by Maria Teresa L. Ungson
THE recent twist of events in the health sector has paved the way for “the rise of the condom.” Yes bro, you’ve gotta put it on to help control the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV-AIDS. And yes, this has the blessing of the Department of Health. What’s interesting is that condoms shall be given to the public not really in response to the population problem but more so in response to the rising cases of STDs and HIV-AIDS, especially among the youth.
Much to the dismay of the religious sector, the government is hell-bent on controlling STDs and HIV-AIDS realistically. Though the religious sector promotes abstinence, alas, this is not the case in the real world and government has to deal with the reality that people need sex and that it’s actually normal (human nature) to want and seek it out. Yes, whether we admit it or not, we want to love and be loved and having sex is an expression of love. So, there is a need to inform the public about safe sex or “protection.”
The Department of Health (DOH) clarified that the condoms given away last Valentine’s Day were not meant to promote artificial contraception, but rather as a reminder to the public of the importance of responsible sexual behavior in combating the threat of HIV/AIDS.
The health agency reiterated the words of deputy presidential spokesman Ricardo Saludo who explained that the distribution should not be construed as a signal that the government is advocating sexual licentiousness. “The free condoms were just a tool of a creative campaign aimed at promoting awareness on HIV/AIDS prevention at a most opportune time – Valentine’s Day,” it said.
The DOH emphasized the fact that it was not pushing condom use as the exclusive method to combat HIV/AIDS, as some critics of the Ingat Lagi campaign accused, and defended the activity as just part of the three-point campaign to combat HIV/AIDS known by the acronym ABC – A for “abstinence from sex”; B for “be faithful to your partner” and C for “condom use”.
It also pointed out the distribution of the condoms to adults was undertaken by a private merchandising firm, DKT, and that the government did not spend for the procurement of the condoms, as it was also DKT that supplied them.
The DOH’s role in the campaign was focused on raising public awareness and information dissemination as it employed counselors to explain the ABC campaign to the public.
The DOH further said that it will continue to push the ABC program more aggressively in light of reports of the alarming increase in HIV/AIDS cases in the country so as to empower the public with information on how to deal with this threat. This information will then allow individuals to choose and use the most appropriate means to protect themselves from HIV/AIDS.
I have a guy friend who explained to me that “leather” is better than latex. However, with all these sexually transmitted diseases cropping up, another friend told me that “leather” may be better but we need “trust!” So, the condom gets mixed reactions from the men themselves. And what about the women? For all we know ladies, the condom might just be our best friend to shield us from diseases and harm! Here are some of my thoughts that I would like to share on the matter.
1. Have one partner only.
2. If you can’t stick to one, it would be best to practice safe sex, meaning, wear a condom.
3. Wear the condom properly. Read package instructions to make sure the condom is worn properly. And please, please, please don’t reuse your condom!!!! It’s only to be worn once then throw it away.
4. Practice foreplay as a venue for initial physical assessment of your partner. Check discharges please. If you find or suspect something wrong, be creative and find an excuse to worm your way out of the situation.
5. Ladies, if need be, don’t be shy to buy condoms, just make sure you are protected. Don’t assume that your partner will buy it because they usually don’t. So, to be sure, do yourself a favor and buy the condoms. It could actually be fun. Choose your favourite shade of color, your preferred flavour and texture!
6. For those who are into experimentation, make it a habit to wear a condom whoever you are with and whatever position you are into.
7. If you feel that you might have picked up a disease, abstain from having sex, consult your doctor and have lab tests done just so you are assured that you are “clean.” You wouldn’t want to be the source of the disease and infect others, do you?.
Condoms are controversial right now. Even presidentiables are commenting on the condom issue. Listen very well to their thoughts on this issue that has long been evaded because of the church’s stance on the matter. But then, this is more than population concern since the health of the public may be put at risk if necessary corrective and relevant actions are not taken by the government. The rise of the condom might just be the action to control the curse of STDs and HIV-AIDs realistically.
