Thursday, January 06, 2005

Birth Control and STD rates

Eugene Volokh is posting that over then counter use of Plan B, the morning after pill, has no effect on STD rates compared to prescription and clinic use of the same pill. So it probably does not increase the likelihood the woman will have unprotected sex. On the other hand it also had no effect on pregnancy rates compared to prescription use of Plan B.

However some other birth control methods may increase STD rates. Hog on Ice has a rather irreverent column on Depo Provera. DP has STD rates that are 3 times other methods like the pill. Some have postulated that this is because DP only requires the user to get shots 4 times a year and so it caters to a less responsible clientele.

STD rates are shooting up. People seem to be incorrectly equating birth control with safe sex. Most methods of contraception offer little STD protection. Just because you won't get pregnant does not mean you will not suffer other consequences.

I'm basically an abstinence and monogamy guy though so don't look to me for advice about how to cavort without consequences.

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