Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a federal agency responsible for studying and monitoring infectious diseases. In the following viewpoint, the CDC argues that condoms are an effective means of preventing the transmission of the AIDS virus. When used correctly, condoms rarely break, the CDC maintains. Furthermore, the agency contends, sex education programs that include information on condoms do not lead to promiscuity among teenagers but do result in increased condom use among those teens who were already sexually active.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. In the studies cited by the CDC, what percentage of partners in discordant couples who used condoms correctly and consistently contracted HIV?
2. What are the four myths concerning condom effectiveness, according to the CDC?
3. What are the...