By Elaine Bergenheier Carson City Health and Human Services
Sunday, February 13, 2022
Valentine’s Day is National Condom Day, and it is right around the corner. With love in the air many of you may find yourself scrambling for tokens of affection for your beloved.
Traditional gifts such as cards, flowers, and candy may be on your mind, but perhaps there is a more unique alternative for your significant other. Why not give the gift of safer sex by using condoms? Yes, that is right, using condoms is the ultimate way to show you care and CCHHS is here to help.
Did you know that condoms are free at CCHHS? Stop by and treat yourself and your beloved to a free safe sex kit. While you are there, be sure to ask about sexual health testing which is another great way to show you care. Testing for sexually transmitted infections is recommended annually for anyone who is sexually active. Carson City Health and Human Services is here for you with education, resources, and guidance all at an affordable cost, so why wait? Get tested now, before the big night.
As sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain problematic in the United States, we want to remind you that the consequences of STIs can be particularly severe for young women because undiagnosed STIs can cause infertility. In fact, each year 24,000 women become infertile because of undiagnosed infections. Often times STIs cause no noticeable symptoms so many infections go undiagnosed. The CDC estimates that there are approximately 20 million people who have an STI and do not know it.
So why condoms?
When used correctly, condoms are 98% effective in preventing pregnancies and STIs.
Condoms can be used with another form of birth control, such as the pill or IUD, for extra protection.
Condoms come in different sizes, colors, and even flavors.
Condoms have no side effects and do not require a prescription to purchase. Allergic to latex? Ask for or purchase a non-latex alternative.
Do not like the feel of male condoms? Ask about a female condom.
“Our aim is to get more people comfortable talking about and using condoms” said Epidemiologist Dustin Boothe. “We are also promoting healthy and safe relationships, while reminding people about the risks of sexually transmitted infections.”
In the end, finding the perfect gift for your sweetheart may be easier than you think. After all, there is no gift more original and thoughtful than a healthy you. So Happy Valentine’s Day and National Condom Day from Carson City Health and Human Services. Cheers to a romantic day and healthy you!
For information about services and programs available to you through Carson City Health and Human Services, visit our website at https://gethealthycarsoncity.org/, or give us a call at 775-887-2190. You can also find us at 900 E. Long St., in Carson City, or follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/cchhs, Twitter @CCHealthEd, or Instagram @GetHealthCarsonCity.
