We've been focusing a lot on condoms over here at the RRB, in part due to the launch of the Condom Campaign, and also because we're involved with Elexa.
So here's the story: Men, your reproductive rights end once the sperm leaves your body. If you don't use a condom, even due to any understanding regarding the woman's reproductive choices, you are responsible for any children that result from the union. Period. Women, condoms are one of the best ways to protect against STIs, even if you are using a method of contraception. Of the women who use contraception, 18% of them use condoms.
Elexa is a line of condoms by Trojan, mostly, targeted to women. Their goal, according to Logan Levkoff, a spokesperson for Trojan, is to increase the number of people carrying condoms. She says that only one in four sex acts is protected, and hopes that if women carry condoms, they'll be more likely to use them. Part of the issue is a social stigma of carrying condoms - there is a concern that women who carry condoms are promiscuous. Logan says in reality, those women are being responsible by caring for both themselves and their partners. Condoms aren't 100% effective against all STDs, but it's the best thing we've got for those who are sexually active.
Logan also had some concerns about ab-only education, not only because it fails to educate children, but also because it misinforms them. They feel ashamed of their sexuality, and when they are finally sexually active, they are not always safe. These programs also transmit inaccurate information about condom safety, which further decreases the safety of sexual encounters.
The Great American Condom Campaign is a similar effort. It, too, is aimed at increasing condom use via access. You can read all about it on the site.
Young people just aren't using condoms the way they should be. There's a perception that women who carry condoms are slutty, or that using them implies a lack of trust with one's partner. At least one person beleives that condom packaging ruins the mood (which may lead to decreased usage). He's invented a new condom wrapper that takes less time to unwrap (thanks Hugh). The website has a video showing how easy peasy it is. Another article point to nerves as well as ill-fitting condoms as a major problem. Problems with condoms leads to not using them or removing them, which leads to STD/pregnancy concerns. And on a last little note about condoms, you shouldn't wear more than one, and 625 is just a bad idea.
