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STD Treatment Preferred To Condom Use
When used regularly and correctly, condoms are effective and reliable in preventing disease and pregnancy.
Study after study has proven condoms are extremely effective against STDs
when used regularly and correctly.
It seems, however condoms aren't being used as much as they need to be, possibly due to negative ideas from users and
the health care provider alike.
Research has shown some men still won't use condoms even after they acquired a sexually transmitted infection, or STI,
according to a survey of African-American clinic patients. The study was published in by the American Journal of Health
Behavior.
A third of men without a primary sexual partner and two-thirds with a primary partner aren't ready to use condoms
on a consistent basis, according to Diane Grimley, of the University of Alabama. Those of us in a more intimate relationship
are the least likely to think about using a condom regularly. Men reported the least confidence in using a condom when
we want our partner to know we are committed to our relationship.
Those who use drugs and alcohol and have no main partner are the least likely to use condoms consistently.
The survey by Grimly and her colleagues came from an Alabama STD clinic's patients who came to the clinic for treatment.
Many of the men, around two-thirds, said they had had previous diagnosis one or more STDs from the clinic.
One of the biggest advantages of condom use, said the men, was the safety from STDs but a big advantage was
the cooperation needed of their partner.
There are benefits from using condoms aside from STD and pregnancy prevention.
Men who use condoms are involved in family planning. Condom use can prolong our erection and ejaculation
time.
Condoms are immediately effective as a contraceptive and can be used as a backup to other methods of birth control.
There are no method-related health risks or side effects.
While the men in the Alabama clinic survey understood the risks associated with STDs, they cope with the risk by seeking
other preventative measures, such as treatment of the STD. They prefer this method to practicing preventative behavior such
as regular condom use.
By focusing on the early detection of the disease without using our resources for prevention, the current situation will
continue.
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