Risks: Pregnancy & Diseases
Will condoms always protect you? No! Latex may have microscopic voids or holes, which may allow the passage of bacteria and viruses that are smaller than sperm a way of escape.
Many of the germs that cause STDs occur in areas not covered by the condom. For example, genital warts can occur throughout the genital area, such as on the scrotum and in the anal area. In those cases, wearing a condom wouldn’t prevent the germs from being passed between partners. Similarly, the sores that a person gets with herpes, syphilis, and gonorrhea can occur outside the area covered by a condom.
Condoms have an annual contraceptive failure rate of 18.4% for girls under the age of 18; among young, unmarried, minority women the annual failure rate is 36.3%
Saying no to sex is the only 100% sure way to protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases and from becoming pregnant.
Learn more about: Pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
When you say no, you:
- Protect your health
- Avoid sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
- Prevent pregnancy
- Stick to your spiritual or moral values
- Be true to yourself
- Take control of your own life and your reputation
- Boost your self esteem
Teen parents are less likely to:
- Finish high school
- Get a good job
- Create a future