Dr. Meg Meeker wanted the students of Notre Dame Academy to understand the dangers of premarital sex.

Meeker warned the students that premarital sex doesn’t just affect a person physically, but they are affected both emotionally and spiritually as well.

“Sex doesn’t fill that void in our lives; it only makes it deeper,” said Meeker.

While over half of high school kids today are remaining abstinent, there are still about 47% of high school kids that are participating in premarital sex, which leads to the increase of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

About one-fourth of teens live with an STD, and 80-85% don’t even know they carry that disease, she explained..

Another obvious consequence of premarital sex is pregnancy.

Along with losing one’s virginity, said Meeker, premarital sex also causes a loss of trust.

This loss of trust will likely lead to depression in young adults.

For most of the teens Meeker treats today their depression is caused by loss. These losses are often associated with sex within their teen years.

There is also an emotional connection that is formed during sex.

Meeker compared this connection to a piece of tape. The first time you stick this piece of tape to something, the bond is very strong, but every time it is pulled off and stuck back on to something, it doesn’t stick as strongly as it did before.

“Sexual activity is very complex and it messes with your head,” said Meeker.

Speaking on behalf of her faith, Meeker said that God is also affected when it comes to premarital sex.

He created sex for us, so it is supposed to be a holy act, and in order for us to keep sex holy, we need to follow God’s plan.

Meeker wanted NDA students to know God has a plan for them, and that plan involves 50 years of healthy sex, but it all begins, she emphasized, after marriage.

“God is crazy about you. He loves you more than you like yourself,” said Meeker.

Practicing abstinence isn’t the easiest thing, and Meeker reminded students of that reality.

To make the waiting game a little easier, Meeker suggested students find a friend that will wait with them and help them think through tempting situations.

“Practice courageous things,” said Meeker.

Prayer and supporting one another was her suggestion.  

“You can do anything you set your mind to,” she said.