Montgomery County, PA

 

As part of the Montgomery County Health Department’s mission to encourage healthy behaviors within the community, we will be conducting free confidential HIV tests and distributing free condoms and literature to students at two college campuses in the county.

 

Presently, condoms are our best protection against sexually transmitted infections and HIV, and in preventing unwanted pregnancies. National Condom Day originated from an AIDS awareness group in the late 1980’s; the group wanted to provide a positive message of condom use while educating the people about the need to practice safer sex.

 

National Condom Day is a time to remind people to take responsibility for their own sexual health and to educate them on the risk they put themselves at if they choose not to use them.

 

 

There are many myths and misconceptions about condoms. The more we talk about them, understand them, and use them, the more successful we will be at staying healthy. Here are a few myths debunked. HAVE YOU HEARD THESE BEFORE?

 

MYTH: It’s safer if you use two condoms.
TRUTH: No it isn’t. Using two condoms at once is a really bad idea, whether it’s two male condoms or a male and female condom. It increases the chances of them ripping. Only use one at a time.

 

MYTH: You need extra lube. Vaseline is good.
TRUTH: No it’s not. A bit of extra lubrication is good but don’t use anything with oil in it as it can dissolve the condom – that includes baby oil, Vaseline and hand cream. Lipstick has oil in it too. Use a water-based lubricant, such as KY jelly from a pharmacy.

MYTH: Condoms cut off his circulation.
TRUTH: No they don’t. A condom can stretch to 18 inches round. He’ll be fine. There are many different shapes and sizes available to try.

MYTH: You don’t need a condom if you’re having oral sex.
TRUTH: Yes you do. You should use a condom for oral sex because gonorrhea, chlamydia and herpes can be passed to each other this way.

 

Thank you to the following website for our myths and truths about condoms! For even more information, see the full article at http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/teengirls/Pages/condoms.aspx