Condoms: The Myths Dispelled

In the eve of St. Valentine's Day, when demand for condoms traditionally increases, American doctors decided to contribute to the increase in condom sales and dispelled some myths about this contraceptive.

Since condoms are as important attribute of Valentine's day as Valentine cards and plush hearts, National Health Association carries out some actions aimed safer sex propaganda exactly in this period.

The organizers of the action expect that their initiative will change the attitude towards condoms as many people do not consider condoms to be reliable contraceptive that protects from unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

According to statistics about 62 percent of unmarried people do not use condoms. This carelessness has its sad results: every year the amount of HIV positives increases by 40 thousand of people. One third of these people are young people aged from 15 to 28 years.

Doctors suppose these sad figures are the result of carelessness and unwillingness to use condoms that is caused by some myths. What are these?

Myth 1. Condoms break

This is true, but only if condom was used improperly.

Check the expiration date and never use an expired condom. Never open the package with sharp instruments that might damage the condom. Store condoms in cool, sun-protected place.

Follow these tips and be sure condom will never fail you.

Myth 2. Condoms do not protect from STDs

Some people think that condoms are a bad protection from STDs. Doctors do not agree. Condoms are very reliable, they protect from STDs including HIV. There is no 100 percent guarantee, but this is the only method of contraception that protects from both unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Only abstinence and absolutely faithful regular partner are more effective against STDs.

Myth 3. Condoms decrease sensitivity

This is not true. There are ultra thin condoms that allow users experience the whole range of sensations. What is more, there are condoms that even increase pleasure. These are condoms with a special lubricant that prolongs intercourse, textured condoms that provide more intensive stimulation and even condoms with cock rings – these provide hard and long lasting vibrations as well as vibrations that stimulate both partners.

There are people who cannot use condoms because of allergy to latex. If you are one of these sufferers, than you should first of all find out whether you have true allergy to latex. May be this is flavored lubricant that irritates your skin? In this case you can choose a condom with neutral, colorless and odorless lube.

Even if you have true latex allergy you should not refuse using condoms. There are condoms made of polyurethane. These are more expensive than latex condoms but your health is much more important.