15

If a couple is going to have sex, it’s important for them to talk things over first. They need to discuss topics like their sexual boundaries and how they can protect themselves. Talking about STDs is an important part of this conversation. Remember, though, that since others can’t always be accurate about their STD status—especially because they may not even know they have one—using condoms for protection is very important.
Of course, if you have an STD, it’s good to be honest. Not only will it help you take the right precautions to protect your health and your partner’s health—by either abstaining from
intercourse until an outbreak is over or practicing safer sex—it also shows your partner that you care about and respect him or her. Chances are, your partner will appreciate your truthfulness and reciprocate, and such honesty may even strengthen the emotional
bond between you.
Here are some tips that professionals offer about how to talk about sex. Choose a time and place that’s relaxed and comfortable before you get intimate (ideally that means before you take your clothes off!). Be sure to know plenty of important facts so that you can answer any questions your partner may have. You might want to start the conversation on a positive note—for example, by telling your partner that you really care for him or her and that’s why you want to discuss something important. If part of what you want to tell your partner is about an STD you have, you might say that last year, you found out you carry HPV, or that you just learned that you have chlamydia and you want him or her to get checked out. If you have genital herpes, you might explain that you sometimes get sores in the genital area.
Keep it simple and just give the facts about symptoms, treatment,
how the disease is spread, and how you can protect each other. This is a difficult conversation that will likely stir up a lot
of emotions, but try to think of it as simply sharing vital
information. Then give your partner some time and space to digest the news. After all, it probably took you a while when you first heard. Offer to provide more information or an STD hotline number. With time, most people take the news pretty well and don’t let it stand in the way of the relationship. (And if they don’t take it well, it’s better to find out before the relationship goes too far.) With everything that’s been learned in recent years about STDs and their transmission, it’s entirely possible for people with an STD to have a satisfying sex life without passing the infection to their partners.
Whether or not you’re sexually active, now you have the facts you need to protect yourself. The next step is putting this
information into practice. Communicate with your partner about your choices. Take precautions to avoid unintended pregnancy and lower your risk of getting an STD. Your health is entirely in your hands. So whatever you decide to do, make choices that you can enjoy and feel good about—today, tomorrow, and the next day.
26
HOW TO TALK TO YOUR PARTNER
WHETHER YOU CHOOSE TO HAVE SEX OR NOT, IT IS IMPORTANT TO BE ABLE TO TALK ABOUT SEX. HAVING DIRECT CONVERSATIONS ABOUT SEX CAN BE UNCOMFORTABLE BUT IT DOES GET EASIER IF YOU ARE CONFIDENT ABOUT YOUR FACTS. BOTTOM LINE: WHEN IT COMES TO SEX, GOOD COMMUNICATION IS IMPORTANT, WITH FRIENDS, HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS, PARENTS AND FAMILY, AS WELL AS YOUR BOYFRIEND OR GIRLFRIEND.
THINK.MTV.COM

14

REMOVING A CONDOM Immediately after ejaculation, the penis should be slowly withdrawn before it loses its erection. The base of the condom should be held against the penis to avoid slippage or spilling any semen as it’s withdrawn. The condom should be wrapped in tissue and thrown away in the garbage (not in the toilet, or it may clog).
PROTECTION DURING ORAL SEX According to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is possible to get HIV and other STDs during oral sex. That’s because viruses can enter
the body through tiny cuts or sores in the mouth. The CDC
recommends you use a latex or polyurethane condom for oral sex on a penis. For oral sex on a vagina or an anus, the CDC says to use a latex barrier (such as a natural rubber latex sheet, a dental dam or a cut-open condom that makes a square) between your mouth and your partner’s genitals. A latex barrier such as a dental dam reduces the risk of blood or vaginal fluids entering your mouth. Plastic food wrap also can be used as a barrier.

