February is National Condom Month
Currently, condoms are the only widely available, proven method for reducing transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during sex. Condoms work.
It’s about respect – and responsibility – for yourself and your partner. Before deciding to have sex it pays to think about protecting yourself from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You’ve already taken a big step by looking for answers to your questions and getting the facts.
If you choose to be sexually active, using condoms correctly and consistently is a key way to protect your sexual health. Don’t be shy to talk with your partner about safer sex and condoms: For both of you, this is one of the most important conversations you can have. It’s also one of the smartest!
A partner might have specific reasons for not wanting to use condoms. Look over this list to get ideas about how to respond if you ever feel pressured to have sex without a condom:
“This is the only way I feel comfortable having sex but believe me, it’ll still be good even with protection! And it lets us both just focus on each other instead of worrying about all that other stuff…”
“Of course I trust you, but anyone can have an STI and not even know it. This is just a way to take care of both of us.”
“I have some, right here.”
“I can show you – want me to put it on for you?”
“It only takes one time to get pregnant or to get an STI. I just can’t have sex unless I know I’m as safe as I can be.”
“This is for both of us…and I won’t have sex without protection. Let me show you how good it can be – even with a condom.”
“But that doesn’t protect us from STIs, so I still want to be safe, for both of us.”
Currently, condoms are the only widely available, proven method for reducing transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during sex. Condoms work.
There is another update to the ongoing court battle over mifepristone, one of two drugs used in most medication abortion.
An FDA advisory panel voted unanimously last week that Opill, a progestin-only birth control pill, should be available over the counter.
For those with insurance coverage, internal condoms can now be ordered for free online and shipped directly.
ASHA recognizes each February as National Condom Month! Time to learn more about condoms, lube, and safer sex.
LARC methods are safe, reliable, and prevent pregnancy for years. For many people they are a great choice, but they aren’t the best choice for everyone, of course, as people have personal preferences for what fits in to their lifestyle and health profile.
ASHA believes that all people have the right to the information and services that will help them to have optimum sexual health. We envision a time when stigma is no longer associated with sexual health and our nation is united in its belief that sexuality is a normal, healthy, and positive aspect of human life.
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