The Pill
What are your risks?
Over the course of 1 year, about 8 out of 100 typical couples who rely on the Pill to prevent pregnancy will have an accidental pregnancy. Of course, this is an average figure and the chance of getting pregnant depends on whether you take your birth control pills every day. The Pill is an effective form of birth control, but even missing 1 day increases the chance of getting pregnant.
The pill offers no protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). There are over 25 STDs passed on to millions of people each year.
©kidshealth.org
Condoms
What are your risks?
Typical use results in 15 out of 100 users getting pregnancy each year.
Teens have a higher failure rate than adults.
“Consistent and correct use of male latex condoms can reduce (though not eliminate) the risk of STD transmission” (www.cdc.gov)
While condoms used correctly, every time, do greatly decrease HIV transmission, they do not provide similar protection from other STDs.
Some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), like HPV and herpes are passed on by skin to skin contact in areas not covered by a condom.
(www.sw.org)
How can you protect yourself from an unwanted pregnancy or STDs?
Abstinence, not having sex until marriage, is the best way. We know it’s not easy. Here are some tips to help you:
- Tell your date your standards
- Don’t drink or use drugs on a date
- Group date
- Plan how and when to leave a situation if needed
- Carry money and your phone at all times
- Make the decision before you date not to have sex
