Abstinence - STD's - Dating - Parenting - Marriage Matters - Sexual Assault - Cohabitation

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE:
Chlamydia - Gonorrhea - Herpes - HPV & Genital Warts - Syphillis - Trichomonoiasis - HIV/AIDS - Prevention

Prevention
The only way to be sure you do not get an STD is to save sex for your marriage, get tested before marriage, and be faithful to your spouse.

Any genital contact outside of a mutually faithful, lifelong relationship with an uninfected partner puts you at risk.

So What about Protection?
From The Medical Institute Advisory, Dec 31, 2003

“Protect” When used in a non-scientific setting, the word “protect” often implies “complete” or “perfect” safety from a risk factor. When used in scientific writing, “protect” can have a wide range of meanings. Its meaning is derived from context – the data and research findings the authors are presenting. Thus, in scientific writing “protect” can mean anything from “somewhat better than nothing” to “complete safety from a risk factor.” Certainly, these differences in meaning are acceptable when understood in the context of the data and results that the researchers are presenting. However, it is when these research findings are translated for the lay public that the word “protect” can be confusing, even potentially harmful.

Perhaps the most practical example of this language confusion comes directly from the information printed on condom packaging materials. For example, on the back of a Durex condom box purchased in 2002* are three successive statements which read:

1) 1st statement: “Durex High Sensation Condoms set you free to enjoy the pleasure of sex while being confident that you’re protected.” (emphasis added)

2) 2nd statement: “If used properly, Durex latex condoms will help reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancies and catching or spreading HIV infection (AIDS) and many other sexually transmitted diseases.” (emphasis added)

3) 3rd statement: “No method of contraception can provide 100% protection against pregnancy or HIV (AIDS) and STDs.” (emphasis added)

Anyone who purchases these condoms – who is interested in complete and accurate information about condoms – would be faced with the following questions:

Do these statements mean condoms, although not 100 percent effective, are almost 100 percent effective in “preventing” disease?
Do these statements mean all STDs are the same and condom “protection” is the same for all diseases?
Do these statements mean that “protection” is provided even if condoms are not used every time?
Does “protected” mean I will not get a disease? The answer to each of these questions is “No.”

Unfortunately, some printed materials and educational programs that discuss condoms lead to confusion similar to that created by condom labeling.

* Durex High Sensation condom box - lubricated premium latex condoms, No. 246, lubricated. Manufactured in Spain. Expiration 2004/05. Distributed by Durex Consumer Products, Inc., Norcross, GA 30092.

Find the latest, medically accurate, articles on sexual health at www.medinstitute.org