February is National Condom Month, a public health initiative aimed at increasing awareness of safe sex practices and reducing the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The American Sexual Health Association (ASHA) is spearheading the effort, promoting condom use as a vital component of sexual health.
Fred Wyand, Director of Communications at ASHA, recalls a time when condoms carried a different weight. “They were exotic, mysterious, and…intimidating,” he observed, noting the historical secrecy surrounding their purchase and use. This perception, although, is gradually shifting towards more open discussion, though challenges remain.
Condoms are available in a wide variety of forms – latex, plastic, ribbed, plain, and even glow-in-the-dark – and now include internal condoms as well. Whereas latex remains the most common material, Wyand cautioned that natural skin condoms are less effective at preventing STIs compared to other varieties.
The importance of consistent and correct condom use cannot be overstated. ASHA emphasizes their effectiveness in preventing HIV, chlamydia, syphilis, and numerous other STIs, as well as unintended pregnancy. However, statistics reveal a significant gap in protection, with half of all STIs occurring among young people. This underscores the need for increased education and accessibility.
Wyand directly addressed parents, stating, “Your kids won’t have sex because they learn about condoms…But with your guidance, they can learn how to protect themselves when they do become sexually active.” He highlighted the importance of open communication and encouraged parents to utilize resources like ASHA’s parent’s guide to facilitate these conversations. He also stressed the necessity of STI testing, as many infections present no immediate symptoms.
ASHA advocates for a proactive approach, urging individuals to view condoms not as a source of embarrassment, but as a readily available and effective tool for safeguarding their health. The organization’s National Condom Month page offers a range of resources for further information and support. Dual use of condoms alongside Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) methods is also recommended by health professionals as a strategy for dual prevention, according to a recent ASHA Sex+Health podcast episode featuring Wyand.
