National Condom Week, which originally began at the University of California, Berkeley in the ‘70s, still has great relevance in America. Research shows that every year in the United States roughly half of all pregnancies are unplanned, and approximately 19 million women and men will contract a sexually transmitted disease. Condoms used consistently and correctly provide the best protection against sexually transmitted diseases for sexually active women and men. They also protect against unintended pregnancy.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has named both unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases as two of the state’s “10 Winnable Battles,” which are public health and environmental priorities with large-scale impact on health and the environment, and with known, effective strategies to address them. According to the CDPHE, unintended pregnancy stretches the state budget, costing Medicaid in Colorado more than $160 million annually. Additionally, Colorado has a rate of gonorrhea among 15- to 29-year-olds that is twice the national rate for people of all ages. That rate is even more troubling when considering the side effects that can take place during the most likely child-bearing years. Infections due to gonorrhea are a major cause of pelvic inflammatory disease which may lead to serious outcomes in women including infertility, ectopic pregnancy and chronic pelvic pain.
Through an increase in education, awareness, and the normalization of conversations surrounding safe sex practices we can reduce the high statistics surrounding unintended pregnancies and STDs. PPRM encourages men and women to take responsibility for their sexual health; National Condom Week is an opportunity for sexually active partners to discuss whose responsibility it is to provide condoms. In fact, Planned Parenthood’s line of stylish PROPER ATTIRE® condoms was designed to help women feel more comfortable about buying and carrying condoms. With chic, fashion-forward packaging, PROPER ATTIRE® condoms allow women to combine their sense of style and commitment to be healthy. PROPER ATTIRE® condoms are available year‑round at Planned Parenthood health centers, or they can be ordered online by going to www.properattirecondoms.com.
