Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County celebrates National Condom Awareness Day on February 14 (Valentine’s Day) to raise awareness about practicing safer sex. The day is designed to promote using condoms during sexual activities, the correct use of condoms, and reducing the shame attached to buying and carrying condoms. It celebrates healthy relationships, highlights the importance of safe and consensual sex, and promotes positive sexual health. On Valentine’s Day, those who are sexually active should consider including condoms along with that special gift for the one you love!
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) live in body fluids which are exchanged when you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex. The risk of STI infection is greater when condoms are not used properly. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), consistent and correct condom use is highly effective in reducing the risk of transmitting HIV and other STIs.
Condoms, when used correctly, can reduce the risk of both pregnancy and STIs, including HIV. However, it is important to remember that condoms are not 100% effective, and for condoms to work properly, they must be used correctly every time you have sex.
Public Health’s HIV Prevention Services is hosting a “Safe Love” event on Valentine’s Day. Come out and pick up an assortment of condoms and information on proper use, educational brochures on HIV/ STIs, and get a free rapid HIV test. Receive an HIV test and get a $10 Kroger gift card! Individuals must be 13 years and older to test for HIV and show ID to get a gift card.
Event Location & Details:
Tuesday, February 14 from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Dr. Charles R. Drew Health Center (Conference Room 800)
1323 W. Third Street Dayton, OH 45402
For more information call (937) 225-4023
For more HIV testing sites near you, call 800-CDC-INFO (232-4636), visit http://hivtest.cdc.gov, or on your cell phone, text your ZIP code to KNOW IT (566948) or call (937) 496-7133.
The right way to use a male condom:
Condom Do’s & Don’ts
- DO use a condom every time you have sex.
- DO put on a condom before having sex.
- DO read the package and check the expiration date.
- DO make sure there are no tears or defects.
- DO store condoms in a cool, dry place.
- DO use latex or polyurethane condoms.
- DO use water-based or silicone-based lubricant to prevent breakage.
- DON’T store condoms in your wallet as heat and friction can damage them.
- DON’T use nonoxynol-9 (a spermicide), as this can cause irritation.
- DON’T use oil-based products like baby oil, lotion, petroleum jelly, or cooking oil because they will cause the condom to break.
- DON’T use more than one condom at a time.
- DON’T reuse a condom.
