A HISTORICAL LOOK:Condom promotion and distribution is an important part of most National HIV/AIDS Response. Many studies have shown how effective they are and important to prevention of the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. Despite this in some countries and communities condom promotion is still seen as controversial and it is still criticized. You probably have heard some of the criticism , 'Condoms, give a false sense of security, it makes young people think its okay to have sex or you are promoting promiscuity' these are common in every society.
These criticisms are not new! In fact the use of condoms while always controversial dates back many years, here is a brief historical perspective:
Condom use can be traced back several thousand years. It is known that around 1000 BC the ancient Egyptians used a linen sheath for protection against disease.
In the 1500s The syphilis epidemic that spread across Europe gave rise to the first published account of the condom. Gabrielle Fallopius described a sheath of linen he claimed to have invented to protect men against syphilis. Having been found useful for prevention of infection, it was only later that the usefulness of the condom for the prevention of pregnancy was recognized.
Later in the 1500s, one of the first improvements to the condom was made, when the linen cloth sheaths were sometimes soaked in a chemical solution and then allowed to dry prior to use. These were the first spermicides on condoms. Condoms made out of animal intestines began to be available. However, they were quite expensive and the unfortunate result was that they were often reused. This type of condom was described at the time as "an armour against pleasure, and a cobweb against infection".
The use of condoms was affected by technological, economic and social development in Europe and the US in 1800s. The first advertisement for condoms was published in 1861.
 Condom manufacturing was revolutionized by the discovery of rubber vulcanization by Goodyear (founder of the tyre company) and Hancock. This meant that is was possible to mass-produce rubber goods including condoms quickly and cheaply. From the early 1960s, use of condoms as a contraceptive device declined as the pill, the coil and sterilization became more popular.
The use of the condom increased strikingly in many countries following the recognition of HIV/AIDS in the 1980's. Condoms also became available in pubs, bars, grocery stores and supermarkets.
 In more recent years, improved technology resulted in less thick condoms, and variations in sizes, colors, shapes and widths to encourage use and in recognizing that one size does not fit all.
HOW EFFECTIVE ARE CONDOMS?
This is a usual query are they effective? Studies have shown that if a latex condom is used correctly every time you have sex, this is highly effective in providing protection against HIV.
The evidence for this is clearest in studies of couples in which one person is infected with HIV and the other not. i.e. "discordant couples". In a study of discordant couples in Europe, among 123 couples that reported consistent condom use, none of the uninfected partners became infected. In contrast, among the 122 couples who used condoms inconsistently, 12 of the uninfected partners became infected.
In addition, correct and consistent use of latex condoms can reduce the risk of other Sexually Transmitted Infections. As these studies indicate, condoms must be used consistently and correctly to provide maximum protection. Consistent use means using a condom from start to finish with each act of intercourse. Correct condom use should include:
- Use a new condom for each act of intercourse
- Put on the condom as soon as erection occurs and before any sexual contact
- Hold the tip of the condom and unroll it onto the erect penis, leaving space at the tip of the condom, yet ensuring that no air is trapped in the condom's tip.
- Adequate lubrication is important, but use only water-based lubricants on latex condoms. Oil-based lubricants such as petroleum jelly (vaseline), cold cream, hand lotion or baby oil can weaken the latex condom and are not recommended.
- Withdraw from the partner immediately after ejaculation, holding the condom firmly to keep it from slipping off.
DO CONDOMS FAIL?
The main reason that condoms sometimes fail to prevent HIV/STD infection or pregnancy is incorrect or inconsistent use, not the failure of the condom itself. Using oil-based lubricants can weaken the latex, causing the condom to break. Condoms can also be weakened by exposure to heat or sunlight or by age, or they can be torn by teeth or fingernails. Also, remember to check the expiry date of your condom!
MAINTAINING THE QUALITY: Are the tested?
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates condoms to ensure their safety and effectiveness. Different countries have different regulatory agencies. For example, condoms in Europe that have been properly tested and approved should carry the CE Mark. Elsewhere in the world, you can find that condoms are ISO approved. Also, individual countries may have their own approval marks for condoms, for example, the Kitemark in the UK.
In the US, each condom is electronically tested for holes and efects.21 Also, condom manufacturers sample each lot of finished packaged condoms and visually examine them for holes using a water leak test. Condom manufacturers also tests lots for physical characteristics using the air burst test and the tensile (strength) test. The Turks and Caicos National AIDS Program purchases all of its condoms from a reputable company in the United States which ensures random quality testing of its condoms.
We continue to promote the use of condoms as a behavior that will prevent the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. They must be used consistently, ( you cannot use one tonight and not the other night or with one partner and not the other) and you must use them correctly (remember the tips above) Of course abstaining from sex is the surest and safest method but even that has conditions. We will discuss abstinence and these conditions in the next article. |
