It's National Condom Week!

When condoms are used consistently and correctly they provide the best protection against sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy for sexually active women and men. Research shows that every year there are more than three million unintended pregnancies and approximately 19 million new sexually transmitted infections.

That's why it’s so important to talk to your partner about using condoms before you engage in sexual activity. It’s also important to use condoms with your other method of birth control to reduce your risk for getting a sexually transmitted infection. Latex and plastic condoms, as well as female condoms, are highly effective in preventing pregnancy, and they’re the only forms of birth control that also help reduce the risk of STIs.

The CDC estimates that nearly 19 million new sexually transmitted infections occur each year, almost half of which are among 15 to 24-year-olds. The heaviest chlamydia burdens were among young women aged 20–24, followed closely by adolescent girls aged 15–19. The heaviest gonorrhea burden was among adolescent girls aged 15–19, followed closely by young women aged 20–24. Biological factors place women at greater risk of infection than men, and contribute to more severe health consequences for women.

So for National Condom Week (Feb 14 - 21) we are advising you to be safe and use condoms before engaging in any sexual activities. You might be surprised to know that many women and men say they find sex more enjoyable when they’re protected because they aren’t worrying about unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

And it gets better; if you're tired of the same old generic condom in the unappealing wrapper then check out Planned Parenthood's line of stylish Proper Attire condoms that are designed to help women feel more comfortable about buying and carrying condoms.

With chic, fashion-forward packaging in different varieties, Proper Attire condoms are designed to appeal to a women’s sense of style in order to encourage them to take charge of their own sexual health and safety.

These condoms are available at Planned Parenthood health centers and also available online by clicking here.

You can always rely on us for accurate information about condoms, other forms of contraception, STI's, and anything else you may have a question about. We work every day to reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and keep people healthy. If you have a question about condoms click this link.

Watch these videos about how to use a condom:

For English - Click Here
For Spanish - Click Here

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