National Condom Week is February 14th through February 21st. Consistent and correct condom use promotes
safer sex and overall sexual health. Play it safe to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
Central Michigan District Health Department (CMDHD) offers STD screening and pregnancy tests
as well as education and will be offering FREE condoms throughout National Condom Week being recognized from February 14th through February 21st.
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it is important to acknowledge another upcoming holiday, National Condom Day that is also celebrated Friday, February 14th. Although light-hearted, this holiday sends a
very important message about the significance of safer sex. Remember, that no matter how strong, love still
needs distance. So, while you’re out buying chocolates or flowers, make sure you stop by the condom aisle or
your local health department.
The history of condoms dates back as far as 3000 BC. Throughout the years, they have been fashioned
from a variety of materials, including sheep or lamb intestines, oiled silk paper, and fine leather. The invention
of latex in the 1920’s led to the condoms we are now familiar with. Since then, condoms have evolved to include
a wide range of sizes, textures, flavors, and colors to suit all needs and desires. Female condoms, as well as
polyurethane condoms (for those with latex sensitivities), are also options.
Although the material of the condom has changed with time and technology, their purpose of preventing
sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), HIV, and unplanned pregnancies has remained the same. When used
consistently and correctly the use of condoms greatly reduces (but does not eliminate) the transmission of STDs
and HIV. The only way to completely prevent STDs, HIV, and unplanned pregnancy is abstinence. If that option
is not for you, practicing safer sex through condom use is the best way to protect yourself and your partners.
According to the State of Michigan, the number of reported STD’s is rising. Michigan reported 48,807
cases of Chlamydia, 14,640 cases of Gonorrhea, and 657 cases of Syphilis in 2018. In accordance with the Center
for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 38,739 new cases of HIV were diagnosed in adolescents and
adults in the United States in 2017. With consistent and correct condom usage or abstinence, these diseases are
mostly preventable. Even with condom use everyone who is sexually active should be screened regularly for
STDs and HIV.
For more information on condoms and their proper use, and/or STDs, please contact one of our Central
Michigan District Health Department (CMDHD) locations and we will be happy to assist with any questions,
concerns, or testing that you may need. Always remember that all sex should be safer sex.
This article has been brought to you by Central Michigan District Health Department,
###
and Up North Voice are Northern Michigan’s source for community news.
We are also a full-service commercial design and printing house. Our specialty is custom commercial printing, as well as the creation of clothing, cups and other marketing products.
.
Up North Voice is a division of AuSable Media Group, LLC, based at 709 Lake Street in Roscommon.
