Is there such a thing as "SAFE SEX" when it comes to teens? To tell the truth there are two answers Yes and No. While it's a known fact that condoms, when used the right way, are high effective in protecting people from contracting Sexually Transmitted Diseases and getting pregnant, there really isn't any contraceptive that is 100% effective.

Are teens educated correctly about having safe sex? It's no simple task, but the current lessons taught in high schools simply aren't very effective. When teens are in high school, experimenting is tempting, because there is this notion that everyone else is doing it or if you have sex then that will automatically make you more cool.

Don't believe the hype!

Having sex is risky, especially with rising rates of STD and HIV infections amongst teens, not to mention teen pregnancy. Did you know that the Center for Disease Control reports that teens make up a sizable portion of STD infections in the U.S. each year and that 40 percent of all Chlamidya infections, an STD that negatively affects the reproductive organs, are gotten by teens ages 15-19? What's more 34 percent of girls get pregnant at least once before their 20th birthday, according to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Preganacy.

Condoms and contraceptives are the only way to protect yourself and your partner from STDs and HIV, but they're not foolproof. Safer sex is more than simply knowing how to correctly put on a condom. It is more than being able to recite the four body fluids that carry and transmit HIV like teachers have you do in sex ed. classes. It is knowing the proper ways to protect yourself and taking it upon yourself to be up on the knowledge.

Don't give in to having sex just because of peer pressure. Educate yourself first, then make a decision. Get started with these helpful links:
www.sexetc.org
www.sexetc.org
www.teenwire.com

[This message was edited by Msjay on April 30, 2004 at 10:47 AM.]