Are You Using A Condom?

While men and women claim to have the best intentions when it comes to practicing safer sex, according to the Trojan brand condom “Are We A Condom Nation?” survey, their real life experiences and actions tell a different story.

The national survey, conducted by StrategyOne, indicates that sexually active men and women ages 18-24 are thinking about sexual health more responsibly, with 77% of those surveyed in agreement that “it’s smart to carry condoms.” Additionally, 91% of the sexually active respondents attest to taking personal responsibility for their own sexual health and an impressive 85% claim responsibility for their partners’. Further 58% of sexually active women and 46% of sexually active men say they “regularly look for credible information that will help me have safer and more responsible sex.”

Despite these good intentions, the Trojan brand condom “Are We A Condom Nation?” survey finds Americans are not translating this into full compliance. For instance, only one half (51%) of sexually active adults surveyed always ask their potential partners about STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) before engaging in sexual activity. Further, fewer than half of sexually active adults (44%) are concerned about contracting an STD (39% of men, 49% of women).

–Thirty-six percent of African Americans agree that they are “not worried about getting an STD” versus 42% of Hispanics and 45% of Caucasians.

Clues to the gap between intention and behavior could be the result of how men and women perceive their sexual personality. The survey revealed that 80% of the sexually active men and women surveyed describe themselves as being “spontaneous” versus a “planner” in the bedroom. Seventy-one percent describe their sexual behavior as “experimental;” 29% described it as “tried and true.” They do admit that they have more to learn, however, as 52% call themselves a “seasoned veteran” in the bedroom as opposed to the 48% who still label themselves as “learning the ropes.”

This sense of spontaneity and experimentation could be the reason why 70% of sexually active respondents agree “for most people my age, abstinence may be safe, but it’s not a very realistic option.” Yet, the survey finds that only 38% of adults agree that “most people my age regularly practice safer sex.”

“The good news in the survey is that more and more men and women are taking ownership of their and their partner’s sexual health,” said Dr. Drew Pinsky, Co-Host of Loveline and Author. “Yet despite this, these adults continue to put themselves at risk. Responsible intentions need to be met with responsible behaviors and that means carrying and using condoms.”

Condom Usage

The survey reveals that while most people take a responsible attitude towards sexual activity, they are not always prepared to follow through in action. While 80% of all sexually active respondents have purchased condoms, only 23% of respondents admit to always carrying condoms for themselves or to give out to their friends. Still, 46% of sexually active men and women always or often use a condom during sexual activity.

When condoms are available for sexual activity, only a third of adults (36%) say “if their partner refuses to use a condom, they always refuse to have sex with him/her.” Broken out, nearly half (49%) of African American respondents agree that “if my partner refuses to use a condom, I would always refuse to have sex.” The percentage of Hispanics (35%) and Caucasians (33%) who agree is much lower.

–When engaging in sexual activity, 57% of African Americans cite they “always/often use condoms” while 49% of Hispanics and 42% of Caucasians agree with this.

When it comes to carrying condoms, sexually active women cite tampons (47%), lipstick (36%) and mirrors (22%) as essentials in their bags/purses well ahead of condoms (9%) as one of three items women regularly carry in their
purse or bag.

Condom Innovations Lead to Preferences

According to the survey, condom innovations and styles can lead to greater interest and trial among sexually active men and women. Sixty-five percent of sexually active respondents agree that “certain styles and designs can help enhance sexual pleasure.” Condom purchasers also seem to look for shared pleasure in condom selection. When asked about choosing a condom, 73% of sexually active adults cite a preference for a condom designed for both partners’ pleasure.

“We are pleased that adults are using condoms to enhance their sexual experiences for both themselves and their partner. Increasingly, the chasm between intent and actual use of a condom is closing, with increased interest in condom pleasure and innovation. This trend to increase condom usage plays a vital role in improving public health,” says Jim Daniels, Senior Director of marketing for Trojan brand condoms.

Shared Responsibilities

When it comes to making sure a condom is available, 66% of sexually active adults agree “both my partner and I would be responsible.” A commitment to ensure that condoms are available is also uniform across race with African Americans (66%), Hispanics and Caucasians (61%). However, there is a marked gender difference with 55% of men agreeing with this statement versus 78% of women. Individually, 33% of sexually active men believe it is their own responsibility to make sure condoms are available, while just 4% of women feel it is their responsibility to ensure a condom is available for sexual
activity.