World Condom Day was launched just 10 years ago. However, its use dates back several centuries. The idea is simple, but effective. The condom is a barrier method that prevents contracting and transmitting sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies. Within the range of contraceptive methods available, it is still the only one that prevents both.
If the condom is used correctly, it is 98% effective. Still, after years of existence, we couldn’t find a better option to prevent STIs. For this reason, we had to understand its limitations in order to enhance it and expand its possibilities of use. Other materials were created for people allergic to latex, the female condom was created (although it is still of limited access in our country) and the option was found to create, from a condom for the penis, a latex field that would allow care in other sexual practices such as oral sex.
Although since the end of the ’90s they began to be distributed free of charge, in our country condoms have been free since 2002 from Law 25,673 that gave rise to the National Program for Sexual Health and Responsible Procreation. Anyone, regardless of gender or age, can access this method for free in hospitals and health centers throughout the country. In Donde.huesped.org.ar you can search for the closest place to find it. Likewise, in the City of Buenos Aires, a law was passed in 2010 that makes it compulsory to sell condoms in bars, restaurants, theaters and any other place set up for public shows. In addition, social and prepaid works must cover their cost, as contemplated in the Mandatory Medical Program.
Removing barriers so that every sexually active person can have condoms is essential, but it is not enough. Without Comprehensive Sex Education applied equally throughout the country, any measure seems to be sterile. People choose to use a condom or not for multiple factors. No organization, campaign or state policy can get involved at that precise moment and intervene in the decision of a couple. Care and respect for one’s own body and that of the other person, as well as knowledge about sexual health and options for planning pregnancies, are meanings that are built in society and over time. ESI gives us endless possibilities to do so.
On the other hand, today there are other prevention strategies, such as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), which seek to increase the chances of avoiding infections such as HIV. They do not replace the use of condoms, but they also understand that, in people who are at special risk of contracting HIV, it is necessary to provide more options.
After so many years, the condom is still valid. For now, it is difficult to imagine a better option to prevent STIs and pregnancy at the same time. What we can suspect is that any strategy that incorporates it will have a great enhancer to provide more accurate and effective measures. Condom plus technology. Condom plus ESI. Condom plus access. Condom plus science. And so. Lining, condom, condom, rubber, cover. Tell it how you want, always use it.
