Top 5 Reasons People Don't Use Condoms
With all the press, public service announcements, sex-ed programs, and talk about safe sex, studies have shown that people are still choosing not to use condoms at each sexual encounter. The CDC carried out a study and found that only 22.5% of men and 19.2% of women used a condom consistently (CDC/NCHS). That leaves about 80% of men and women aged 15-44 either partially protected, or not protected at all. Why are people choosing not to "wrap it up" despite the availability of information on pregnancy, STDs, and HIV? I intend to answer that question with the most common reasons I hear in my experience. This is not scientific, but just conclusions I've drawn over time. Let's start with number 5.No. 5 - Partial Use
All too often people do not use a condom for the entire sexual episode. Some people think its safe to put it on after penetration, but before ejaculation. Not wearing a condom the entire time you are with your partner is as good as NOT USING IT AT ALL! You are exposing yourself to every risk of having unprotected sex buy choosing to use barrier protection when you feel like. Whether it seems like there is not enough lubrication, or you want more sensation, there is no excuse to take of a condom during intercourse. Preseminal fluid, or precum, does contain sperm and can lead to pregnancy.
No. 4 - Allergies
There are a select few individuals that carry an allergy to latex and
cannot use most condoms. This is not a reason to avoid use. There are excellent alternatives to latex including natural skin, and polyurethane. Trojans makes the "Supra" line of condoms which are made of polyurethane. "Naturalamb" is a brand of skin condoms. Be forewarned about skin condoms. They have pores that are large enough for viruses and some bacteria to pass through. Caution should always be used if you are unsure of your partner's HIV and other STD status.No. 3 - Sensation
Men and women alike often complain about how intercourse feels when "strapped up". I am sure that the complaints of a person who finds out they just have contracted HIV are much more serious than the complaints about lack of sensation. While this can alter the experience with your partner, condom companies have developed several innovative ways to make condom use more pleasurable. The variety of condoms is astounding. From ribbed, studded, to extra sensitive, her pleasure, glow-in-the dark, flavored, vibrating, to dual lubricated, there is a condom for everyone. Exploration and trying different condoms can be a fun way to encourage safety.
Men and women alike often complain about how intercourse feels when "strapped up". I am sure that the complaints of a person who finds out they just have contracted HIV are much more serious than the complaints about lack of sensation. While this can alter the experience with your partner, condom companies have developed several innovative ways to make condom use more pleasurable. The variety of condoms is astounding. From ribbed, studded, to extra sensitive, her pleasure, glow-in-the dark, flavored, vibrating, to dual lubricated, there is a condom for everyone. Exploration and trying different condoms can be a fun way to encourage safety.No. 2 - Availability
Condoms can be found in any drug store, Walmart, Target, general store, bodega, even online. With the ease of purchasing this necessity, all too often person are caught in the moment without one. Pop/R&B artist, Usher, details the common experience of not having a condom when you are getting intimate in his song "That's What Its Made For" off of the "Confessions" album. Usher sings:"Raw dog is a never, I know I know better. Heard her whisper, Don't worry I'm safe, Didn't matter cuz it's already to late."
The lyrics explain what happens to most well intending persons in that situation. When your libido is in full throttle, and you are no longer thinking, not having a condom is a formula for potential disaster. Always have a condom, that is not expired or damaged, ready at all times. Women should carry condoms as well. Women have the added option of carrying the female condom. And if you are embarrassed to buy condoms, because they are behind the counter in a drug store, think of how much more embarrassing it will be to tell your parents your having a baby when the time is not right, or to find out you have an infection.No. 1- People are just plain NASTY
Non-use of condoms is a problem across all ages and demographics. During my time in medical school, I watched men in there 70s receive the diagnosis of a new HIV infection. The only possible way you can consider entering into someone, or allowing someone to enter you without protection is simply because you don't care to at the time. Time and time again people make poor decision that often have grave consequences. People will wash their hands, wear gloves when working, bathe several times a day, but can still find themselves in bed with a stranger and not wear a condom. Please realize how valuable your life is and your sexual health.
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Sex should be sacred and practiced with someone you know very well and would not mind raising a child with. That should be your barometer for who you lie down with. Ideally, marriage should precede a sexual relationship. As crazy as it may sound, YOU DON'T HAVE TO HAVE SEX. Waiting is an option, and there are people who remain celibate despite the challenge. Please make wise decisions when it comes to your body, and realize that sex with one person has an impact beyond just the persons involved. There can be repercussions felt throughout families and entire communities.
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