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.

• 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
  

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