Respect & Responsibility: Use a Condom Every Time
Thursday, February 14, 2008
JC Jones MA RN
While our thoughts turn to love this week, the American Social Health Association reminds us it is National Condom Week February 10- 16. Think ahead and be prepared. Have condoms with you and remember just how many diseases you and your partner are susceptible to without them - no matter what your age. In the US alone, we see close to 20 million new cases of STDs annually - don't be one of them! So many infections have no symptoms, you or your partner may not even be aware you are infected.
Consistent, safe condom use cuts your risk of contracting HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HPV, genital herpes and trichomoniasis. Once you are in a monogamous long term relationship and both parties have tested negative to all of the above infections, you can forego the condoms.
Just be kind to your partner if you happen to stray - and use a condom to save yourself from answering embarrassing questions later.
thank you kjunstorm for use of photo Dance of Love...
