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Sex and Health There are a lot of
things to consider when having sex. Be informed
so you can make the best decision… not just for
today, but for your future.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) remain a
major public health challenge in the United
States. While substantial progress has been made
in preventing, diagnosing, and treating certain
STDs in recent years, CDC estimates that 19
million new infections occur each year, almost
half of them among young people ages 15 to 24.
Source: Weinstock H, Berman S, Cates W.
Sexually transmitted diseases among American
youth: incidence and prevalence estimates, 2000.
Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health
2004;36(1):6-10.
HPV infection and cervical cancer risk is
increased by:
- Beginning sexual intercourse at an early
age—especially age 16 or younger
- Having multiple sexual partners
- Sex with partners who engage in a
high-risk sexual behavior
Source: “Human Papillomaviruses and Cancer,”
National Cancer Institute, October 15, 2002
Of the 3.1 million unintended pregnancies in
2001, 48% of women were using contraceptives.
Source: Boonstra H et al., Abortion in Womens
Lives, New York: Guttmacher Institute, 2006
Among women who have had an abortion, 54%
used a contraceptive method during the month
they became pregnant.
Source: Boonstra H et al., Abortion in
Womens Lives, New York: Guttmacher Institute,
2006
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