Abstinence based education sex



Updates to Choosing the Best LIFE,
Student Manuals (Third Edition)




Choosing the Best is committed to providing medically accurate information. Choosing the Best curricula contain facts gathered from the most reliable and current sources of information available, such as peer-reviewed, published journals and government agency publications. Additionally, all programs are reviewed and approved by a Medical Advisory Board, a team of medical experts with expertise in the area of sexual health.

Because new medical studies and conclusions are always becoming available, Choosing the Best regularly issues medical updates. Updates that have occurred during the most recent printing of Choosing the Best LIFE Student Manuals (Third Edition) are outlined below.

  1. In mid-2006, a new vaccine for HPV was approved for use. Therefore, Choosing the Best has added the following language on page 22 of the LIFE Student Manual under the topic of HPV:

    “A new vaccine against HPV is currently available for females and protects against the strains of HPV that are the most common causes of cervical cancer and genital warts. While the vaccine is expected to reduce rates of cervical cancer, it does not provide complete protection. Sexually active females are still at risk. Students should talk with their parents and doctors about this vaccine.”

  2. According to a report released by the National Institutes of Health in 2001, many studies of HPV and condom use indicated that condoms did not provide protection against HPV. However, in 2006, a new study was released which indicated that for consistent condom users, condoms provided some protection against HPV. Therefore, on page 25, Choosing the Best has changed the language from saying “Many studies show that condoms are not effective in protecting against HPV...” to say:

    “Studies also show that condoms are less effective [than with fluid-based STDs, such as HIV] in protecting against HPV...”

    The results of this study are also incorporated into the chart on page 30, in the portion of the chart which covers HIV/STD prevention of the male condom.  The phrase “not effective against HPV” has been removed. 

    Please call 1-800-774-BEST (2378) with any questions.