Group promotes safe sex this Valentines Day

The American Social Health Association is reminding couples to "love responsibly," by sponsoring National Condom Day on Valentine's Day. Sharon Broom, director of public relations at ASHA, said "Condoms are an appropriate part of showing someone you care about them."

Broom said that ASHA recognized that Valentine's Day has become a sexy day. "Lots of people give sexy gifts and plan romantic evenings, ending in sex." Part of the romance she said, is "protecting your loved one's sexual health."

Broom feels that it is especially important for college students to use condoms. According to ASHA, people under 25 account for two-thirds of new sexually transmitted infections each year. That means college-age people are most at risk.

"Condoms are the only highly effective protection against STD's," Broom said. "Anyone who is that age and is not having safe sex is taking a big risk."

According to the Institute of Medicine, five of the top 10 most frequently reported infectious diseases in the United States are sexually transmitted. Many of these STD's, including HIV/AIDS, herpes, chlamydia and gonorrhea, have no symptoms.

Broom said, "You can have an STD for a long time - even years - and not know. People can pass on STD's to people in college, with infections they contracted in high school."

According to ASHA, many people do not use condoms because they are embarrassed. Mary Byron, health educator at Student Health Services, suggests that being prepared will help keep the romance sizzling. She says the more comfortable one is with condoms, the easier it is to use them.

"Talk about HIV and STD's with your partner," said Byron. "Become comfortable with [condoms] and understand how to use them before the heat of the moment. If you want to, practice with it on a banana."

Byron reminds students not to use old condoms, keep them out of direct heat, and not to tear them open with your teeth. She also encourages women to carry condoms. "Both [men and women] should be prepared with condoms," Bryon said. "Be prepared even for your friends."

Broom said, "Get creative, really creative, this Valentine's Day and send your partner a condom." She said that if you buy novelty condoms, be sure to check that they protect from STD's.

If your valentine does not totally appreciate your gift, the State of California AIDS Education Program offers some condom request comebacks.

Reaction: "It doesn't feel good." Response: "When I feel safer, I go wild."

Reaction: "It spoils the mood." Response: "So does your attitude."

Reaction: "It takes too long." Response: "You'll be turning me on every second."

Reaction: "You won't catch anything from me." Response: "If you love me, respect my health."

Free condoms are available at Student Health Services.