Current research indicates that more comprehensive sex education programs that discuss both abstinence and contraception have positive effects on adolescent sexual behavior's.

In 2001, the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy concluded that sex and HIV education programs that discuss both abstinence and contraception delay the onset of sex, reduce the frequency of sex, and increase contraceptive use. Moreover, their review of studies dispelled many of the myths attached to responsible sex education programs. In particular, the study showed that sexuality and HIV education programs that include discussion of condoms and contraception: do not hasten the onset of sex; do not increase the frequency of sex; and do not increase the number of partners. The National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Medicine concluded that sex education and condom availability programs in schools do not increase sexual activity among teenagers.