I am writing about the “Sex is complicated, always come prepared” article. I understand that space limitations likely prevented you from exploring some of the differences between birth control methods [birth control methods include condoms, diaphragms and oral contraceptive pills], but I feel as though you neglected a key difference: STD prevention. In fact, the sentence “Whether you use a condom, diaphragm, vaginal ring or birth control, using protection is essential in preventing unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases” is particularly misleading. Only condoms have been shown effective at preventing [some] STDs. While a diaphragm, vaginal ring and oral contraceptive pill are effective at preventing pregnancy, they do nothing for preventing transmission of Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, HIV/AIDs, etc. For high school and college students, “serial monogamy” is a fertile breeding ground for STD transmission.

With this, bear in mind not all STDs are prevented by condoms either – such as HPV and some cases of Herpes.

While the tone of your article trends toward the “economics” and “ease” of birth control methods [not STD prevention], the careless wording and incomplete science may lead some readers to mistake birth control for STD prevention.

While I agree that unwanted pregnancies are a bad thing, so is the transmission of Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, HIV, etc. Please stress this point to your readers: if you are going to have sex, use a condom to prevent STDs. Additional forms of birth control may also be used but they will have no role in preventing disease.

Student: Dan Hornyak, 03 - 04/05/07