The only reliable way to prevent promiscuity among youth is to strip away the taboo and the mystery. Teens who know the potential dangers and consequences, and the necessary precautions, of sexual activity are more likely to make safe choices should they pursue an active sex life. Parents and educators must refocus sex ed curricula to provide youth with straight facts rather than with moral values.

Educate youth about STDs

The myriad STDs one might contract from even a single sexual encounter make it imperative for young people to know what STDs are, how STDs affect the body and how best to prevent infection.

HIV/AIDS poses a particular danger due to its potentially life-threatening nature. Other STDs, like Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, tend to be less serious, but if left untreated can cause complications, especially for women. Genital herpes cannot be cured, and infected persons will experience periodic outbreaks throughout their lifetime.

None of these STDs manifest themselves in an obvious way, all the time, so prevention remains a personal responsibility. Regular examinations ensure early diagnosis and effective treatment of infection(s).

Educate youth about pregnancy

Providing an objective education concerning teen pregnancy can be challenging. However, the primary focus of this education should be on the realistic risk of pregnancy in sexually active youth, as well as the impact of pregnancy on one's life.

The chance of becoming pregnant or impregnating someone has nothing to do with the number of sexual encounters or partners someone has had. Though the risk of pregnancy varies between individuals, methods for determining the actual risk require time and dedication to discover how one's body operates. Contraception of any kind does not guarantee one won't get pregnant.

Having a child requires a great deal of sacrifice from the potential parent(s). Care and attention must be taken during pregnancy to protect the mother and child's lives. Monetary, emotional and even physical demands will be made on the parent(s) over the course of the child's life.

Educate youth about their options

Abstinence is not the only choice available to youth. It is the only way to prevent--100% of the time--STD infection and/or pregnancy.

Still, if youth choose to pursue an active sex life, they should know how to do so safely. Condom use prevents physical contact of sexual organs and exchange of bodily fluids, thus protecting one from infection. Youth should be aware various types of condoms exist, and choosing the right condom increases effectiveness.

Contraceptives (e.g., birth control, fertility awareness) reduce the likelihood that sperm will fertilize an egg. Youth should be aware there is a specific process to be followed, when using contraceptives, to prevent harmful side effects and assure maximum effectiveness. Seek medical advice from a doctor or nurse practitioner pursuing a contraceptive method like birth control.