National Condom Week: The Week of Valentine's Day

February 10th through the 16th, is National Condom Week. Are you ready for it? Did you buy your supply of condoms for the big romantic interlude you may---or may not---have on Valentine's Day? If not, the American Social Health Association (ASHA) wants to take National Condom Week to remind you that sexually transmitted infections number around nineteen million new cases each year, with roughly half of them occurring in people between the ages of fifteen through twenty-four.

We all know that it's preferable for teens to absentee from having sex until they are older but realistically that isn't happening. Enter the condom and the National Condom Week. The ASHA does not in any way want to encourage young people to have sex with their campaign to bring awareness about the effectiveness of using condoms. But they do want to spread the word to those already sexually active or thinking about becoming active that using a condom significantly reduces the risk of getting STDs---syphilis, Chlamydia, and gonorrhea---and HIV. If you are having sex and you're not "suiting up" you are gambling with your health.

Now that we've gotten the 'why use condoms' out of the way let's talk about how to use them. 'Condoms for Dummies' start here. A condom is made out of water proof, elastic latex that is rolled onto an erect penis. When used correctly a condom blocks semen from entering the body of a sexual partner thus preventing the chances of getting a sexually transmitted STD or HIV and causing a pregnancy. They have been around (in different materials) for around 500 years, are cheap and disposable plus condoms are one of the most popular and effective birth controls on the market. Condoms come in different sizes with a reservoir in the tip to collect the ejaculated semen. They also come with a coating of lubricant to make penetration easier. Flavors (for oral sex) and colors (for fun) are also popular and different surfaces can add pleasure for the woman. Condoms do have expirations dates. Make sure you check them because they can become damaged with age.

It's important that you and your partner have a conversation about using condoms before you two get into the heat of passion. If you need help bringing this topic up, check out the Teen Health link in my 'supporting links' below for tips on talking to your partner and for tips on how to use condoms correctly. It only takes one night of unprotected passion to change the rest of your life in a negative way. Use condoms and have no regrets later on.

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