A growing number of young adults are routinely engaging in unprotected sexual activity, which frequently leads to serious health outcomes and safety concerns. To resolve this on-going issue of risky sexual behaviors, programs are beginning to be implemented in schools to provide adolescents with information on how to be safe, unsafe sex consequences, and how to reduce risks for STIs and unintended pregnancies.
Problem
Unprotected sex is defined as having vaginal, anal, or oral sex without using a condom (AVERT). Unprotected sex is becoming an increasingly common health concern and often times leads to serious consequences such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies. Male latex condoms are currently the only contraceptive method that works efficiently to prevent STIs and pregnancies, when used correctly. When using a male condom is not an option, female condoms can be used; however, the female condom has not had as much success in preventing the transmission of sexual infections as the male condom. While no method of contraception is entirely safe, male latex condoms appear to be the most reliable source of protection against STIs and prevention of unintended pregnancies (Our Sexuality) …show more content…
There have been hundreds of sexual education programs created to target these issues and avoid the undesirable outcomes. One of these programs, Reducing the Risk, aims to reduce the number of students having unprotected intercourse by promoting both abstinence and contraceptive usage (Advocates for Youth). The curriculum for Reducing the Risk is based on the social learning theory, social inoculation theory, and cognitive-behavioral theory to address explicit norms related to STI/HIV prevention and unintended pregnancies. (Kirby, D. Barth, R & Leland, N et
Problem
Unprotected sex is defined as having vaginal, anal, or oral sex without using a condom (AVERT). Unprotected sex is becoming an increasingly common health concern and often times leads to serious consequences such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies. Male latex condoms are currently the only contraceptive method that works efficiently to prevent STIs and pregnancies, when used correctly. When using a male condom is not an option, female condoms can be used; however, the female condom has not had as much success in preventing the transmission of sexual infections as the male condom. While no method of contraception is entirely safe, male latex condoms appear to be the most reliable source of protection against STIs and prevention of unintended pregnancies (Our Sexuality) …show more content…
There have been hundreds of sexual education programs created to target these issues and avoid the undesirable outcomes. One of these programs, Reducing the Risk, aims to reduce the number of students having unprotected intercourse by promoting both abstinence and contraceptive usage (Advocates for Youth). The curriculum for Reducing the Risk is based on the social learning theory, social inoculation theory, and cognitive-behavioral theory to address explicit norms related to STI/HIV prevention and unintended pregnancies. (Kirby, D. Barth, R & Leland, N et