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There are many different views about sex, many of which are culturally or religiously tied. Of course, each religion and culture has its own views of sex and sexual contact and what is permissable but here are a few views on sex which might interest or involve you:

"...according to Catholicism, sex is a gift and sacred. Sex is something a male and female couple should do after they are married. Premarital sex is a sin. Homosexual acts are also sins.". Catholics often use the "Natural Family Planning" method for birth control and are pro-life.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of America states that "sexuality was created good for the purposes of expressing love and generating life, for mutual companionship and pleasure" which can cause "profound joy, purpose, and unity, as well as deep pain, frustration, and division" and advocates "responsible use of safe, effective contraceptives."

Judaism accepts sex as an act "no more evil than hunger or thirst" and unlike other religious views of sex the "primary purpose of sex is to reinforce the loving marital bond between husband and wife" rather than procreation and marriage is required before sex/sexual contact which will "will inevitably lead to intercourse." Contraception is allowed when conception will pose a medical risk to the mother and if the form of birth control does not destroy the sperm; generally, condoms are not permitted. Abortion is permitted and sometimes required, if it threatens the mother's health.

Many cultures view sex (and sexuality and nudity) as a private and personal thing and censor it in the media. Other cultures, like in some European countries, embrace sex and nudity and it's more common to see nudity (like nude beaches) and acceptance of sexuality.

Sometimes, the view that sex is private and/or should be saved for marriage promotes abstinence only education with, more often than not, fails at educating students about sex at all. When teenagers and children are told directly not to do sometihng, it can cause them to do it anyway, out of rebellion and since abstinence only education does not teach them about safer sex, contraception, STI's, etc they are unprepared for the consequences of sexual activity.

Some believe that education youth about sex will encourage them to participate in it. However, teenagers will engage in sexual activity and to way to best prevent that is to educate them about the possibly consequences and, in the event that they do have sex, they will at least be informed about their decision.

Some view virginity as a very special thing and wait until they feel the time is right toh ave sex which may be before marriage and this decision may have nothing to do with religion and/or culture. Others do not value virginity as highly, and are eager to lose theirs.

Some people feel that sexual compatibility is necessary in a relationship and you should not marry someone unless you know that the sex will be satisfactory. Along with that, their are those who believe that sex can make or break a relationship and an unhealthy sex life will result in an unhealthy relationship.

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