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Codoms - Where to get and to keep them
In general, condoms are easy to find in drug stores, pharmacies, or, in many countries, even in vending machines. In recent years, such vending machines have been put up in public toilets (for both “Ladies” and “Gentlemen”), in railway stations, bus stops, college dormitories, and even in high schools. Condoms are not expensive, and free samples are often distributed by various AIDS organizations, health departments, STD clinics, bars and sex clubs, and many other public and private institutions and organizations. Commendably, many brothels also offer condoms as part of their service. This way, they protect both their sex workers and their customers.
In any case, men and women with changing sexual partners should always have a supply of condoms available, either at home or wherever they may have sexual contacts. (Women can offer condoms to “unprepared” men who happen not to have any.)
Condoms should not be kept for too long and always be examined for their expiration date. Also: They must never be exposed to heat (for example in in direct sunlight, in pockets close to the body, in automobile glove compartments, etc.) Finally, condoms can work only when they are used correctly and consistently, i.e. every time! If these rules are observed by all those at risk, the fight against AIDS and the other STDs can still be won.
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The chart shows, year by year, one decade of new HIV infections in Germany. It illustrates a dramatic decrease between 1993 (2360 cases) and 2001 (1470 cases). After that, the figures rise again. At the same time, condom sales in Germany drop by almost 9% from 207 million in 2000 to 189 million in 2003.
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