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Birth Control INFORMATIONClick to learn about Birth Control methods
Birth Control is a hot topic for those pursuing "safer sex," trying to avoid pregnancy and the contraction of STDs. Facts say that Birth Control does provide a limited amount of protection, but it is not fool proof. This causes a big concern, especially with the rise of sexually transmitted diseases.
During the last 30 years a major epidemic of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) has developed. Compared to the 1960's, when syphilis and gonorrhea were the only well known and feared STDs, overwhelmingly today we find over 80 prevalent diseases with 12 million new persons infected each year. It is estimated that 1 in 5 Americans has been infected with a viral STDs like herpes, HPV, and HIV. This does not include bacterial diseases such as chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea which are at very high levels. Some STDs have cures, some do not. Some are relatively harmless if treated, some are deadly.
This dramatic change has occurred within the past thirty years because of the increased sexual interaction of the population. As more people continue to change sexual partners, the inevitable result is an acceleration in the spread of STDs. The problem is compounded because many people (about 80%) do not know that they are infected, because they do not develop the initial symptoms, and pass on the STD without knowing it. In fact, many of those infected with chlamydia experience no noticeable symptoms and therefore cannot know they are contagious.
Even with the great advances in medical science, the STD epidemic continues to grow. Chlamydia and gonorrhea can be "cured" with antibiotics, but can leave scars, which often require future treatment and may cause infertility. Viral STDs are a major problem because no medical cure has been found for any virus - not even the common cold. This means if a person becomes infected with a viral STD (such as herpes, HPV, or HIV) there is no cure. There has been a rumor going around for years about a herpes vaccine, but it has not yet been produced. A cure, or vaccine, for HIV virus is probably years away, if ever. We know, however, that even if vaccines or cures for these infections were available today - problems would still persist.
Condoms have been regarded by many as the solution to the problem of STDs and unwanted pregnancy, but the evidence suggests otherwise. They have a poor record for prevention of pregnancy, with failure rates of up to 14-16 percent during the first year of use. When condoms are used consistently and correctly, they may offer a 90 percent risk reduction for the transmission of HIV. Although, the CDC (Center of Disease Control) points out, "Used inconsistently (less than 100 percent of the time), condoms offer little more protection [for HIV] than when they are not used at all." Although condoms reduce the risk they do not eliminate the risk of acquiring such STDs as HIV and gonorrhea. They're even less effective at preventing genital herpes, trichomoniasis and chlamydia. Plus, they offer no protection against HPV, one of the most common STDs in America, which causes 90 percent of all cervical cancer. Therefore even if you use them right every time, experts agree that you are still at risk for some STDs.
Postponing sexual activity until marriage with an uninfected partner is the only way for teens and single adults to be 100 percent confident of avoiding STD infection and unwed pregnancy.
Even if you have already had sex, it's never to late to start making smarter, healthier choices. You can't change your past, but you can certainly shape your future. Make a new commitment today and live it out!
Common STDs:
Chlamydia - Usually there are no symptoms at first. Some experience discharge, pain, and a burning with urination. Chlamydia causes sterility. Advanced chlamydia may require a woman to have her uterus, tubes, and ovaries removed.
Gonorrhea - Symptoms include pus discharge and painful urination along with pelvic pain. Gonorrhea also causes sterility and other problems.
Genital Herpes - Lesions appear at the site of infection and periodic eruptions of painful blisters and ulcers can appear anywhere on the body. With genital herpes you will have continuous outbreaks, and for the rest of your life, you will have to take medication for it. It may eventually lead to hospitalization and can cause infant death.