e among teenagers following small-scale, yet sophisticated efforts" (p. 686). The authors also note that contraceptives are often helpful in reducing the incidence of STD's. However, it is warned that certain contraceptive devices actually increase the risk of STD's rather than decrease it. In particular, intrauterine devices (IUD's) are known to increase the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) among young women (p. 692). Citing information provided by the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, McGregor, French & Spencer point out that IUD's are not recommended for "women who are less than 25 years of age" (p. 693). However, the authors also note that "barrier" methods of contraception (such as the use of condoms or diaphragms) can be useful in reducing the risk of STD's. This is particularly true when these methods are used "in conjunction with spermicides" (p. 694).
Slevin & Marvin (1987) discuss the role of health practitioners in teaching both safe sex and pregnancy prevention to teenagers. In their article in the Journal of Community Health Nursing, these authors state that adolescents are at great risk of STD's today because they are more sexually active now than ever before. In fact, it is estimated that 50 to 60 percent of all young people have sex prior to reaching the age of nineteen (p. 235). For the most part, these teenagers fail to use contraceptives properly for the prevention of STD's. According to Slevin & Marvin, the younger the teenager is, the less likely he or she is to use contraceptives. Thus, young people over the age of eighteen are approximately twice as likely to use contraceptives as those who are under the age of fifteen (p. 235). As in the article by McGregor, French & Spencer, these authors claim that the use of condoms greatly reduces the risk of STD's being spread from one partner to another (p. 236). Slevin & Marvin also agree that the education of young people is a vital aspe...