Table 2.

Examples from reviewed websites of messages about how to simultaneously prevent unintended pregnancy and STIs

Abstinence only	Abstinence, which means no sexual activity whatsoever, is the most effective method for both birth control and STD prevention. Abstinence is, and will remain, the very best way to avoid sexually transmitted diseases/infections (STD/STIs) and unwanted pregnancy. It's important to know that the only 100% way to protect yourself from pregnancy and/or STI transmission is to practice abstinence.
Condoms only	Condoms are also the friend of the college student, as they perform the double duty of protecting against both STIs and pregnancy. Condoms—including female condoms (also known as receptive or internal condoms)—are both effective at preventing pregnancy and providing protection against STDs. Condoms don't just act as contraceptives--they also prevent the spread of most sexually transmitted infections. Remember: condoms are the only method that protect against BOTH pregnancy and STDs. Female condoms are inserted before sex to protect against both pregnancy and STDs. Framing Condoms as Contraception Condoms are the only type of birth control that can help prevent both pregnancy and STDs. In fact, latex condoms are the only birth control method that protects 1. against pregnancy and 2. against STDs.
	methods
Condoms plus a moderately or highly effective method of contraception	For couples who choose to have vaginal sex, the most effective way to avoid a pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease (STD) is by using both hormonal birth control, like the Pill, and a condom. And don't forget—Nuva Ring does not prevent against STI transmission, so be sure to use a condom, too! Bottom line: if you decide to have vaginal sex, condoms + birth control = the best way to prevent pregnancy and STDs. Even if you are taking birth control pills or using any other form of birth control, you still need to use a condom to protect against STIs.* Promoting Condoms for Both STI and Pregnancy Prevention And remember, a birth control pill can prevent pregnancy, but it provides no protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Using a condom will, however, provide reasonable protection against STIs while also acting as a backup method of preventing pregnancy. And consider wearing condoms 100% even though you're on a hormonal birth control method. Condoms can help prevent infection; they also serve as a great back-up birth control. Framing Condoms as Contraception Using two types of contraceptive methods, such as the birth control pill and condoms, increases protection against both pregnancy and STIs. It's important to use a condom together with another type of birth control, like the birth control pill, patch, implant, or IUD, to help prevent both pregnancy and STDs.

^*This is the only message in this list of examples that explicitly states that condoms should be used with contraception specifically for STI prevention.