Abstinence is a positive, healthy choice that many people make. There are a number of other intimate activities people can engage in without having sexual intercourse. Choosing to have safer sex means using protection against disease and pregnancy. Latex condoms are the most popular and frequently used type of protection for several reasons. They are 97 percent effective when used correctly and protect against STDs as well as pregnancy.
Condoms are also easily available and fairly inexpensive.
When used with spermicide, or when spermicidal condoms are used, they are even more effective. Another fairly common method of protection are birth control pills. These are available only with a prescription, and are over 99 percent effective when taken regularly. Birth control pills do not provide any protection against STDs, however. Several other methods of protection are available, from Norplant, in which tiny capsules of artificial hormones are placed under the skin by a doctor, to diaphragms and cervical caps, which prevent sperm from r eaching the cervical cavity.