One reason given for the historical decline (1991-2005) in teen pregnancies and births is that
sexually active female teenagers had significantly increased their use of contraceptives,
particularly condoms. Abstinence campaigns, aimed at younger teens, were also seen as having a
positive effect on pregnancy prevention. Moreover, casual sex, which may increase the risk of
sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and may prove to be fatal given the presence of HIV/AIDS,
is viewed in an increasingly negative light by many teenagers.