13

METHOD
SUCCESS RATE
BENEFITS
DRAWBACKS
HOW TO GET IT
10
A woman uses spermicide to
coat the inside and outer edge
of this dome-shaped silicone
or latex cup with a flexible rim. Then she inserts it into the back
of her vagina so that it covers the
cervix, where it blocks sperm.
With typical use, 16 women out
of 100 will become pregnant in one year. With perfect use, six women out of 100 will become pregnant in one year.
It can be put in place up to six hours before intercourse and can stay there for 24 hours (though fresh spermicide should be applied each time you have intercourse).
Won’t effectively protect against most STDs, including HIV, and
can increase the risk of urinary tract infections and toxic shock
syndrome. Don’t use oil-based lubricants, as they can damage
the diaphragm. Can be messy (thanks to the spermicide) and clumsy to use until you get the hang of it. Also, it has to stay in place for six hours after the last
act of intercourse and then
needs to be washed thoroughly with soap and water.
Through a prescription from
a health care provider; the cost
is about $30 to $50 plus the
cost of spermicide and the exam
and fitting for the diaphragm.
A replacement every two years
is recommended.
A woman uses spermicide to coat the inside of this hat-shaped silicone rubber cap. Then she inserts it into the back of her vagina so that it covers the
cervix, where it blocks sperm.
With typical use, 20 women out of
100 will become pregnant in one
year. With perfect use, nine women out of 100 will become pregnant.
Can be worn for up to 48 hours. An attached strap aids in removal.
Does not protect against STDs, including HIV. Must stay in place for six hours after last act of intercourse. It only comes in three sizes, so it may not be an option for everyone. Some women or their partners may feel discomf

12

METHOD
SUCCESS RATE
BENEFITS
DRAWBACKS
HOW TO GET IT
10
A woman uses spermicide to
coat the inside and outer edge
of this dome-shaped silicone
or latex cup with a flexible rim. Then she inserts it into the back
of her vagina so that it covers the
cervix, where it blocks sperm.
With typical use, 16 women out
of 100 will become pregnant in one year. With perfect use, six women out of 100 will become pregnant in one year.
It can be put in place up to six hours before intercourse and can stay there for 24 hours (though fresh spermicide should be applied each time you have intercourse).
Won’t effectively protect against most STDs, including HIV, and
can increase the risk of urinary tract infections and toxic shock
syndrome. Don’t use oil-based lubricants, as they can damage
the diaphragm. Can be messy (thanks to the spermicide) and clumsy to use until you get the hang of it. Also, it has to stay in place for six hours after the last
act of intercourse and then
needs to be washed thoroughly with soap and water.
Through a prescription from
a health care provider; the cost
is about $30 to $50 plus the
cost of spermicide and the exam
and fitting for the diaphragm.
A replacement every two years
is recommended.
A woman uses spermicide to coat the inside of this hat-shaped silicone rubber cap. Then she inserts it into the back of her vagina so that it covers the
cervix, where it blocks sperm.
With typical use, 20 women out of
100 will become pregnant in one
year. With perfect use, nine women out of 100 will become pregnant.
Can be worn for up to 48 hours. An attached strap aids in removal.
Does not protect against STDs, including HIV. Must stay in place for six hours after last act of intercourse. It only comes in three sizes, so it may not be an option for everyone. Some women or their partners may feel discomfort while using FemCap. Needs to be washed thoroughly with soap and water. Replacement every two years is recommended.
A fitting by a physician is required. The cost of the FemCap is $15 to $75, not including the cost of the examination.
A woman uses spermicide to
coat the inside of this oval silicone
rubber device. Then she inserts
it into the back of her vagina so
that it covers the cervix, where it blocks sperm.
With typical use, 15 women out of
100 will become pregnant in one
year. With perfect use, nine women out of 100 will become pregnant.

