The awareness of safe sex is increasing by the use of condoms
As women become more aware of the dangers of unsafe sex, the condom has taken over from the pill as the most popular form of contraception in the UK.
Data released by the Office for National Statistics showed that for 1 in 4 women, the condom was their first choice of protection, equalling the number of women who prefer the pill. In an annual survey of over 2,5000 people, it was also discovered that over a quarter of men who were not in a steady relationship had used condoms more over the past year.
When the Office for National Statistics first began compiling data on people’s choice of contraceptive over 8 years ago, only one fifth of women preferred to use condoms. However over the past decade, condom manufacturers like Durex have been carefully trying to win them over, targeting women through more attractive wrappers or packaging specifically designed to fit into their purses.
Government officials are sure to be pleased by the news, as it indicates that women are paying more attention to the ‘safe sex’ they have been trying to push. Attempts to get the message through have included offering freebies and vouchers to those who go for a Chlamydia test, getting pharmacists to offer a home chlamydia test when someone goes to pick up their pill, and expensive telly and media advertising campaigns.
Some primary health care trusts have sent a home chlamydia test directly to people’s houses, while others have installed Chlamydia test-dispensing machines in the toilets of local pubs and clubs.
However while the increase in condom use is encouraging, condom use was still low amongst the groups considered most at risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections. Less than half those with more than two partners during the year used condoms regularly while one fifth with multiple sexual partners did not use them at all.
It was also revealed that government leaflets to encourage people to take a Chlamydia test and promote better awareness were only seems as a source of information by 16% of those surveyed.
Sexual health campaigners were disappointed that there was a low uptake of long-acting contraceptives such as implants and injections. The director of information at the Family Planning Association Natika Halil said, “There are 15 methods of contraception available. Women should be able to access all of them in equal measure.”
Overall the popular condom brand Durex saw sales rise by 10% last year and experience especial success with their ‘Play’ range, which includes vibrators and lubricants. It is expected that condoms will be marketed even more aggressively over the coming years, after the Committee of Advertising Practice and the Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice relaxed their rules to now allow adverts for condoms to be screened at any time, rather than after the 9:00 p.m watershed.