Condoms 101

Under UNTAC rule, Cambodia faced an uncanny enemy – The AIDs epidemic.

To combat this, the 100% condom used program that was first implemented in Thailand in 1989 made its way to Cambodia’s Sihanoukville in 1998 and was implemented nationwide in 1999. The program was a success, national HIV prevalence dropped from 1.7% in 1998 to 0.6% in 2015.

However, Cambodia is facing a new challenge.

UNFPA reported that, “Between 2005 and 2014, condom use among young people dropped significantly across all education levels.”

At the same time, there has been an increase in the percentage of sexually active young women reporting STIs.

This is why we must once again raise awareness about the use of condom to continue the efforts that have made Cambodia a model for the fight against the AIDs epidemic. People need to know how to buy and use condom properly for that to happen.

How to use a condom

Although there are two types of condoms, male and female condom. For the purpose of common use, we will be focusing on how to use external condoms or male condoms.

1. Use a new condom for each act of sex
2. Before using, check the expiration date, and tear the package carefully so as to not damage the content.
3. Before any physical contact, place the condom on the tip of the erect penis with the rolled side out
4. Put the condom on before it makes any contact with your partner.
5. Unroll the condom all the way to the base of the erect penis
6. If the condom does not unroll easily, it may be on backwards, damaged, or too old. Throw it away and use a new condom.
7. Immediately after ejaculation, hold the rim of the condom in place and withdraw the penis while it is still erect
8. Slide the condom off without spilling any semen.
9. Use a new condom for every new sex act.
10. Dispose of the used condom safely.

How to buy condoms

In Cambodia, you can get condoms without a prescription. You can find male condoms at almost every mart and pharmacy in town. If you’re feeling shy about buying condoms at such places, you can also find them at every Marie Stopes International Clinic in Cambodia at a cheap price.

It’s also important to remember that buying condoms isn’t only for men. People should know that it is not a shameful or promiscuous thing for sexually active women to buy and stock up on condoms, it only means that they know how to protect themselves from unknown diseases and unwanted pregnancy in case they consent to have sexual intercourse, and their male partner does not have any on-hand. Buying condoms is for all genders. Condoms for all.

So, please stay protected from STIs and unwanted pregnancy by using condoms!

If you wish to know more about how to use condoms or where to buy them, you can consult with @MarieStopesKH now:
✓ Send a Facebook message
✓ Every day from 7 am to 5 pm
✓ 012 999 002 or 098 999 102
✓ Send a message via LINE, Viber, WhatsApp, WeChat 093 24 08 23
✓ www.mariestopes.org.kh/contact-us-form/

Sources:

1. Godwin, P., Wantha, S. S., & Vun, C. (2016, March 21). Peter Godwin. Retrieved May 4, 2020, from https://www.persee.fr/doc/espos_0755-7809_2000_num_18_2_1950
2. Condoms and Cambodia. (2017, April 6). Retrieved May 4, 2020, from https://cambodia.unfpa.org/en/news/condoms-and-cambodia
3. CDC. (2016, July 6). How to Use a Male Condom. Retrieved May 5, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/condomeffectiveness/male-condom-use.html
4. Rojanapithayakorn, W. (2006, November). The 100% condom use programme in Asia. Retrieved May 4, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17101421
5. MSI Guidelines for Male and Female Condoms – Marie Stopes International (2015)