10 Fun, Freaky, Fabulous Facts About Condoms

As the nation’s largest provider of sex education, Planned Parenthood works every day to reduce the number of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies and to keep people healthy. In conjunction with Valentine’s Day and National Condom Week (February 14-21), let’s take a look at some FACTS ABOUT CONDOMS AND CONDOMS USE. Some are mind-blowing, some are straight to the point. Enjoy and be safe!  

Recursos en Español con más infomación sobre los condones al final.

1. Condoms can actually HELP your sex life!
Contrary to popular belief that condoms do nothing for your mojo, people who use condoms rate their sexual experiences just as pleasurable as people who don’t.

2. Easy peasy!
Unlike other forms of birth control, you don’t need a prescription to get condoms. They’re one of the most accessible and affordable types of birth control.

3. All the single ladies…
According to a 2008 study by the Guttmacher Institute, only 19% of single women aged 20 to 44 always use condoms. What’s up with that, ladies? Protect yourself!

4. Yabba Dabba Doo!
The earliest known illustration of someone using a condom is a 12,000+ year old cave painting. Guess we missed that episode of The Flintstones!

5. Silent but violent
Most people who have an STD don’t even realize it, since many STDs cause no immediate symptoms. For example, 75% of women and 50% of men with chlamydia have no symptoms.

6. Variety is the spice of life
There are plenty of different kinds of condoms out there. (non-latex, FC2 female condoms, flavored, colored, ribbed, etc.). Wonder if there are any red hot cinnamon-flavored ones for Valentine’s Day?

7. Dynamic duo
Even if you’re using another method of birth control, you may be at risk of getting an STD. Condoms+birth control = the best way to prevent both pregnancy and STDs. So put one on before you get it on!

8. HIV fighter
When it comes to HIV, using a condom makes sex 10,000 TIMES SAFER than not using one.

9. Don’t worry, be happy. Very happy.
Condoms are a good way to feel more relaxed about your sex life. Many people say they find sex more enjoyable when they use condoms because they aren’t worrying about STDs or unintended pregnancy.

10. COMMUNICATE!
Yeah, we know talking about safe sex with your partner can be hard. But it’s important to communicate. Develop a plan and practice what you will say to your partner. Don’t be shy about communicating your needs and feelings. Send a message that condom use is essential every single time you have sex. A partner who respects you, respects your health, and their health as well.

New to condom use or need a refresher, check out the videos below.

• How to Use a Condom in English
• Cómo Usar Un Condón
• Planned Parenthood: Condoms in English 
• Planned Parenthood: Condones
• The Female Condom in English
• Condón Femenino

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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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