Photo: © Vitals/NBC news
The question is not that ridiculous. After all, condoms only go hand in hand with safe sex if they are used correctly. Everyday we see many initiatives trying to make condoms easily available, but do people really know how to use them?
A new study published in the Journal of Sexual Health (see link below) provides a broad picture of condom use, based on 50 articles representing 14 countries, and the conclusion is clear: "Condom use errors and problems are common worldwide, occurring across a wide spectrum of populations".
Led by the Kinsey Institute Condom Use Research Team, researchers from around the world compared notes on condom habits and issues, including the use of female condoms in South Africa and counterfeit condoms in China. The most common errors they found included:
- not using condoms throughout sex,
- not leaving space or squeezing air from the tip of the condom,
- putting condoms on upside down,
- not using water-based lubricants, and
- incorrect withdrawal.
Other problems included: breakage, slippage, leakage, and difficulties with fit and feel.
Richard Crosby, a member of the research team and the lead editor for Sexual Health's special issue, said in a news release: "We chronically underestimate how complicated condom use can be." He adds: "It involves the use of a condom, while negotiating the condom use and sex with a partner all at the same time. There is a complex triad of the sex act, condom use and partner dynamics that must constantly be navigated by condom users."
It is important to make condoms accessible is important, but so is the need to improve clinic-based counseling and public education efforts, Cosby says. This is sometimes difficult because it involves talking openly about topics that many people find embarrassing, such as erections, semen, lubricant and other aspects of sex. "In this case, embarrassment can cost individuals' health and lives", Crosby said.
It is widely acknowledged by researchers that proper use of condoms is crucial in both reducing unplanned pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted infections such as HIV. Let's have in mind that condoms are inexpensive when compared to costly HIV and AIDS medications.
No comments:
Post a Comment