Safe sex message targets teenagers

Safe sex: is the message getting through?

The importance of safe sex will be highlighted to millions of teenagers and young people this week as part of National Condom Week.

More British people than ever before are contracting sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, chlamydia and gonorrhoea.

Condoms are the only form of contraceptive which help protect against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections

Amanda Tucker of Durex

Diagnosed cases of HIV are showing the highest rise for a decade, according to recent figures from the Public Health Laboratory Service (PHLS).

The data also showed that 26,000 new cases of chlamydia were detected amongst 16-24 year olds in 1998, while the number of gonorrhoea cases rose by 26% in males and 30% in females from 1998-9.

National Condom Week, organised by Durex, runs until May 14 and is a chance for schools, GP surgeries, clinics and health promotion units across the country to spread the message that good sex means safer sex.

Condoms offer dual protection

Amanda Tucker of Durex said: "National Condom Week is an opportunity for key healthcare and education professionals to help us spread this message more widely."

Research by Durex found limited awareness of the protection offered by condoms, she said.

The 2000 Durex Report showed that although most people knew condoms could protect against HIV/AIDS, only 28% of adults knew that they could also help to prevent chlamydia - one of Britain's most common sexually transmitted infections.

Durex has sent resource packs - posters, stickers and fact sheets - to thousands of organisations which are supporting this year's event.