence or physical injuries.
  • Smoking or inhaling secondhand smoke can increase the likelihood of respiratory illnesses. Smoking causes shortness of breath, which can reduce your performance in active sports. It can also cause emphysema, bronchitis and certain types of cancer, including lung, stomach, mouth and throat cancer.

What is the only way to prevent pregnancy and STIs?

Not having vaginal, oral or anal sex is the only way to prevent pregnancy and to prevent getting an STI.

Who are the best people to answer my questions about sex, STIs, tobacco, alcohol and drugs?

Talk to your parents or a responsible adult. Ask them questions about sex, teen pregnancy, STIs, tobacco, alcohol and drugs. They will give you the correct information or help you find it. If you do not feel comfortable talking to your parents, call your health care provider.

What teen health services are available at the Department of Health?

Maryland’s Minor Consent Law allows teens under 18 to seek confidential contraceptive and STI-related care without their parents’ permission.

The Department of Health provides STI testing (no symptoms), pregnancy testing, Depo Provera, and Emergency Contraception Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins welcome.

Exams are available for symptomatic patients by appointment only.

Call our office at 410-222-6633 to schedule an appointment.

Services are offered at the following location:

Resource list for low cost Family Planning and Sexual Health Services in Anne Arundel County

Other Department of Health Resources:

Alcohol and Drug Prevention Services, 410-222-6724
Provides information about alcohol and drug prevention. Referrals for treatment are available.

HIV and Sexually Transmitted Diseases Program, 410-222-7382
Provides free and anonymous HIV and STI counseling and testing located throughout the County.

Immunizations Program
Provides recommended immunizations. Parental consent is required. Please call the Glen Burnie Health Center, 410-222-6633, Magothy Health Center, 410-222-2752, or Parole Health Center, 410-222-7247 for more information.

Web Resources:

Teen Sexual Health

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Smoking, Alcohol and Drug Use Prevention

Health Care for Families and Youth