Along with STDs, another consequence of unsafe sex is unwanted or unplanned pregnancy. In the U.S., one in three pregnancies are unwanted pregnancies, and half of all pregnancies are unplanned, leaving the U.S. with the highest rate of unplanned pregnancy in the developed world. The best way to prevent pregnancy is abstinence, but practicing safe sex and using a combination of at least two safe sex practices, such as oral contraceptives and condoms, can reduce your risk for unplanned or unwanted pregnancy.

Unplanned pregnancy comes with serious consequences for women beyond just being pregnant and making pregnancy-related decisions. Women who have unplanned pregnancies are less likely to be in stable relationships, are more likely to be physically abused, and are unlikely to have undergone preconception care like taking folic acid, which has important health benefits for both women and babies. Also, these pregnant women are more likely to experience post-partum depression than women whose pregnancies were planned.

There are also serious risks for the unplanned or unwanted babies. Babies who are born as a result of an unplanned pregnancy are less likely to be breastfed, and the risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight are higher for these babies. Other studies show that two-year-old children born of unwanted pregnancies had lower cognitive test scores than children born of intended pregnancies, all other factors being held equal. Also, these children are found to experience poorer physical and mental health and development, and they are at greater risk for adolescent delinquency than other children.

The only surefire way to prevent unplanned or unwanted pregnancy and all of its risks is to practice abstinence; in lieu of abstinence, safe sex means using both contraception and protection. The success rate for the “rhythm method” of birth control is low and unpredictable, and the “pull-out method” is equally ineffective, so neither of these should be used to prevent pregnancy without taking other precautions. Practice safer sex at all times to avoid pregnancy and STDs.