In the fall of 1996, the North Carolina Public school system adopted abstinence-only sex education. The new curriculum was based on a bill first introduced by Rep. Robin Hayes.

According to Hayes, the new reform would “put a moral compass back in schools” he also later stated “this is where welfare reform starts — with abstinence until marriage.”

The intentions of the curriculum are admirable, but it’s pure stupidity to believe that most students will remain abstinent until marriage. Before the law was enacted, the teen pregnancy rate in North Carolina was much higher than the national average. When statistical data was collected again in 2000, researchers found that the gap had actually widened.

These findings lead to one very obvious conclusion: abstinence-only education does not work. In-state residents comprise more that 80 percent of N.C. State’s undergraduate population — many of whom are sexually active — yet many have not received proper education regarding contraception and sexually transmitted infections.

Last spring, the American College Health Association surveyed the Wolfpack population, and found some alarming facts about our students. Almost 50 percent of those surveyed admitted to not wearing a condom during oral sex. Additionally, a significant proportion stated they don’t wear condoms during intercourse.

While I realize statistics don’t always paint an accurate picture, these numbers prove that many don’t realize the risks of unprotected sex — in any form. The number of reported sexually transmitted infections, STIs, in the college population, has risen significantly over the years.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, HPV is now reaching epidemic proportions. It estimated that 50 percent of all sexually active adults will acquire the genital infection at some point in their lives.

If you are sexually active, you must use a condom, period.

It doesn’t matter if you’re on birth control. Even if you are in a committed relationship, statistics show that partners lie to each other about getting tested. Need proof? Last year, only 93 people went to the Student Health Services to get tested for herpes. Incredibly, 42 percent of those students tested positive.

It’s a fact. If you are not taking preventative measures, then you are putting yourself at risk. The most common STIs found on campus have health consequences including, but not limited to: lesions and blisters on your genitals, cervical cancer and infertility.

There are no excuses for not using proper protection. Student Health Services allows each student three free condoms per day. They also offer testing, on an ongoing basis, for STIs, at little or no cost. If you are unsure about how to properly use a condom, or would simply like to find accurate information pertaining to STIs, you should visit Health Promotion on the second floor of the building.

Abstinence is the only 100 percent effective way to prevent unwanted pregnancy and disease, so I applaud all those who have made that choice. But for those that are not abstinent, please take advantage of the resources that are available to you.

Your motto should always be: no glove, no love.

E-mail Emily your thoughts at viewpoint@technicianonline.com.