People who postpone sexual activity until marriage to an uninfected partner are completely protected from STIs and nonmarital pregnancy. If this behavior choice (ie, abstinence) were to become normative again, it is likely that these epidemics would be reversed.

There is evidence that many teens are getting this message. According to Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance data, over half of teens in high school have not had sexual intercourse.¹ From 1991 through 2007 the number of teens who have not had sexual intercourse increased from 46% to 52%.² Additionally, the number of teens with four or more lifetime partners decreased significantly from 1991 to 2007.² Most adolescents will postpone sexual activity (become or remain abstinent) with proper instruction and encouragement, especially from parents.

Reviewed by: Jennifer A. Shuford, MD, MPH
Date: October 2008

References:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Youth risk behavior surveillance- United States, 2007. Surveillance Summaries, June 6, 2008. MMWR 2008;57(No. SS-4). Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/yrbs/pdf/yrbss07_mmwr.pdf. Accessed: 2008 September 29.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Trends in the prevalence of sexual risk behaviors: national YRBS 1991-2007. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/yrbs/pdf/yrbs07_us_sexual_behaviors_trend.pdf. Accessed: 2008 September 29.