2008 Woodie Awards
Letters to the Editor: Is Sex Safer?
Issue date: 12/2/04 Section: Op/Ed
To the Editor:
I am writing regarding Ryan Kavalsky's November 18 article, entitled "Waiting saves the beauty of sex." First, I wanted to write to praise Ryan. His article is nothing short of gutsy. Though I disagree with the tone and the message of the letter, I am impressed with his decision to write it.
As we are all aware, college is considered a benchmark in a person's life and is often noted for the ease of sexual activity and experimentation. For someone to advocate an alternative view against what is obviously a popular past-time is impressive.
However, I do have a serious problem with one particular aspect of the article. According to Ryan, "condoms have a 15 percent failure rate in preventing pregnancy. Even birth control isn't perfect." Amy Cookson stated the same statistic in another article. Both are right: condom's aren't perfect. What concerned me, however, was whether or not that actual statistic was accurate.
According to plannedparenthood.com, yes, condoms have a 15 percent failure rate. However, what each article neglected to mention is that the 15 percent statistic applies only to couples who use condoms either inconsistently (as in only use condoms sometimes) or who use the condom improperly. These articles also failed to mention that for couples who use condoms consistently and properly (something that can be achieved by simply reading the instructions that come with condoms or by going on plannedparenthood.com), the failure rate is reduced to 2 percent.
Furthermore, use of spermicidal gel or birth control pills, in conjunction with condoms, can reduce the likelihood of pregnancy even further.
Sex is a serious issue, and the decision as to whether or not one should engage in it is even more serious. The general public has to know the facts: if one is going to engage in sexual activity, they had better do so properly or face the consequences.
On that note, I couldn't possibly agree with Ryan or Amy's articles more. It is our obligation as a society to talk about sex and the consequences and responsibilities that come with it. However, if we are going to engage in that discussion, we must be accurate with what we say. The issue is too serious to make mistakes.
--Mike Schlossberg
Class of '05
I am writing regarding Ryan Kavalsky's November 18 article, entitled "Waiting saves the beauty of sex." First, I wanted to write to praise Ryan. His article is nothing short of gutsy. Though I disagree with the tone and the message of the letter, I am impressed with his decision to write it.
As we are all aware, college is considered a benchmark in a person's life and is often noted for the ease of sexual activity and experimentation. For someone to advocate an alternative view against what is obviously a popular past-time is impressive.
However, I do have a serious problem with one particular aspect of the article. According to Ryan, "condoms have a 15 percent failure rate in preventing pregnancy. Even birth control isn't perfect." Amy Cookson stated the same statistic in another article. Both are right: condom's aren't perfect. What concerned me, however, was whether or not that actual statistic was accurate.
According to plannedparenthood.com, yes, condoms have a 15 percent failure rate. However, what each article neglected to mention is that the 15 percent statistic applies only to couples who use condoms either inconsistently (as in only use condoms sometimes) or who use the condom improperly. These articles also failed to mention that for couples who use condoms consistently and properly (something that can be achieved by simply reading the instructions that come with condoms or by going on plannedparenthood.com), the failure rate is reduced to 2 percent.
Furthermore, use of spermicidal gel or birth control pills, in conjunction with condoms, can reduce the likelihood of pregnancy even further.
Sex is a serious issue, and the decision as to whether or not one should engage in it is even more serious. The general public has to know the facts: if one is going to engage in sexual activity, they had better do so properly or face the consequences.
On that note, I couldn't possibly agree with Ryan or Amy's articles more. It is our obligation as a society to talk about sex and the consequences and responsibilities that come with it. However, if we are going to engage in that discussion, we must be accurate with what we say. The issue is too serious to make mistakes.
--Mike Schlossberg
Class of '05