STD Prevention: Behavior Change

Safer Sex - Problems of Safer Sex Promotion

Personal Problems
Many women and men have subjective problems with accepting safer sex messages. Some do not want to hear them or belittle the risk (“the AIDS danger is being exaggerated”, “it can’t happen to me”, etc.). Others do hear and understand, but are unwilling to change their behavior.
Some mistakenly think that becoming infected with HIV “isn’t so bad anymore”, because with the new treatments they can survive for many years. Still others fear to bring up the subject with their sexual partners and silently hope for the best. Many are also uncomfortable buying condoms. Some men claim that condoms are useless and would fail anyway, that they dull the sensation and reduce pleasure, and that putting them on in the presence of their partners is embarrassing.
The way to overcome these personal problems is obvious: Constantly renewed education about safer sex and condoms, including public campaigns, especially for young people. Mass media like film, TV, radio, popular magazines and newspapers have great influence and a corresponding responsibility. Formal sex education in schools can help, and so can better marketing strategies on the part of condom manufacturers. Important is also the easy access to condom vending machines.