PLANNED PARENTHOOD of the ROCKY MOUNTAINS MARKS NATIONAL CONDOM WEEK BY URGING PARTNERS TO PROTECT THEIR SEXUAL HEALTH

Nearly 19 Million STDs Occur Each Year

DENVER — In recognition of National Condom Week (Feb. 14-21), Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains is urging sexually active individuals to talk to their partner about the importance of using condoms to protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Nearly 19 million STDs occur each year, and condoms are the only form of contraception that also helps reduce the risk of STDs.
 
“We are encouraging people to start a dialogue with their partner about condom use,” said PPRM President and CEO Vicki Cowart. “Many people who have a STD don’t even realize it. It’s important for people to discuss condom use with their partner to help keep each other healthy.”
 
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released its Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance 2008, which estimated that nearly 19 million STDs occur each year, nearly half of which are among 15- to 24-year-olds.
 
PPRM campus chapters are hosting activities at campuses statewide to help foster discussion about condom use among sexual partners.
 
Biological factors place women at greater risk of infection than men, and contribute to more severe health consequences for women. Planned Parenthood’s line of stylish PROPER ATTIRE® condoms are designed to help women feel more comfortable buying and carrying condoms. During National Condom Week, PPRM’s 24 Colorado health centers will offer complimentary PROPER ATTIRE® condom packets with each client visit while supplies last.  
 
As a trusted health care provider, Planned Parenthood knows firsthand the power of education to help people make responsible decisions about their health. Every year we provide more than four million women, men, and teens nationwide with health information, services, and education to prevent STDs and unintended pregnancy.

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Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains
Since 1916, Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains has been committed to providing affordable, high quality reproductive health care and teaching comprehensive, medically accurate and age-appropriate sex education.  It is the organization’s goal to ensure that every individual has the information, services and freedom to make healthy, responsible decisions about sex and their sexuality.  More than 123,000 women, men and young adults annually visit our 29 health centers throughout Colorado, New Mexico, Southern Nevada and Wyoming.  For more information about Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, call 1.800.230.PLAN or visit pprm.org for the health center nearest you.