11

BIRTH CONTROL PILLS
THE PATCH
(Ortho Evra)
DEPO-PROVERA
THE RING
(Nuva Ring)
A woman takes a pill that
contains either a combination
of artificial estrogen and progestin or progestin only, every day. The pill works by preventing ovulation, increasing cervical mucus to
block sperm and creating a thin
uterine environment.
With typical use, eight women in 100 become pregnant in one year. With perfect use, less than one woman in 100 will become
pregnant in one year.
If taken correctly, the pill provides non-stop protection from pregnancy. It can also make a woman’s periods more regular, reduce cramps, and shorten or lighten her period.
Offers no protection against STDs, including HIV. Possible side effects: nausea, headaches and moodiness. If you miss two or more daily pills during a cycle, or you are late starting a new cycle of pills, you should use a back-up method of birth control until you have taken seven consecutive pills.
Through a prescription from a health care provider; the cost runs $15 to $35 a month depending on the pill brand, plus the cost of the visit to your health care provider and an examination if needed.
The woman wears one patch for seven days, three weeks in a row, and then goes one seven-day week without the patch. The patch releases estrogen and progestin and works by preventing ovulation, increasing cervical mucus to block sperm and creating a thin uterine environment.
No studies have yet been published, but it is assumed that with typical use, the patch would be more effective than a birth control pill; typical use of the pill results in eight out of 100 women becoming pregnant in one year. With perfect use of the patch, less than one woman in 100 will become pregnant.
Weekly dosing and the ability to visually verify the patch is in place make it more likely to be used
successfully. Women may also experience more regular, lighter
or shorter periods.
Provides no protection against STDs, including HIV. Requires a back-up method for the first seven days unless started on the first
day of menstruation. May cause local skin irritation or rash, vaginal
spotting, nausea, headaches, or moodiness. When worn, the patch may be difficult to hide. Smokers should not use the patch.
Requires a prescription. Cost is $30-$35 per month, plus a visit
to a physician.
A flexible, soft ring that releases synthetic estrogen and progestin
to prevent pregnancy. The ring
is inserted in the vagina, where
it remains for 21 days. It is then removed and kept out for seven days.
No studies have yet been published, but it is assumed that with typical use, the ring would be more
effective than a birth control pill; typical use of the pill results in eight out of 100 women becoming pregnant in one year. With perfect
use of the ring, less than one woman in 100 will become pregnant.
Effective immediately and easy to confirm it is in place.
Does not protect against STDs, including HIV. The ring should be kept refrigerated to prolong its life. Side effects may include nausea, headaches and vaginal discomfort. Smokers should not use the ring.
Requires a prescription. Cost is $30-$35 per month, plus a visit
to a physician.
A woman gets an intramuscular shot of the artificial hormone
progestin every three months
(12 weeks) which keeps her from getting pregnant.
With typical use, three women out of 100 will get pregnant in one year. With perfect use, less than one woman in 100 will become pregnant in a year using this method.
Once you get the shot, you don’t have to think about birth control for three months.
Offers no protection against STDs, including HIV, and can cause weight gain, irregular periods,
and depression.
Requires a

10

YOU FIND OUT THAT YOU ARE PREGNANT In this situation you
essentially have three options to consider: to continue the
pregnancy and keep the baby, to have the baby and put it up for
adoption, or to have an abortion. These are big decisions; take
your time, and talk with your family or other trusted advisers.
If you want to discuss your choice with a clinician, Planned
Parenthood offers pregnancy options counseling at their
local clinics.
YOU MAY THINK IT CAN’T HAPPEN TO YOU, BUT EVERY YEAR THERE ARE ALMOST 3 MILLION UNINTENDED PREGNANCIES IN THIS COUNTRY. AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE THE PROBLEM IS ESPECIALLY SERIOUS. EACH YEAR NEARLY
1 MILLION YOUNG WOMEN AGED 15 TO 19 GET PREGNANT; THAT’S A LITTLE MORE THAN ONE IN EVERY NINE TEENAGERS. EIGHTY PERCENT OF THESE PREGNANCIES ARE UNPLANNED

09

PROTECT YOURSELF For those who are sexually active, the best protection against STDs, including HIV, is to use condoms during each and every act of intercourse. Not only does the consistent and correct use of condoms offer protection against HIV, it can also reduce the risk for many other STDs. Condoms also provide effective protection against pregnancy. But to be doubly safe, your best protection against pregnancy and disease is to use condoms with another method, such as oral contraceptives