Bringing Condoms Back

by Chelsea Nelson

National Condom Week is February 14-21, and February 14 is National Condom Day. Condoms have been protecting people against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) since the 16th century, and have been preventing unwanted pregnancy since the 18th century.

And in the 21st century? Condoms are all the rage.

An August 2006 study by the research organization Child Trends found that that condom use has increased among teens for their first sexual intercourse. For the ladies, condom use at first sex is up from 60 percent in 1992 to 68 percent in 2002. And for the guys, use of condoms or other contraceptives at first sex is up from 72 percent in 1992 to 82 percent in 2002. Talk about a rise.

The New Trend: Condoms!
What's so cool about condoms? Well, a whole lot. Not only do they provide substantial protection against pregnancy when used correctly, they are also the most effective contraceptive for preventing the spread of STIs. Now that's a trend worth following.

While not all teens are sexually active, many of those who are having sex are taking steps to have safer sex and protect themselves from unplanned pregnancy and STIs. The Child Trends report found not only an increase in condom use for teens' first sexual intercourse, but an increase in condom use for teens' most recent sexual intercourse. In 2002, 54 percent of sexually active females reported that their partners used a condom the last time they had intercourse, up from 38 percent in 1995.

Dual Action
While using condoms is a great way to practice safer sex, adding a hormonal contraceptive (like the pill) can greatly increase protection against unplanned pregnancy. Condoms can also be used with a spermicide foam, cream, jelly, suppository, or film. Some teens are already putting this information to good use: The Child Trends report found that in 2002, 14 percent of teen girls used dual methods of contraception at first intercourse. And one-fifth of teens used dual methods at their most recent sexual intercourse.

Dual methods of protection can really make a difference when a condom breaks or is used incorrectly. After all, as humans, we all make mistakes sometimes. So backing up a condom with another method of birth control means you're prepared for the unexpected.

Expert Advice
Dr. James R. Allen, former President and CEO of the American Social Health Association (ASHA), knows how important condom use and availability is for teens. In ASHA's 2005 "State of the Nation" report, Allen lashed out at false reports that condoms don't protect against STIs and HIV: "Undermining youth's confidence in condoms can only lead to public harm. In sexually active populations, two important goals must be to increase knowledge about the effectiveness of condoms and levels of consistent and correct use."

Practice Makes Perfect
Almost half of teens are sexually active. More teens than ever are using condoms, but many teens are still going without. Condoms offer the best risk reduction for sexually transmitted infections among sexually active women and men. They also provide significant protection against unintended pregnancy.

As condom use goes up, rates of unintended pregnancies and STIs go down. So don't be embarrassed about going into a store and asking for condoms. Be proud. Using condoms says that you are responsible and that you accept your sexuality. And that's something that never goes out of style.