Sex — the norm for some, and taboo for others. The choice you will ultimately make — whether to wait until marriage or to engage in premarital relations, can determine the rest of your life, provided you receive the correct information and do what you feel is right.

Sex permeates our media sources from television to magazines today. After all, sex sells, right? With all these influences on our generation and on younger generations, it is no wonder it appears premarital sex is more common today than in past generations.

However, not everyone is having sex. Nationally, more than half of teenagers are virgins until they are at least 17 years of age, according to research by the Alan Guttmacher Institute.

For anyone who has ever seen an episode of “Maury,” topic titles include “I’m 14 years old; I’ve brought 3 men, who’s my baby’s father?” Other than perhaps being the most scripted television show since “The Jerry Springer Show,” “Maury” showcases ill-informed youths and their bad decisions.

But I’m not saying sex is a bad decision. The youth of today need to become more informed of the important decision they are making for themselves. We may have been taught sex education in school; however, this mostly included where everything was and to wait until marriage.

Education needs to be updated. No longer do we need to know only about where everything is located along with stressing abstinence. We need to include the alternatives to abstinence and discuss their positives and negatives.

Believe it or not, sex is OK before marriage, provided you have the correct information before making your decision. Planned Parenthood states that sexuality should be understood as an essential, lifelong aspect of being human and to celebrate it with respect, openness and mutuality. It also says that becoming a sexually healthy adult is an important part of adolescent development.

Consider your partner. Has he or she had any other partners? Is there a possibility that he or she has an STD and has he or she been tested at all? Are you in a relationship? How long have you been together? Or is this someone you met at a bar who just looks cute?

You should also consider your emotional state. Are you an overall happy individual or have you been feeling down lately? Also, are you emotionally attached to this person? Nobody makes the right choices when they aren’t feeling 100 percent.

Sex can take a relationship to the next level, but it can also completely ruin your relationship. Try speaking with your partner prior to any sexual activity to establish a sort of foundation, in order to prevent any emotional fallout that could occur.

After your emotions are all in check, protecting yourself is another important consideration. Well, not a consideration, but a must. Unless you want to end up on “Maury,” I suggest both men and women plan to protect themselves to prevent any “forgetful” moments.

Despite all the beliefs out there, we shouldn’t allow ourselves to be handed these morals on a silver platter and be expected to follow them. Everyone is different, and we all have the right to our own opinions and actions. Planned Parenthood says to talk to a trusted and respected adult, whether it be your parents or your local priest. However, I will wholeheartedly disagree, because that trusted adult figure may not give you the answers you’re looking for, or they may try to change your mind from what you believe is right for you.

Whether you decide to engage in premarital sex or not, always consider your emotions and protection beforehand. Keep in mind there could be a risk of pregnancy or a sexually transmitted disease each time you engage in the act.

You have plenty of time to think about what is right for you. If you believe what was said in high school — that “everyone is doing it” — not everyone is. Only a little more than half are, and there is no rush to make your choice.

Your ideas about sex shouldn’t come from a book, a movie or the peer pressure shoved down your throat. Instead, it is you who should make up your mind regarding your sexual behavior. If you feel that after considering all your options that you are ready, well, then go ahead. If you feel that waiting until marriage is right for you, well then, good for you. It’s your body and it should ultimately be your own decision regarding your sexual behavior.

— Justine Hain is a freshman in pre-journalism and mass communication from Rochester, Minn.