| News Release For Immediate Release Talking about Condoms Condom Facts --As Condom Use Has Increased, by Gregg Reed A new world-wide-web service for independent film makers, Reel Mind, now offers a 13-minute video tape for young adults, Talking about Condoms. In the video tape, young adult AIDS education volunteers dramatically explain why they use or don't use condoms. See Talking about Condoms free using Windows Media Player at http://www.ReelMind.com. Just type Talking about Condoms in the search box. When you watch Talking about Condoms you might also think about these facts about condoms: From the 1980's to the mid-1990's the AIDS epidemic at least doubled the use of natural rubber latex condoms among woman and the sale of latex products, such as condoms and latex examination gloves. Consumer testing organizations say the quality of condoms also improved substantially, and scientific studies indicate that while young adults still ignored condoms or used them incorrectly, education programs helped them use condoms more consistently. In one survey 63 per cent of 14- to 21-year olds said they had tried sexual intercourse. In other surveys only 5 per cent to 20 per cent of men in America said they use condoms. Only 30 per cent to 60 per cent of the men who said they used condoms actually used them. That's why 1 million teens become pregnant every year, although the rate of teen preganacy has dropped dramatically. The men who use condoms believe they work--and scientific studies prove that they are right. Public health reports also say that preventing an unwanted pregnancy should not be not be the only reason for young adults who are dating or having sex with many partners to use condoms. Laboratory tests prove that latex condoms are effective barriers against the AIDS virus--and now a flat 40,000 Americans get infected with the AIDS virus every year. Other sexually transmitted diseases infect 12 million Americans every year, although the rate of infection has dropped dramatically. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says, "Condom use reduces the risk for gonorrhea, herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, genital ulcers, and pelvic inflammatory disease. In addition intact condoms provide a continuous mechanical barrier to HIV, HSV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), Chlamydia trachomatis, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. A recent laboratory study indicated that latex condoms are an effective mechanical barrier to fluid containing HIV-sized particles." Scientific studies show that undamaged latex does not contain holes, so viruses and sperm will not pass through natural rubber latex. Referring to condoms, Consumer Reports says, "Quality has improved vastly...." Manufacturers dip latex condoms in more latex to help assure that they will meet specifications. They also test every latex condom sold in the United States for defects, although rough handling, improper storage, and aging could damage condoms after consumers buy them. Studies show that the breakage rate for new condoms is less than 2 per cent. The United States Food and Drug Adminsitration also randomly tests the condoms made in the United States. While failures are rare, they occur in the widely known brands. Research centers in countries that produce natural latex rubber have, in cooperation with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States, also improved the physical properties of latex to prevent complications. A wide spread issue, latex skin allergy, has caused concern among hospital workers. The FDA considered banning natural rubber latex examination gloves. Now Asian latex manufacturers have resolved the issue by continuously washing latex with running water in the manufacturing process. The low-protein content of washed latex should nearly eliminate latex allergy. New lubricants are also replacing corn-starch powders on natural rubber latex examination gloves. Condom manufacturers could adopt these improvements. Reports say that condoms usually fail when consumers use them incorrectly, and, the reports warn, consumers often use them incorrectly. To be the most effective, consumers should use condoms consistently. New users of condoms risk a 15 per cent failure rate, while consistent users of condoms have a 2 per cent failure rate. The CDC offers these suggestions for using condoms correctly: 1) Use a new condom each time you start intercourse Studies show that public education programs can help improve the use of
condoms. Television is the medium that the public uses the most often for AIDS education
in the United States--so public health educators can make correct AIDS facts readily
available. Studies from around the world say that education programs increase condom use.
Education programs have increased the use of condoms in some communities by as as much as
400 per cent. Giving condom health educators access to mass media, such as broadcast
television, cable television, and the world wide web could help the rates of unwanted
pregancy and sexually transmitted diseases continue to decline. #### News Releases and Background Information
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