Though condoms are widely used in order to protect against the spread of STIs and unwanted pregnancy, many people remain unsure about what to expect when they use them. How safe are condoms anyway?

The truth is that condoms are not only highly effective when put on correctly, but they are the only form of protection that prevent both the spread of diseases like HIV and unplanned pregnancy.

Consumers can confirm to see if their condoms have been properly tested and approved, by checking that they carry the British Standard Kite mark or the EEC Standard Mark (CE) on the packaging. In the US, condoms should be approved by the FDA, and in other countries around the globe condoms should carry an approval from the ISO.

You will note that condoms carry an expiration date on the box as well as sometimes on the individual package. It’s important to never use a condom that is past its expiration date, as it may no longer protect users. Before using a condom, check to make sure that it appears to be in top form, because they can weaken and deteriorate if not stored properly. If a condom feels sticky to the touch, do not use it as the packaging was likely damaged.

An important part of condom safety is knowing how to put one on – the number one reason that condoms fail is that they’ve not been correctly applied. Be careful when opening the condom package so as not to damage the condom.

NB: No method of contraception guarantees 100% protection

After a government survey found chlamydia to be increasingly widespread among young people between the ages of 15 and 24, one Newcastle mother took it upon herself to include both condoms and chlamydia testing kits in the party bags passed out at her son’s 18th birthday event.

More than 150 friends and family members were in attendance for Danny McLafferty’s birthday celebration at the Kenton Social Club, BBC News reports, and mother Andrea was on hand to make sure party goers left well-supplied. She told the news source that she got the kits from a local screening program and that the bags were well-received by guests that night.

“I contacted the Northumberland, Tyne and Wear Chlamydia Screening Programme and we collected not only the free tests but also condoms and bags and pens advertising the service,” Andrea McLafferty said. “We played pass the parcel and everyone got into a circle and passed parcels around which contained condoms and pregnancy tests.

“When they were unwrapped everyone cheered and Danny’s friends and their parents said how it was a really good idea and helped to promote safe sex and make the teenagers more aware of sexually transmitted infections.”

According to the BBC, chlamydia is the most common STI in the UK, and approximately one tenth of young people are thought to have it. Left untreated, chlamydia can result in infertility – but it is easily treated with antibiotics. As it often produces no symptoms, it is important for those at risk be tested.

The tests are free and involve the simple act of sending a urine sample to a lab. The results can come back to test-takers via text, phone call or mail.

Danny, a student at Kenton School, said of the party favors: “My friends all thought it was a good idea. I know quite a few of them have used the tests that wouldn’t normally get checked out.”

Condoms are the only preventative measure that can be taken against contracting chlamydia; the contraceptives also protect against the spread of syphilis, gonorrhea and the HIV virus that causes AIDS.

NB: No method of contraception guarantees 100% protection

An organisation has sprung up in Vancouver to ensure that residents and visitors from afar enjoy safe sex during the forthcoming Winter Olympics in the city. SafeGames 2010 is an outfit of local, national and international advocacy groups working to reduce the potential outcome of unprotected sex – namely the spread of STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and the HIV virus that causes AIDS.

SafeGames 2010 takes its name from the SafeGames 2002 program, which was a success during the Salt Lake City Olympic Games. The Vancouver program will work to make protection – in the form of free condoms samples – available to all. SafeKits will be distributed containing condoms, lube, hand heaters, lip balm, glow sticks, DVDs, informative cards and local service provider referrals. The group plans to reach as many people as possible by stationing distributors near bars, clubs, vendor tents and hotels in the area.

Tourists and locals won’t be able to miss SafeGames workers in their distinctive hats and superhero costumes, such as that of Captain Condom, Epidemiology Guy, Pink Storm and the Caped and Always-Protected Crusader.

500,000 people are expected to turn up for the Olympic athletic competitions, with more expected to appear simply to take part in the celebrations that surround the event, so SafeGames 2010 will certainly have their work cut out for them. The group will also be working in favour of responsible drug and alcohol consumption and intend to distribute health and safe use information such as public transportation resources.

The group’s website (www.safegames2010.com) will provide a wealth of information for those attending or celebrating the Vancouver Olympics, such as a list of local resources to connect visitors to educational videos and handouts. The group not only seeks to educate people on their own high-risk behaviour, but they also plan to point out Vancouver’s reputation as the global leader of harm reduction policies.

*Mates® Skyn® is not directly involved in this activity and is providing this article for informational purposes only

NB: No method of contraception guarantees 100% protection

In Thailand, the health ministry announced that in an effort to stem the spread of AIDS, approximately 30 million condoms would be freely distributed throughout the nation. The announcement came on World AIDS Day, and the effort targets mainly girls between the ages of 15 and 19.

The Bangkok Post online reports that Deputy Public Health Minister Manit Nop-amornbodi announced on the internationally observed World AIDS Day, December 1 2009, that there are about 30 new HIV infections in Thailand each day, with 358,260 citizens having contracted full-blown AIDS and 95,983 having died of AIDS-related causes.

He also said in his speech that of those infected, 84 per cent had contracted the virus through having sex with an infected person without a condom.

These 30 million free condoms are one of the important efforts being made by the country’s government to fight the spread of the disease.

Manit believes that the demographic of girls between the ages of 15 and 19 should receive special attention, as statistics show that this group had twice the infection rate of boys in the same age bracket. The health minister said this was because girls find it more difficult to insist on having safe sex with a condom or to simply refuse to have sex.

The government will also attempt to bring AIDS education to the community there, as well as to help the population accept those who have contracted the virus. Learning how to wear a condom will help prevent disease.

Condoms are an important tool in hindering the spread of the HIV virus. They are also the only known contraceptive that prevents both pregnancy and the spread of disease such as Gonorrhea, Chlamydia and syphilis. When used properly, condoms greatly reduce the risk of contracting an STI. A cure for AIDS has yet to be discovered, making the use of condoms during sex increasingly important.

NB: No method of contraception guarantees 100% protection