Condoms?

Condoms?

Several things about condoms. We know that they are the best protection from STIs IF USED ALL THE TIME AND CORRECTLY. Unfortunately this doesn’t happen: In the 2008 Australian Reseach Centre in Sex Health and Society ‘Seconday Students and Sexual Health’ only 70% of year 12s discuss condom use ‘at most recent sex’. Not only that but 25% of year 10s and almost 50% of year 12s did not use a condom at most recent sex. This may not include oral sex or anal sex or sharing sex toys etc etc because it doesnt define ‘sex’

In addition some recent research into sexual practice in women found that often women who are using hormonal contraceptive (oral contraceptive pill, implanon, depo ralavera/provera) may be twice as likely to contract HIV. The assumption being that women feel that one form of protection against pregnancy is enough for safety. ( but of course hormonal contraceptives don’t protect against STIs). In Australia 1 out of every two sexually active people WILL contract Chlamydia. 

So… condoms CAN work but they are not being used enough. If condoms aren’t the answer what is. I am not sure but maybe it is time to reinvest in research into something that will be easier and more broadly accepted.

In the meantime have a look at these new packaging ideas for condoms http://newcondoms.tumblr.com/