Web Sites Mislead Teens About Sexual Health
Myth: Oral contraceptives cause weight gain.
Reality: A review of 47 randomized, controlled trials found no evidence that combined hormonal contraceptives caused weight gain.
Myth: Women should begin having Pap smears at age 18 years or immediately following coitarche, and should have a Pap smear after each change of sexual partner.
Reality: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that women begin having Pap smears beginning at age 21 years or 3 years post coitarche.
Myth: Kissing is safe, even if your partner has herpes.
Reality: Herpes can be transmitted by kissing an infected individual.
Source: Dr. Yen
Recommended Sites for Teens
▸ Go Ask Alice! at
▸ Center for Young Women's Health at
▸ TeenWire at
▸ TeensHealth at
Sources: Ms. Tolani and Dr. Yen
