Frequently Asked Questions:

Yes, if you have sex with someone, regardless of whether it was your first time or not, you can get pregnant.

No, there is no risk of getting pregnant with anal or oral sex; however, there are many risks of contracting one or more STD's with oral or anal sex. Abstinence from all forms of sexual activity is the only 100 percent effective method against pregnancy and STD's.

Yes! Can you get pregnant your first time having sex?

A research study conducted on couples who consistently used condoms when they had sex, still show that 17.7% experience a pregnancy within one year with typical use. 27.5% within 2 years of use.
(N Ranjit, A Bankole, JE Darroch, S Singh, "Contraceptive Failure in the First Two Years of Use: Differences Across Socioeconomic Subgroups," Family Planning Perspectives, 2001, 33(1):19-27.)

During consistent usage, 2-4 percent of condoms slip or break during use. If a condom is not used correctly, it may slip off or break, thereby reducing its effectiveness as a barrier.
(CDC.gov fact sheet)

Consistent and correct use of male latex condoms can reduce (though not eliminate) the risk of STD transmission. The surest way to avoid transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, is to abstain from sexual contact, or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship ( such as marriage) with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected.
(CDC.gov STD fact sheet)

Read the condom label. They tell you how to use a condom. But you need to know the latest facts about condom effectiveness, too. After all if you are going to base your health and life on them, you need to make an informed decision.

When used consistently and correctly, condoms reduce the risk of infection for these STD. Remember, there are more infections and diseases out there with no studies to guide you.

HPV 70%
Winer R, Hughes J, Feng Q, O'Reilly S, Kiviat N, Holmes K, Koutsky L (2006). "Condom use and the risk of genital human papillomavirus infection in young women". N Engl J Med 354 (25): 2645–54. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa053284. PMID 16790697.

HSV 50%.
Shlay JC, McClung MW, Patnaik JL, Douglas JM Jr. Comparison of sexually transmitted disease prevalence by reported level of condom use among patients attending a sexually transmitted disease clinic. Sex Transm Dis. 2004;31(3):154-160.

HIV 85%
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health. Workshop Summary: Scientific Evidence on Condom Effectiveness for Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Prevention. 2001

Trichomonas 0%
No medical evidence (Ahmed S, Lutalo T, Wawer M, et al. HIV incidence and sexually transmitted disease prevalence associated with condom use: a population study 2001;15(16):2171-2179.National Institute of Health)

Chlamydia 50%
Ahmed S, Lutalo T, Wawer M, et al. HIV incidence and sexually transmitted disease prevalence associated with condom use: a population study 2001;15(16):2171-2179.

Gonorrhea about 50%
Ahmed S, Lutalo T, Wawer M, et al. HIV incidence and sexually transmitted disease prevalence associated with condom use: a population study 2001;15(16):2171-2179.

100% condom use does not reduce the risk of STD infection 100%. Only abstinence from all sexual activity does this.

No, condoms are not equally protective for all STD's. There is a greater risk in contracting an STD that is spread with skin to skin contact (HPV, Herpes) even with the use of a condom. In general adolescent females are at a greater risk.

HIV is viral and is the virus that causes AIDS. Human Papilloma Virus is the virus that causes genital warts and cervical cancers. It is the most common viral STD. Herpes (HSV) is a virus that can be transmitted both orally, and with genital contact. Hepatitis B and C are also viral STDs which are incurable.

Bacterial STD's include Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphillis, and Chanchroid and are treatable with antibiotic treatment. Trichomonas is a parasitic infection which is also curable with antibiotic treatment.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) remain a major public health challenge in the United States. CDC estimates that approximately 19 million new infections occur each year— almost half of them among young people 15 to 24 years of age.
(1 Weinstock H, et al. Sexually transmitted diseases among American youth: incidence and prevalence estimates, 2000. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health 2004;36(1):6-10.)

In addition to the burden on youth, women are also severely affected. Biological factors place women at greater risk than men for the severe health consequences of STDs. The two most commonly reported infectious diseases in America — chlamydia and gonorrhea — pose a particular risk to the health of women, as both can result in infertility if left untreated. Together, these diseases were reported in almost 1.5 million Americans in 2007, but the majority of cases continue to go undiagnosed.
(Trends in Reportable Sexually Transmitted Diseases in the United States, 2007 cdc.gov)

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that if you have been sexually active you should have a medical checkup to test for disease. If you continue to be sexually active you need a checkup every 6 months. Remember, many STDs do not have symptoms and you could still be infected even though you notice no signs and are not sick.

Your family physician can test for STDs. Also, most local health departments provide STD testing. Call your doctor or county health department if you have been sexually active to make an appointment. If you live in Northwest Indiana , click here to see a sample of places to go for testing.