Happy condom day
The American Social Health Association (ASHA) has declared February 14 to be National Condom Day, putting a whole new spin on the Valentine's Day messages that men and women will be passing along to their sweethearts this year. Linda Alexander, president of ASHA says that if Elvis Presley were alive today and singing "Love me tender, love me true," he might consider adding an extra line to read: "Love me safely."
Speaking from ASHA headquarters in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, Ms. Alexander said, "because sexually transmitted diseases are often symptomless, sex partners must talk to one another about any risk for STDs -- even if neither person has symptoms. If either partner has had unprotected sex at any time, both partners should be tested for STDs in a doctor's office or clinic."
According to a study conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, among couples in which one partner was infected with the AIDS virus, consistent and correct use of condoms prevented the infection from spreading in 98 to 100 percent of the couples.
Ms. Alexander emphasizes that; "chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and other STDs that are passed through the body fluids can also be effectively prevented by using condoms."
However, condoms are no guarantee against herpes simplex, which is transmitted by skin-to-skin contact. "Genital herpes lesions commonly break out near the genitals, and transmission of the virus may result," says Ms. Alexander. "Until a vaccine is developed, there is no perfect protection against this disease."
Meanwhile, young couples who typically like to send their February 14th expressions of devotion through the mail might want to change the wording on their Valentine's Day card to accommodate the dual occasion. One suggestion might be:
Rubies are red, violets are blue,
Here's roses for me,
and some condoms for you.
home
subscribe
advertise
about us
