Breaking Down Condom Myths

By Daniela Salazar, 18, Staff Writer

Originally Published: Jan 12, 2006

Revised: Dec 5, 2007

It's a fact; condoms provide the general public with safer and, in some cases, even more pleasurable sex. If used correctly and consistently, condoms are highly effective at protecting us from the transmission of several sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV, during vaginal, oral or anal intercourse, and they are 98 percent effective at preventing unplanned pregnancy.

Condoms are a necessary part of many healthy sexual relationships. As a teen myself, I believe having the proper information—minus all the lies, myths and urban legends that many teens believe—is crucial. Let's take a minute to break down some common myths.

Myth #1: You have to be over 18 to buy condoms, and they cost a lot

FALSE: Nope, there is no legal age to buy condoms. The salesperson behind the counter may raise an eyebrow, but he or she can't refuse to sell you condoms or require your parents' permission. And he or she shouldn't make you feel bad for choosing to protect yourself and your partner!

You can buy condoms at grocery stores, drug stores, pharmacies, gas stations, vending machines in bathrooms or over the Internet. They cost, on average, between 35 cents and $2 each. And you can often get condoms for free or at reduced cost at family planning clinics, like Planned Parenthood.

Myth #2: Condoms don't really protect you from STDs.

FALSE: Condoms DO protect from the spread of HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, trichomoniasis and any other STDs that are spread through the exchange of fluids. An Advocates for Youth publication on condom effectiveness reports that in a study done on couples in which one partner is HIV-positive and the other is HIV-negative, the virus was not transmitted during vaginal or anal sex when condoms were used correctly and consistently.

Condoms do not, however, protect users completely from STDs like herpes and HPV because they can be spread through skin-to-skin contact. Condoms only cover the penis, so not all the exposed skin is protected. You must agree though—some protection is better than none!

Myth #3: Wearing two condoms is more effective than just one.

FALSE: This is a common urban legend, since most people believe that "two is better than one." But it is NOT TRUE. Two condoms can create a lot of friction, which can make the condoms break.

Myth #4: Condoms are uncomfortable and decrease my sexual pleasure.

FALSE: As the Trojan slogan says, "Pleasure you want. Protection you trust." Ladies and gents, any guy that tells you a condom is a no-no because using one doesn't feel good, obviously isn't worth it. You CAN get pregnant or get an STD the first time you skip using a condom.

Remember, condoms come in many different colors and flavors, and with a little imagination, they can enhance a sexual experience. Condoms can also help a guy last longer before he ejaculates. Let's put it this way, your potential enjoyment is all a matter of preference and communication.

Myth #5: I'm allergic to latex; therefore, I cannot use condoms.

FALSE: Condoms can either be latex or polyurethane. People who are allergic to latex can use polyurethane condoms, which are as effective and work the same way. In fact, the Durex Avanti condom, which was the first non-latex condom on the market, is made out of unique polyurethane called Duron, and is proven to be twice as strong as latex.

The facts are there; condoms do work! Simply make sure to always check the expiration date and wear them correctly, and you increase the odds that you will have a healthy sexual relationship with less risk of a life-changing drama!

Your Comments

RE: RE:?????

Posted by: DanR on Jan 24th, 2008 1:44pm

Here is a link to the story vissha445 is talking about:
http://www.sexetc.org/story/2221. It's called "How I
Learned to Use a Condom (and How You Can, Too)"

RE:?????

Posted by: vissha455 on Jan 24th, 2008 1:36pm

it depends if he knows how to put one on you can find out
how to put one on on one of the stories on here forgot
which....

RE: Denied

Posted by: DanR on Jan 14th, 2008 11:29am

I don't about the legality of denying services on the basis
of age, but I do know that you do not have to be 18 to buy
condoms in NY. The one thing I can suggest is that if you
find your local clinic or Planned Parenthood, they normally
sell condoms at a discounted rate (and sometimes even give
them away for free) and they will not have an age
requirement. If you would like to find a place near you,
see this link: http://www.plannedparenthood.org//.

Denied

Posted by: seskruns on Jan 13th, 2008 9:08pm

I was looking to buy a condom today at a neighborhood store,
but the clerk denied me because I'm under 18. Is it illegal
to deny services on the basis of age, or does it fall under
personal prerogitive?

98 percent ! ifwithout mistake?..I sure prefer 100%

Posted by: keneozegbe on Jul 22nd, 2007 3:23pm

I still think virginity is a treasure to give once to no
other person than my 'all and all' which must be my life
partner.Besides whats the risk for if its not 100%.kene

much appreciated

Posted by: stinkymagic on Jul 10th, 2007 2:06pm

im still a virgin but this information helps so much in the
long run!

Re condom effectiveness

Posted by: rbarar on Jun 19th, 2007 11:46am

Condoms are 98% effective if used correctly EVERY time. The
typical effectiveness rate - where mistakes are made or
condoms break - is about 85 percent. To get closer to 98%
effectiveness, make sure you learn how to correctly put on a
condom and use one every time you have sex.

?????

Posted by: MariaCarmen on Jun 17th, 2007 2:26pm

what are the chances a condom will break?

Thanks!

Posted by: kybu222 on Jun 6th, 2007 3:58am

My boyfriend and I have just become sexually active. He has
had sex before, but I haven't and I'm still very timid about
a lot of things. Though we do use a condom during sex, I've
heard that they don't protect against STD's. I've been very
nervous about that in the past but thanks to this, I now
know that that will not be a full issue.