National Condom Week!

With February comes Valentine's Day in addition to National Condom Week (February 8-14)!   Did you know that every year in the U.S. there are 19 million new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with young people ages 15-24 accounting for almost half of them?  Last year in Winnebago County there were 434 cases of Chlamydia in the age group of 15-24 year olds, which is a very common yet preventable STI.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2015) explains that consistent and correct use of the male latex condom reduces the risk of STIs and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission. However, condom use cannot provide absolute protection against any STD.

The most common reason condoms fail is that they are used incorrectly.  We encourage all individuals who think they may be in a situation where a condom should be used to first obtain a condom and familiarize themselves with it in order to use it correctly when the time comes. Remember to never re-use condoms. There are specific steps that should be taken for correct condom use which include:

1. Check expiration date on condom package.
2. Squeeze condom package to make sure it contains an air pocket.
3. Carefully open the condom package.
4. Remove condom from package.
5. Check rim of the condom to figure out which way to unroll it.
6. Pinch tip of the condom.
7. Place the condom on the erect penis and roll down.
8. Have sex.
9. Ejaculate.
10. While male is still hard, he holds on to the base of the condom and pulls out of partner.
11. Male turns away to take off the condom to prevent spilling on partner.
12. Tie up used condom and dispose.

 

Getting condoms does not have to be an expensive or embarrassing task.  There are many locations in Winnebago County that provide free condoms to people of all ages.  These include:

Winnebago County Health Department - Bulletin Board

112 Otter Avenue, Oshkosh

Neenah WIC Office - Bulletin Board

211 N Commercial St, Neenah

Planned Parenthood - behind counter (ask)
Satori Imports - on display in a bowl

411 N Main St, Oshkosh

New Moon Café - behind counter (ask)

401 N Main St, Oshkosh

House of Heroes - behind counter (ask)

407 N Main St, Oshkosh

Streets of Fire - on display in a jar

415 N Main St, Oshkosh

Exclusive Company - in a jar at entrance

318 N Main St, Oshkosh

The Magnet Bar - on display in a jar

519 N Main St, Oshkosh

For more information on STI prevention, testing and treatment please visit www.winnebagopublichealth.org

Happy Valentine's Day!