Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Question
Published: May 23, 2001
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I read one of your answers to a question concerning sex and pregnancy. You said that condoms can protect against getting pregnant and STDs. Can they prevent you from contracting STDs? I didn't think they could.
Signed: Condoms And STDs
Dear Condoms And STDs,
Yes, it is true that condoms can help protect you from getting pregnant and from contracting some sexually transmitted diseases. However, while condoms do provide some protection, if the condom does not cover a herpes sore or lesion or a wart caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) you may be putting yourself at risk. The only way to absolutely protect you 100% against pregnancy and STDs is to not have sex.
So, in order to protect you and your partner, condoms must be used both correctly and consistently. This means that you must use a condom EVERY SINGLE TIME you have sex. If you use condoms perfectly, they are more than 90% effective in preventing pregnancy. Along with condoms, you may want to use a spermicide, which also helps to prevent pregnancy. In addition, sperm and STDs can be found in pre-ejaculate fluid. Therefore, the safest way is to have no genital contact until after you or your partner has put on the condom.
Your local Planned Parenthood or teen health center has free (or low cost) condoms. They also provide education confidentially to teens on how to use condoms correctly. If you live in the Northern New Jersey area you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health for an appointment at 973.971.6475.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Crash risk is particularly high during the first year that teenagers are eligible to drive.
