Safe Sex vs. Safe Enough Sex

Many teens are being given a message that using condoms or other forms of birth control is having "safe sex". If that were true, then why do sexually active people who use condoms still experience pregnancy and contract STD's and HIV/AIDS? Despite what you may have been previously lead to believe condoms do not offer full protection against pregnancy, STD's, HIV and AIDS. Contraceptives are sometimes defective and do not function properly, but it is more likely that a contraceptive device will fail due to human error. To obtain contraceptive success a person has to be very careful and consistent in the usage. Teenagers are very bright and capable but they are not often known for their ability to be consistent. Even if a teen were to use a contraceptive method 100% correctly, 100% of the time they are still at risk for contracting STD's. Some STD's can incubate on areas of the skin not covered by condoms or other barrier methods, such as on the fingers, mouth, and areas surrounding the genitals. The only true SAFE SEX method that is a 100% effective way to prevent pregnancy, STD's, and HIV/AIDS is ABSTINCENCE from sexual activity until marriage.