Between 2011 and 2013, the number of guys who reported using a condom during their first sexual encounter was 78%, a huge decline from previous years. Although 78% might seem like a really high number, it should be a LOT higher than that.
There’s a very important reason why condoms are so important. They’re the only kind of contraceptive that prevents both pregnancy and STIs from occurring.
It is estimated that individuals who don’t use any form of contraception will have an 86% chance of becoming pregnant within a year.
However, according to Planned Parenthood, condoms are 82% effective at preventing pregnancies. Essentially, 18 out of every 100 people who use condoms as their primary method of birth control will become pregnant in a year. This figure includes those who misuse condoms. If a person uses condoms correctly during every sexual encounter, that figure jumps to 98%.
Condoms are also very effective in preventing a variety of sexually transmitted diseases. When used properly, condoms can protect against STDs like gonorrhea, chlamydia, HPV, and HIV and AIDS. For example, Planned Parenthood reports that when it comes to HIV, using a condom is 10,000 times safer than not using one.
Regardless of whether you or your partner has any noticeable symptoms of an STD, it is still possible to transmit an STD during unprotected sex. Many STDs don’t have noticeable symptoms but can still be infectious.
Some STDs can be spread through contact with genital secretions and condoms can act as a form of barrier during sexual activity. Other STDs are spread through skin-to-skin contact, and condoms can only prevent those if the infected skin is covered by the condom.
Sexually transmitted diseases can lead to a variety of different medical issues. For example, HPV increases the risk of developing cervical cancer.
Sexually transmitted diseases can be spread through vaginal, oral, and anal sex, so it’s always important to wear a condom during every sexual encounter in order to protect yourself from contracting an STD.
So no matter what you’re doing in the bedroom, please make sure that it’s consensual and that it’s safe. And if your partner refuses to wear a condom, here are some tips on what you can do.