Abstinence beats condoms vs. STDs
As a family physician, I was deeply concerned upon reviewing the March 12 article regarding the prevalence of STDs in teenage girls and the limitations of teaching abstinence in our schools. I believe clarification of the best two methods of STD prevention is necessary.
Condoms help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. This fact is often quoted but is rarely accompanied by the significant limitations of condom use in STD prevention when quoted by the news media.
The efficacy of condoms varies with each sexually transmitted disease. The National Institute of Allergy and Infection reported that condoms have the best record in preventing HIV transmission and the poorest in preventing HPV transmission.
A herpes or syphilis sore can be present on skin not covered by a condom, rendering condom use ineffective in preventing these STDs.
It has also been shown by Family Planning Perspective that the longer a teen has sex, the less likely he is to use a condom. I have found these facts consistent with my experience as a practicing physician.
Abstinence is the best method of STD prevention. Condom use falls a distant second.
Which method do you prefer for your teenager?
Dr. David B. Cespedes
Elgin