Get the Facts

 

Abstinence

• Choosing not to have sex

• No risk of pregnancy

• Safer from sexually transmitted infections

 

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

• STIs and STDs are common and can be prevented

• STIs can make you sick, make it difficult to have children, and can be life threatening

• All STIs can be treated, some can be cured, and come cannot be cured

• Health care providers can test and treat you for STIs

• STIs are passed through vaginal, anal and oral sex and some can be passed from kissing and intimate touching

• You cannot look at someone and tell if they have a STI - he or she may not know

 

Birth Control

• All types of birth control help prevent pregnancy but condoms also help lower the risk of STIs

• Birth control must be used correctly and every time you have sex, though it does not keep you 100% safe from pregnancy or STIs

• Abstinence (not having sex) is the only guarantee to avoid pregnancy

• Many types of birth control

• No one best method of birth control - each method has pros and cons

• A health care provider can explain each method and help you decide what is best for you