Sex: the thing that’s always on the brain of the stereotypical male. Though the adage usually stands, “When in Rome, do as the Romans,” this male would instead say that, “When in Rome, do the Romans.”

According to an anonymous male student, “all guys will be like, ‘Oh yeah, sex, all the time, with your mom,’” but that it’s “just to fit in.” Despite our sexed-up teenage culture and (in)famous “That’s what she said” jokes, males acknowledge that intercourse itself is a serious matter. Hyped-up testosterone levels are not the deciding factors in whether or not most males have sex.

“In a high school context, the image that goes along with being overly sexually active is not a positive one,” junior Nima Emami said. “It doesn’t send the right message that you’re serious about your goals.”

The decision to have sex often stems from other issues. An anonymous male sophomore said that he first had sex because “it was something that I wanted to experience.” The fact that the two were not in a relationship beforehand, however, meant that sex affected him “negatively.”

“It was kind of weird between us afterward,” he said. “[The effect of sex] definitely depends on the couple … [When I had sex as part of a relationship], it brought us closer.”

Others agree that the relationship is and should be what makes the decision.

“For two people who love each other and have been together some time, [having sex] was a [predictable advance in our relationship emotionally,” said an anonymous male senior in a longterm relationship who chose to have sex. “Our compatibility was a major factor. … The decision to have sex was just another facet in terms of moving our relationship forward.”

Still, there indubitably are repercussions that can arise from having sex. While the sophomore said that he would have “freaked out” if something had happened, he said that he “didn’t think it would be an issue” before because of contraception. While protection is no guarantee, most students tend to focus on the greater likelihood that nothing will happen.

“Part of being emotionally prepared is understanding the implications of what could happen and being mature enough for both parties to take the precautions and to talk openly about it,” the senior said. “Since we used protection, [these risks were] not a factor because the chances were incredibly low.”

Not every male who walks our halls feels that sex is always the goal, and the are many more of him out there.

“When you’re at an age where you can’t provide for yourself, the possible ramifications would outweigh any pleasure that you might get from sex,” Nima said. “If anyone focuses on [sex in high school], they’re going to lose out lots of things they wouldn’t experience … [or achieve] if their priorities were set different.”