Condoms & Society

If there are any dreaded diseases in the world today, then HIV/AIDS must be among them. Massive resources have been invested in attempts to fight the scourge associated with the HIV which explains how man is just anxious to putting an end to this calamity. Preventive campaigns, research on possible cure, development of centres that encourage morality, self help groups, youth activity forums and association, to name just a few, have been formed in order to keep individuals busy, create adaptability of moral behaviours that decreases sexual intercourse between unmarried persons and if possible, let the society opt for protection is sexual intercourse is unavoidable.

The most acclaimed safety measure during sexual intercourse is the use of condom. Condoms were invented some years back in order to encourage family planning. Its use in the society was acceptable as a sure measure to prevent unwanted pregnancies and effectively determine the time in which a baby would be born. But when in the late 1970s the HIV/AIDS was discovered, there was a necessity to prevent the spread of the AIDS causing various with the aforesaid measures being adopted. The adaptability of condom as a preventive measure, on the other hand, met serious obstacles ranging from moral, ethical and safety standards in the society.

Condoms have been discouraged by the religious especially Christian groups for diverse reasons. Some have denied its use even for family planning arguing that that would mean going against the natural course of God's creation. And when it came to it being applied for HIV prevention, the church was foremost to reject its applicability due the fact that allowing its use would be encouraging immorality, a situation which has been attributed to cause the increase of the spread of the virus.

Other concerned stakeholders on the other hand are concerned with the safety level of the condom. Scientists have admitted that the condoms being used are not a hundred percent safe, but most of them when properly used have a safety factor of up to 99%. Questions therefore have been raised on whether the use of condoms should be allowed. These questions are vital and the appropriate answers are needed to encourage the society to fight the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

On matters of morality, I would briefly say that is better to sin wisely rather than sin and suffer the consequences of HIV alongside other sexually transmitted diseases. And if anyone as opted for prevention, it is well that knowledge on proper use of the condom and the condom type is gained.

Condoms vary according to materials of make and the thickness. Latex condoms are the most common and are thicker than polyurethane condoms which are made of plastic, thinner, increases sensitivity and have no allergies associated. The effectiveness of either, when properly used has been shown to be almost equal.

Therefore, as the debate on the use of condoms continues, it is well to remember that most of the people involved in the debate discouraging the use of condoms maybe suffering from the scourge unknowingly (clergy rarely disclose their HIV status), or if they are being involved in the sexual intercourse, might as well be using the condom.