-Adam Pryor, TigerTV reporter
Condoms are a useful tool in assisting with the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (formerly called STDs), but lack of knowledge and poor fit suggest why men and women often fail to use them.
Condoms that fit poorly not only make sex less enjoyable but also raise the risk of the spread of STIs.
A study conducted last week surveyed University students and asked them a number of questions regarding sex and condom usage.
Of 76 students, men and women ages 18 to 25, 63 percent reported experiencing discomfort from ill-fitting condoms and of those 41 students, 47 percent reported they are less likely to wear a condom during sex because of that discomfort.
Also, of students surveyed, 26 percent said they had removed a condom during sex to increase enjoyment and 75 percent have or have had unprotected sex.
These statistics are alarming considerng the Center for Disease Control estimates one in four college students will contract an STI by the time they graduate.
Data collected from Brenda Prudhomme, the medical lab supervisor at the Student Health Center, reports that of 1498 female students tested in 2009, 76 tested positive for Chlamydia, 11 tested positive for neisseria (gonorrhea) and 3 tested positive for both. Of 506 men tested, 43 tested positive for Chlamydia, 15 tested positive for neisseria (gonorrhea) and 1 tested positive for both.
Kathy Saichuk, the Student Health Center’s wellness coordinator, states “safe” sex isn’t possible– engaging in sex always has a risk even with condoms – but there are measures students can take to protect themselves.
When asked her top 5 best ways to stay safe, Saichuk advised:
1) Do not engage in sex with someone you do not know.
2) Do not engage in sex when alcohol or anything else that could impair your judgment is involved.
3) If you choose to have sex, always use a condom or barrier.
4) Avoid high-risk behaviors such as multiple partners or unprotected sex.
5) Get tested.
“If you choose to be sexually active, it is your responsibility to get tested periodically and protect yourself and others from the transmission of STIs,” Saichuk added. “Most people are asymptomatic or only have symptoms for a short period of time although they may be positive for an STI and could be transmitting this infection.”
The Student Health Center tests for all STIs and has two gynecologists on staff, so students should not have a reason to neglect getting tested.
The Student Health Center also provides resources for students like “Safer Sex Packs” containing condoms and information regarding proper condom usage which they hand out in free speech alley at times throughout the year.
Condoms, when used properly can reduce pregnancy and the spread of STIs by 98 percent.
If a condom is too big, it can cause friction that adds to discomfort, but if a condom is too small, it can reduce sensitivity or even break.
But the market contains many brands, styles, varieties and sizes of condoms; thus, sexually active males and females should be able to find a condom that fits well.
Experiment with different condoms to find one that best fits you or your partner.
