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NEW YORK — Throughout National Condom Week (February 14-21), Planned Parenthood Federation of America is encouraging people to talk with their partners about using condoms to help protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy. Getting comfortable talking about safer sex, including condoms, is one of the best ways people can take care of their health — and their partner’s.

Everyone deserves a sex life that is safe, healthy, and pleasurable,” said Sonya M. Norsworthy, director of education at Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “It’s important to let your partner know that you want to keep each other healthy, such as by using condoms every time you have sex, the whole time you’re having sex. Be direct and emphasize that using condoms can even enhance your sex life. It’s true! Many people say they find sex more enjoyable when they use condoms, because they aren’t worrying about STIs or unintended pregnancy. And people who use condoms rate their sexual experiences as just as pleasurable as people who don’t.

Using condoms correctly and consistently provides the best protection against STIs, which remain a major public health concern in this country. Every year, there are approximately 20 million new cases of STIs in the U.S., half among young people ages 15-24. Many people who have an STI don’t know it, since most of the time people don’t show any symptoms.

It’s never too late to start using condoms,” Norsworthy said. “Even if you didn’t use a condom the first time or the first 20 times, you can start now and still prevent future health issues. We want everyone to have the resources and skills to have conversations about condoms with their partners.

As the nation’s largest provider of sex education, Planned Parenthood works every day to help keep people safe and healthy, including providing education and resources on condoms and preventing STIs. We know that starting a conversation about safer sex might feel uncomfortable for some, and we’re here to help. Visit plannedparenthood.org for a wide range of tools that help people learn how to talk with a partner about STIs and safer sex, like the STD video series.

Condoms can be a beneficial part of a healthy sex life - as a birth control method and as protection against STIs. This year has seen unprecedented and ongoing political attacks on access to reproductive health care, including birth control. The Trump-Pence administration is continuing efforts to bar patients from care at Planned Parenthood health centers, including passing a rule that allows employers to deny their employees insurance coverage for birth control. Birth control is basic health care, and everyone should have access to the full range of contraceptive options. Planned Parenthood’s #Fight4BirthControl campaign educates people and raises awareness about legislative attacks on birth control. Planned Parenthood also just announced its #FightForward campaign to work with state lawmakers, advocates, and fellow advocacy groups to push initiatives that expand access to reproductive health care in all 50 states.

Planned Parenthood works every day to help young people and communities be safe and healthy. Planned Parenthood affiliates provide education and outreach to 1.5 million people each year, and Planned Parenthood websites in English and Spanish provide accurate, nonjudgmental information about sexual and reproductive health to more than 73 million visitors each year.

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood affiliates serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.

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