Comprehensive sex education surpasses abstinence-only programs in efficacy

Comprehensive sex education seems to surpass abstinence-only programs in efficacy.

Photo: Comprehensive sex education surpasses abstinence-only programs in efficacy

The 2002 national survey showed that among more than 1,700 unmarried, heterosexual teens between 15 and 19 years old, those with comprehensive sex ed in school were 60 percent less likely to have been pregnant than those who'd had no formal sex education.

On the other hand, researchers claim that there is no benefit from abstinence-only approach in preventing pregnancy or delaying sexual intercourse.

It was also proved in statistical terms that comprehensive sex education does not account for the likelihood of teen sex or high rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

So in comparison with the abstinence-only program, comprehensive sex education is versatile and provide teens with all necessary information, not only restricted by pregnancy terms.

Photo: www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu