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07/08/2006
Call for NHS to offer 'range of condoms'
The Family Planning Association has called on the NHS to provide a wider selection of condoms in different sizes and shapes.
In a statement released to mark the beginning of Sexual Health Week, the FPA warned that condoms that do not fit properly are more likely to tear or come off, increasing the risk of unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections.
A survey of 500 people, conducted by the FPA, found that 35% of current or past users of condoms had experienced a condom splitting or coming off during sex. However, nearly two thirds of this group did not know why this had happened or what had gone wrong with its use.
However, a quarter of respondents said that they did not know that condoms came in different widths and lengths. The FPA said that studies had shown that one of the influencing factors in condoms splitting or slipping was because they did not fit properly.
The FPA also found that 43% of men and women did not talk about condom sizes because they got embarrassed talking about penis size.
However, the FPA said that finding the right fit could improve confidence in the the method, while a poor fit could reduce sexual pleasure and contribute to negative views of condoms.
Commenting on the findings, Toni Bellfield, the FPA's Director of Information, said: "Men come in different shapes and sizes and so do condoms. Problems such as condoms splitting or coming off are directly related to people choosing the wrong size and shape or not using them correctly. When this happens, people lose trust and confidence in the method. As a direct consequence, people are far more likely to use condoms erratically or stop using them altogether.
"We receive many calls from our national helpline from people about condoms. Improved information and choice is vital to enable men and women to use condoms consistently and confidently. If used properly, condoms are highly effective in preventing pregnancy and many STIs. As a powerful way of protecting public health, the reasons why some people experience problems using condoms needs to be explored."
The FPA also called on health professionals to talk to clients about condoms during consultations and tackle some of the embarrassment that exists around condom use.
(KMcA/SP)
In a statement released to mark the beginning of Sexual Health Week, the FPA warned that condoms that do not fit properly are more likely to tear or come off, increasing the risk of unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections.
A survey of 500 people, conducted by the FPA, found that 35% of current or past users of condoms had experienced a condom splitting or coming off during sex. However, nearly two thirds of this group did not know why this had happened or what had gone wrong with its use.
However, a quarter of respondents said that they did not know that condoms came in different widths and lengths. The FPA said that studies had shown that one of the influencing factors in condoms splitting or slipping was because they did not fit properly.
The FPA also found that 43% of men and women did not talk about condom sizes because they got embarrassed talking about penis size.
However, the FPA said that finding the right fit could improve confidence in the the method, while a poor fit could reduce sexual pleasure and contribute to negative views of condoms.
Commenting on the findings, Toni Bellfield, the FPA's Director of Information, said: "Men come in different shapes and sizes and so do condoms. Problems such as condoms splitting or coming off are directly related to people choosing the wrong size and shape or not using them correctly. When this happens, people lose trust and confidence in the method. As a direct consequence, people are far more likely to use condoms erratically or stop using them altogether.
"We receive many calls from our national helpline from people about condoms. Improved information and choice is vital to enable men and women to use condoms consistently and confidently. If used properly, condoms are highly effective in preventing pregnancy and many STIs. As a powerful way of protecting public health, the reasons why some people experience problems using condoms needs to be explored."
The FPA also called on health professionals to talk to clients about condoms during consultations and tackle some of the embarrassment that exists around condom use.
(KMcA/SP)
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10 August 2006
Teens 'using condoms incorrectly'
Many British teenagers are failing to use condoms correctly, new research has claimed. Researchers at Southampton University surveyed 1,400 teenagers aged between 16 and 18 in England.
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15 June 2007
Report identified 'teen sex health crisis'
Alcohol, drugs and promiscuity are fueling a sexual health crisis among Britain's teenagers, a report has claimed.
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Alcohol, drugs and promiscuity are fueling a sexual health crisis among Britain's teenagers, a report has claimed.
03 November 2006
Study shows why teens may not use condoms
Social expectations of how men and women should behave may influence why young people do not use condoms, research has suggested. Researchers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine examined 268 studies of the sexual behaviour of under-25-year-olds from South Africa to Sweden.
Study shows why teens may not use condoms
Social expectations of how men and women should behave may influence why young people do not use condoms, research has suggested. Researchers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine examined 268 studies of the sexual behaviour of under-25-year-olds from South Africa to Sweden.
02 May 2003
May Day declared National 'Bonk' Holiday
In response to the Government's u-turn on plans to jail couples caught having sex in their garden, Mates condoms has launched a 'Safe Outdoor Sex' campaign and declared May Day as the UK's first official 'Bonk' Holiday.
May Day declared National 'Bonk' Holiday
In response to the Government's u-turn on plans to jail couples caught having sex in their garden, Mates condoms has launched a 'Safe Outdoor Sex' campaign and declared May Day as the UK's first official 'Bonk' Holiday.
30 June 2006
VAT reduction on condoms comes into effect
VAT on condoms and other contraceptive products is to be reduced from 17.5% to 5% from tomorrow. Retail chemists plan to reduce the price of a packet of three condoms by around 30p and - pending reductions in the prices charged at vending machines - the vendors will increase their supply of free condoms to sexual health charities and other bodies.
VAT reduction on condoms comes into effect
VAT on condoms and other contraceptive products is to be reduced from 17.5% to 5% from tomorrow. Retail chemists plan to reduce the price of a packet of three condoms by around 30p and - pending reductions in the prices charged at vending machines - the vendors will increase their supply of free condoms to sexual health charities and other bodies.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly cloudy day with outbreaks of rain, most persistent and occasionally heavy across southern and western counties this afternoon. Risk of low cloud and fog patches affecting the Down coast. Light winds. Maximum temperature 15 °C.Tonight:Continuing cloudy through the evening with further outbreaks of rain, the rain turning lighter and patchier from the south overnight. Winds remain light. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
