Pregnancy is a life-changing event. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) – and there are now more than 20 – can rob you of your health and even your life. Condoms do not eliminate these dangers. About 15% of adults who use condoms to prevent pregnancy find themselves pregnant over the course of a year. Despite condom use, there remains a 15% risk of sexual transmission of HIV/AIDS, a 50% risk of chlamydia (a cause of female infertility) and a significant risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) (cause of cervical cancer). Some STDs can be passed on by skin-to-skin contact in the entire genital area, only part of which is covered by a condom.

–10 Emotional Dangers of Premature Sexual Involvement, 2007

How effective are condoms at preventing pregnancy and STDs? Check all that apply.

Condoms are more effective at preventing STDs than other contraceptives.
Condoms are more effective at preventing pregnancy than other contraceptives.
Condoms are equally effective against all STDs.
Using a condom does not guarantee that one will not contract an STD.
Using a condom does not guarantee that one will not get pregnant.