Let me preface this by first saying that I was raised by two professors, one of which taught health and drivers ed in a big city high school for 20 years. I think I got the "sex talk" when I was about 11, and with every boyfriend after. So, if anyone is squeamish, offended, or blush-y about sex talk stuff, do not read the following.
NHS should offer a wider selection of condoms. Because, you know, not all men are the same size, and apparently not all men are smart. At all.
-- "An FPA survey of 500 people found a third had experienced a condom splitting or coming off during sex.
....
Two thirds of those in its survey who had experienced problems with a condom did not know why.
And a quarter of respondents did not know condoms came in different lengths and widths.
Just under half said talking about condom size was embarrassing."
Call me crazy smart but...
1. How in the world can you not know why? This is not a difficult contraption, like say, a cell phone, but I'm sure they have no trouble working one of those.
2. How in the world can you not know that they come in different lengths and widths? There are a million jokes out there about this exact thing.
3. If you're embarrassed to talk about condom size, maybe you shouldn't be having SEX.
-- "The FPA says one of the main factors which affects whether a condom is going to split or slip is its fit. People who have had problems can also lose confidence in using condoms as a contraceptive, it warned, potentially increasing their risk of unwanted pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection."
"Lose confidence in condoms" so they stop using them and start infecting their partners with nasty diseases and possible pregnancies? Wow, geniuses. And the NHS thinks that by offering bigger/smaller/longer/shorter condoms they will reach these people? These people don't even want to TALK about it. Not that I'm against the actual more selection idea, I just think maybe educating parents is a better one!
My parents were great, I was raised with Christian values - abstinence is key. I've never had problems getting guys, never had problems keeping guys, never had a problem getting my perfect (and very sweet & sexy) guy. Know what else I never had a problem with? STDS or pregnancy. My parents were open about sex, taught me about birth control, told me that if I ever decided to become sexually active they would take me to the doctor.
Why aren't kids today getting this?
-- "We would also like to see health professionals talk to clients about condoms during consultations and tackle some of the embarrassment that exists around condom use."
Education is definitely important, but it just seems it's got to come from home first. Kinda rambled (I'm at work) but there you go
* Typepad drives me crazy update*: there are comments, but they aren't showing up. Don't know why, just didn't want Kathi thinking I deleted her comment