National Condom Week

February 14 - 21 is National Condom Week!

Did you know that every year in the U.S. there are more than three million unintended pregnancies and approximately 19 million new sexually transmitted infections?

Using condoms consistently and correctly provides the best protection against sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and helps prevent unintended pregnancy.

It’s important to talk with your partner about using condoms before you engage in sexual activity so you both are on board with using protection. Talking about condoms is also a good time to discuss if you will also be using another form of birth control which best reduces your risk of unintended pregnancy.

Have you ever heard your partner say sex feels better without a condom? Well it’s not going to feel like anything if you have a hundred worrisome thoughts in your head during sex. 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.

There is enough to worry about in your day-to-day life you don’t need to add-on the worry or stress of a sexually transmitted infection or unintended pregnancy. 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 sexually transmitted infections.

There are so many different types of condoms available that were created to make you and your partner enjoy sex. If you try a certain style or brand and don’t like it, try something new the next time. If you feel embarrassed about purchasing condoms from a grocery store or gas station you can always go to the Planned Parenthood of Illinois health center nearest you for low cost condoms. We have even created our stylish PROPER ATTIRE® condoms line - safe sex is fashionable!

If you have a funny or embarrassing story that has to do with condoms share it with us below. It’s National Condom Week and there will never be a better time or place to share your story!
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This post was created by Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL). PPIL provides comprehensive reproductive healthcare services and education to more than 60,000 Illinoisans each year. Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA) is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of PPIL.

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