With rising concern about the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unplanned pregnancies in the United States, adolescents and adults alike are wondering if there is a way to enjoy the pleasure of sex without the associated consequences.
There are many options in the way of birth control, including (but not limited to) condoms, birth control pills, morning after pills, intrauterine devices (or IUDs), contraceptive patches, vaginal rings, and the rhythm method. Each of these methods have their own benefits and drawbacks, as well as varying levels of effectiveness. The most effective methods in preventing pregnancy are the birth control pill, IUDs, contraceptive patches, and the vaginal ring. However, none of these options prove to be 100% effective in the way of preventing pregnancy. Condoms can be used to partially protect against STDs, but the chances of contracting one of these diseases while using a condom is still considerably high. In fact, 1 in 4 people in the U.S. who engage in sexual intercourse will contract an STD.
The only way that you can rest assured that you will not contract an STD or become pregnant is to abstain from engaging in any kind of sexual activity. Abstinence is the best way to protect yourself and your significant other until you are in a place to provide for a baby. Waiting until you are in a committed relationship, like marriage, to engage in sexual activity will preserve your sexual health and safety, as well as your emotional well-being. The more people you create that bond with, the less special the experience becomes, and the harder it becomes to bond with one person for life. So whether it is for emotional, spiritual, or sexual health reasons, the evidence is stacked up that the only way to have 100% safe sex is to practice abstinence until you are in the safety of a long-term, committed relationship.
Gray, Jennifer, and Jack Pearson. “Birth Control Options: The Voice of Choice.” Natural Cycles, 28 Aug. 2019, www.naturalcycles.com/cyclematters/birth-control-options.
Medinstitute.org, Medical Institute for Sexual Health, 2016, www.medinstitute.org/