Only 5% of adolescents always use condoms during sexual intercourse

World Condom Day is commemorated every year on February 13.  Thus, on the eve of Valentine’s Day, it is proposed to remember the importance of the use of condoms as a barrier method against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), at the initiative of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF). This is a fundamental action considering that, according to preliminary data from a survey conducted by AHF Argentina in 2021, “5% of adolescents and 13% of young people said they always used condoms.” In addition, according to a report prepared by the National Ministry of Health, FUSA and UNICEF, “the youngest age groups (between 15 and 24 years old) present the highest values and the greatest growth in both notification and positivity for STIs, except in the case of HIV, where the ages are higher.” Among them, the high incidence of syphilis stands out: “Although the age group of adolescents and young people between 15 and 24 years old represents 1% of the population, it concentrates 44% of syphilis cases”. Dr. María Sol Barrientos, a gynecologist who is a member of the Adolescence Program at the Hospital de Clínicas de la UBA (MN 160.680), says regarding the adolescent segment: “I think the challenge is to make them aware of the number of sexually transmitted infections to which they could be exposed and the implication they have on their health. Most are only aware of perhaps the most popular diseases such as HIV, hepatitis or syphilis but cannot really identify the impact of them on their health or the existence of other diseases.” The doctor maintains that although more and more adolescents are consulting about methods, “it does not occur to them to ask what are the risks of not using the barrier method, beyond unwanted pregnancy.” She criticizes how they obtain information about it: “We currently have the job of ‘fighting’ against the myths that arise on social networks, where there is a lot of misinformation about contraceptive methods in general and sometimes they rely on sources that do not have medical information. That is why Comprehensive Sex Education and the beginning of medical consultations at the beginning of puberty are so important.” The Ministry of Health explains that the penile condom is the only method that both prevents pregnancy and protects against HIV/AIDS and other STIs. To ensure its effectiveness, it recommends:- Check the expiration date and control the packaging.
– Do not expose it to the sun or heat because it can damage the latex or carry it in your wallet because friction can damage the latex.
– Use from the beginning of sexual intercourse. Never use two together because friction can break them.
– Open the sachet carefully so that the condom does not break. Do not use sharp objects or open with teeth.
– Squeeze the tip of the condom to get the air out before resting it on the erect penis because, if the tip is inflated, it can break during intercourse.
– Unroll it to the base of the penis, taking care that the tip is not inflated.
– Do not use petroleum jelly, oil or hand cream because these can damage the condom. – – Use “water-based” lubricants that are sold in pharmacies and are available in hospitals and health centers in the country and are recommended especially for anal sex.
– After ejaculation, remove the condom while the penis is still erect. Be careful not to spill semen.
– A new condom is always used for each practice: vaginal, anal, and oral.
– After use, throw in the trash, not the toilet.
– In the case of using vibrators, dildos or other objects and sharing them with another person, put a condom on them at each penetration. Condoms are free according to national law 25.673. They are available in health centers and hospitals, while they are delivered free of charge through social and prepaid health insurance programs. The health ministry maintains that, with respect to the vaginal condom (PV), it is an effective method to reduce the transmission of HIV and other STIs such as syphilis or gonorrhea and also reduces the possibility of unintended pregnancies. It is a barrier method used in penis-vagina penetrative sexual practices. Also with sex toys such as vibrators or dildos. Regarding its use, he suggests:- To insert the vaginal condom, find a position that is comfortable: standing, squatting or sitting or lying down.
– Grasp the inner ring between your thumb and forefinger. Then, squeeze it by thetwo until they come together and form a point.
– Look for the outer lips of the vulva and separate them. Use the tip formed by the junction of the sides of the inner ring to push the PV into the vagina.
– Slide your index finger or middle finger into the condom and push the inner ring, which is already inside your vagina, as far as possible.
– Make sure the vaginal condom fits snugly against the wall of the vagina without twisting.
– The outer ring will remain outside the body and partially cover the vulva, providing additional protection. Hold the outer ring while the initial penetration occurs, then it can be released. In relation to the latex field, it serves to prevent STIs in oral sex practiced in the vagina or anus and also in vulvar-to-vulva rubbing. In relation to its use, the Ministry recommends:- Open the wrapper and unroll the condom.
– Pull out the bottom edge with your thumbs.
– Cut it lengthwise.
– Open it and spread it over the vagina or anus to form the latex field.” Care has to come from all the people who are part of the sexual relationship, regardless of their sex or gender. It is a sign of responsibility and self-protection. In the Adolescence program of the Hospital de Clínicas, each adolescent has the possibility of attending alone and/or having a moment of their consultation to talk alone with the professionals, with full confidentiality. In the event that there is an emergency due to failure or lack of use of the method, post-exposure prophylaxis can be requested by on-call or in the office,” says Barrientos. To make an appointment in the Adolescence area, go from Monday to Friday from 8.30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Av. Córdoba 2351, Ground Floor, sector D.

Original source in Spanish