Abstinence is the best!

The best at what???  It’s the best at keeping you protected from pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.

Abstinence is the only 100% effective method of preventing pregnancy.  It is also the only 100% effective method of preventing the transmission of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.

There are also other good reasons to be abstinent. Here are some as listed on http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/abstinence.htm

What are the advantages of choosing abstinence?

• Abstinence is free and available to all.
• Abstinence is extremely effective at preventing both infection and pregnancy. It is the only 100% effective method of preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy.
• Abstinence can be practiced at any time in one's life.
• Abstinence may encourage people to build relationships in other ways.
• Abstinence may be the course of action which you feel is right for you and makes you feel good about yourself.

Check out the following sites for more information about abstinence and its benefits.

http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/abstinence.htm:  from Advocates for Youth. Established in 1980 as the Center for Population Options, Advocates for Youth champions efforts to help young people make informed and responsible decisions about their reproductive and sexual health.

http://www.iwannaknow.org/prevention/abstinence.html from The American Social Health Association is a trusted, non-profit organization that has advocated on behalf of patients to help improve public health outcomes since 1914. We are America's authority for sexually transmitted disease information. ASHA is recognized by the public, patients, providers, and policy makers for developing and delivering accurate, medically reliable information about STDs. Public and college health clinics across the United States order ASHA educational pamphlets and books to give to clients and students. Community-based organizations depend on ASHA, too, to help communicate about risk, transmission, prevention, testing, and treatment.

http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/sexual_health/abstinence.html from Nemours, established in 1936 by philanthropist Alfred I. duPont, is dedicated to improving the health and spirit of children. Today, as part of its continuing mission, Nemours supports the operation of a number of renowned children's health facilities throughout the nation, including the Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Delaware, and the Nemours Children's Clinics throughout Florida. Nemours also supports important clinical research aimed at translating advances in science into practical ways of improving health care for infants, children, and teens

http://www.4parents.gov/teenchat_2008.pdf from the US Department of Health and Human Services a booklet titled “Teen Chat - a Guide to Discussing Healthy Relationships”.