Caitlain's Corner

Two of the most critical concerns you need to be aware of before you become sexually active are the potential for pregnancy and the possibility of acquiring or transmitting a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

The United States has the highest teen pregnancy rate and one of the highest teen STD transmission rates of any developed country on the entire planet. That is staggering. One of the primary reasons behind this is the lack of sufficient education about how to prevent these incidents from occurring.

Every year, some 15 million young people are infected with an STD. There is an excellent chance that you or someone you know will become infected as well. STDs don't just happen to promiscuous people, either. It just takes one encounter with someone who is infected to give you a lifetime of not being able to enjoy your sex life again. Use this information to protect yourself from STDs.

Remember, sexual abstinence is the *only* 100% effective way to prevent pregnancy. And, while it is possible to acquire STDs through means other than sexual activity, abstinence is also one of the best ways to prevent becoming infected. If you're going to be sexually active, though, read this information and USE IT to protect yourself. It will be the healthiest thing you can do.

All of this information has been updated at of July 1, 2007. 

WARNING:  Some of these articles contain images of infected genitals that some may find offensive.