10 Condom Myths You Can Believe
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Hard times always lead to an increase in the incidence of socially significant infections. In the conditions of crisis situations, wars and the constant movement of a significant number of citizens around the country and the world, there is a probability of an increase in cases of illness. Therefore, it is important, despite all the complexities of our present, to take care of our own protection. One of the proven most effective means of protection against sexually transmitted infections and HIV is a condom. According to the results of the study of the project Contraceptive CHOICE, more than 41% of the respondents do not know how to use a condom correctly. 14 years ago, in 2009, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) started International Condom Day and chose February 13 for it, the day preceding the well-known Valentine’s Day. This date was not chosen by chance. Love is one of the greatest human needs and, without a doubt, one of the driving forces of humanity as a whole. Unfortunately, a large layer of myths and misconceptions about condoms in society often become barriers to their use and reasons why people put themselves at risk. On the eve of Valentine’s Day, AIDS Healthcare Foundation wants to remind you that love should be safe and bring joy. Read also: Do you know how to use a condom? Take the TEST and find out Myth 1. Out of time It is a common belief that during wars there are much more important issues than such small things as condoms. But such an approach only increases the danger. Unfortunately, infections do not go away, and disdain contributes to the rapid spread of infections. A responsible attitude to one’s own health is becoming even more important. For example, now many more people become blood donors, and for this it is important not to have infections. Therefore, it can be argued that there are even more reasons to be careful about condoms. Myth 2. It is not necessary for healthy people. Another prejudice is related to the fact that condoms are not necessary for those who do not have health problems. It does not. First, many diseases, and HIV among them, may not have symptoms for quite a long time. In Ukraine, almost 50,000 people do not know that they are HIV carriers. But even if you are 100% sure of yourself, you should not risk it once again, because more than 66% of HIV transmission in Ukraine occurs precisely through unprotected sexual contacts. Myth 3. Only men should care Risks exist regardless of gender. Social prejudices that only men should take care of condoms increase the risk of unprotected sex. It should also be mentioned that in addition to common male condoms, there are also female ones. Finding them is still more difficult, but it is also possible. But regular male condoms, when used correctly, guarantee protection against HIV and significantly reduce the risk of other sexually transmitted infections. Myth 4. It still won’t help. Some believe that if a condom can break or is already damaged, then there is no particular point in using it. But this is not so at all. In fact, when used correctly, condoms protect against HIV infection by almost 100%. In addition, the leading manufacturers of condoms have very thorough quality control – if they find damage during production, they dispose of the entire batch. However, risks of misuse do exist. For example, using oil-based lubricants during sex with a condom, or storing in sunlight and high temperatures. Therefore, the correct decision will be the responsible storage and use of condoms, rather than refusing them. Myth 5. Any condom protects The flip side of the previous myth is the belief that even a dubious condom purchased at a 24-hour kiosk will be of good quality. It does not. As with any product, not all condoms are safe. Too cheap products purchased outside of pharmacies may turn out to be fakes that have not passed certification. Therefore, it is worth choosing the products of well-proven manufacturers, as well as buying condoms in pharmacies. If it is not possible to buy such products because of the high price, then you can contact public organizations, such as AHF, and get condoms for free. Myth 6. Always with me in my pocket Having a condom always with me is a good idea. But carrying it in the pocket of jeans or keeping it in the glove box of a car can be a destructive factor. Changes in temperature, friction, contact with the skin – all this can lead to damage. That is why it is so important to properly store condoms and protect them from external influences. In addition, it is dangerous to think that you can carry a condom with you as much as you want – all products have an expiration date, which you need to follow, because after its expiration, the effectiveness will no longer be maximum. Myth 7. Extra for oral sex The idea that protection is not needed for oral sex increases the risk of many infections. At the same time, manufacturers have created special models of condoms – ultra-thin so as not to reduce sensitivity, as well as with different flavors that hide the specific taste of the latex itself. Myth 8. Two condoms are more reliable Quantity does not always mean quality. Using two condoms instead of one not only doesn’t make sense, it can also be dangerous, as it increases the risk of the condoms breaking. Myth 9. It undermines trust It is a common manipulation to think that using condoms undermines trust in a relationship. But it is not so. On the contrary, it is the condom that allows you to demonstrate a caring attitude towards your health, as well as towards your partner. Myth 10. I know everything It is dangerous to think that you already know everything about the use of condoms. According to research, despite this confidence, 41% of people do not know how to properly store and use condoms. Therefore, it is always worth checking yourself and turning to reliable sources — scientific research and advice from experts and specialized organizations. Yaroslava Lopatina, head of the Representative Office of the Anti-AIDS-USA Foundation in Ukraine (AHF Ukraine), specially for UP. Life Publications in the “View” section are not editorial articles and reflect exclusively the author’s point of view.
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