National Condom Week

Condom Tips

Valentine's Day Kicks off National Condom Week

It’s national condom week, a five-day celebration of the effectiveness of the condom in preventing unintended pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

At a time when condom effectiveness and comprehensive sex education are under attack in the United States, public health experts this week emphasize the importance of the condom in both HIV prevention and the reduction of unintended pregnancy.

A 2001 report from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) concluded that condoms are effective in stopping the transmission of HIV as well as other STDs.

When used correctly, the condom is 97% effective in preventing unintended pregnancy.

"In 2003, almost five million people worldwide were infected with HIV. And in the United States alone more than three million unintended pregnancies occur every year," said Sharon L. Camp, president & CEO of The Alan Guttmacher Institute. "The condom is a critical weapon in the fight for sexual and reproductive health."

Having sex without using a condom puts you at risk of accidental pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases including HIV and AIDS.

Put the condom on before any intimate sexual contact, as sexual fluids can be passed to your partner even before ejaculation, resulting in the risk of accidental pregnancy or infection.

Remember that condoms may also be used for oral sex to prevent the spread of other STDs such as herpes.

The most common mistake when putting on a condom is forgetting to squeeze the air out of the bubble at the end, before rolling it over the penis.

If you use a lubricant with the condom, it is essential to use a water-based lubricant such as KY jelly. Using oil-based lubricants (eg Vaseline, baby oil, cream) will damage latex condoms and cause them to break.Some topical Condoms

medicines applied to the penis or vagina may also affect the efficiency of latex condoms.

For anal sex, use a stronger condom (e.g. Durex Ultra Strong, or Mates Superstrong) with plenty of water-based lubricant. If you're not sure what to buy, either consult your doctor or ask your local health clinic for advice.

Wrap used condoms in tissue and throw away in a bin, not down the toilet.

Finally, store packets of condoms away from direct sunlight, preferably in a cool place.