Now, who started this labor of latex?

Condom awareness weeks originally started on the campus of the University of California – Berkeley in 1978. Nearly 40 years later, this grassroots campaign has grown into a nation-wide educational event for high schools, colleges, family planning and sexual health organizations, and many more. National Condom Month coincides every year with America’s sexiest holiday, Valentine’s Day, February 14th (Aka – National Condom Day!).

Do we still need a National Condom Month?

Apparently, Yes!  We have several current and pressing STD epidemics in the United States that have reached the point of real crisis that need nationwide attention: rates for the three most commonly reportable sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the U.S (chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis) all increased in 2014, the first time since 2006. There are several methods to prevent STD transmission, including abstinence, but keep reading to find out why condoms are the ultimate home run….

Condom Q & A courtesy of our partners at GYT (Get Yourself Tested).

Ok, science first. How effective are condoms?

According to the CDC, when used consistently and correctly, latex condoms are “highly effective” in preventing the sexual transmission of HIV and many other STDs.  Condoms are also 98 percent effective in preventing pregnancy when used correctly, every time.

However, condoms have expiration dates, so be sure to check the label of the condom before using for maximum effectiveness.  If the condom is ripped or looks dry, brittle, stiff, or sticky, it should NOT be used.  Don’t store condoms in a location that can get very hot, like in your car.  If you keep a condom in your wallet or purse, replace it with a new one regularly.

“She says”, “He says”… What’s the best kind of condom to use?

Condoms come in lots of colors, textures, lengths, widths, and thicknesses.  The most important thing when choosing a brand is that the condoms are made of latex or polyurethane (plastic). Both of these are highly effective in preventing STDs, HIV, and pregnancy.

Avoid using animal skin (or “natural”) condoms, which prevent pregnancy but aren’t as effective in preventing all STDs, including HIV.

“Umm, Just a minute!”… How do you put a condom on correctly?

A condom should be put on before any genital (skin-to-skin) contact. Some STDs can be transmitted without intercourse, through genital contact. Also, pre-cum can contain semen and STDs (including HIV), so you need to wear a condom the whole time from beginning to end, each and every time. Here’s the play by play.

Also, while male condoms are more well-known, female condoms, which are receptive, are also a great option and have the advantage of being receptive partner controlled.

Mission accomplished… Now, how do you take off a condom correctly?

Immediately after ejaculation, hold the base of the condom (so it stays in place and semen cannot spill out), and slowly withdraw the penis–while it is still hard. The condom should be wrapped in tissue and thrown away in the garbage (not in the toilet as it may clog – not such a happy ending!).

What to do if a condom breaks. Keep calm, and… 
If you feel the condom break at any point during sexual activity:

1. Stop immediately
2. Pull out
3. Remove the broken condom
4. Put on a new condom

Condoms can break, slip, or leak if they’re not put on and taken off properly.  If the condom breaks, emergency contraception can be used to prevent pregnancy.  Emergency contraception can be started 5 days after unprotected sex, but the sooner it’s started the better it works. Emergency contraception does NOT protect against STDs, but talk to your doctor immediately about PEP if you think you may have been exposed to HIV.  It’s important to get tested for STDs, including HIV, and get treated if necessary. Find a testing center near you here.

This National Condom Month, get serious – get passionate – about your prevention options!

Oh and one more thing, did you know that with a prescription both male and female condoms can be completely free under the ACA?  Ask your doctor for a prescription to take to your local pharmacy and learn more here.