Sexual Health Buzz

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, ASHA recognizes National Condom Week 2008 (February 11-16) and emphasizes the importance of safer sex. Safer sex practices have never been more critical: Despite hundreds of millions of tax dollars spent on abstinence-only education programs, there are approximately 19 million new cases of sexually transmitted infections (STI) in the U.S. each year, about half of which occur among youth ages 15-24. The evidence is overwhelming that among those who are sexually active, consistent and correct condom use greatly reduces the risk of contracting infections like HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Research has also shown that young women whose male partners use condoms regularly cut their risk of acquiring HPV significantly. One hurdle to safer sex is negotiating condom use with partners. Sometimes this is difficult if a lover thinks that using condoms diminishes intimacy or lessens the spontaneity of sex. ASHA’s website has a special page with tips on talking with partners who might be reluctant to use condoms, and explains how the best sex is safer sex. You can also download free Condom Week posters in English and Spanish on ASHA’s site. Condoms are inexpensive, readily available, and easy to use. More importantly, used correctly they offer a significant level of protection against STIs. Use condoms from start to finish, every time: This is one “no brainer” no one ever regrets.

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