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AGENDA: The real reason why size matters
Independent on Sunday, The, Aug 6, 2006 by Julia Stuart
What's the story?
One in four people has no idea that condoms come in different lengths and widths, according to research from the Family Planning Association (FPA), the charity behind Sexual Health Week which starts tomorrow. Thirty-five per cent of condoms users have experienced them splitting or falling off during sex. And 43 per cent agreed that both men and women don't talk about condom sizes because they get embarrassed. Condoms that don't fit are more likely to tear or slide off.
What are they saying?
"Men come in different shapes and sizes and so do condoms," says Toni Belfield, the charity's director of information. "Recent figures showed the UK has the highest ever number of new cases of chlamydia and continued high rates of unwanted pregnancies. Problems such as condoms slipping off are directly related to people choosing the wrong size and shape or not using them correctly. When this happens, people lose trust and confidence in the method."
What happens next?
The FPA is calling for the NHS, the largest distributor of free condoms in the UK, to provide a greater selection in different sizes and shapes. Whether men will be prepared to as for an extra small, however, remains to be seen. The campaign will also encourage health professionals to talk to clients about condoms and discuss the positive effect correct fit can have on user experience. The charity is giving out campaign packs containing posters and leaflets.
Copyright 2006 Independent Newspapers UK Limited
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.
