Many Australian women are aware condoms stop the spread of sexually transmitted diseases but fewer are making their partners use them.
While it’s been proven condoms are effective in preventing or passing on infections, nearly 70 per cent of Australian women aren’t using them, according to a study by Moments Condoms led by YouGov.
Researchers questioned 1000 Australian women, aged between 24 and 35, on their attitudes towards sexual health, and in particular buying and using condoms.
While condoms have proven effective at stopping the spread of STIs, many Australian women feel embarrassed about buying and using them (stock image)
The findings showed a third of those surveyed said they had never been tested for an STI, and more than a third revealed they’d had unprotected sex in the last month.
The figures are especially sobering when you consider 67 per cent of women who don’t use condoms, don’t believe they are at risk of contracting an STI.
Though this might be the prevailing belief, new data from the Kirby Institute shows rates of some sexually transmitted infections are on the rise.
67 per cent of women who don’t use condoms, don’t believe they are at risk of contracting an STI (stock image)
The Kirby Institute report states that gonorrhoea – previously rare in young, urban heterosexuals – has risen to 63 per cent in the past five years.
Additionally, figures showed rates of infectious syphilis had also significantly increased with rates highest among those aged between 25 and 29 years.
One of the key reasons women cited for not buying condoms is embarrassment and fear they’d be judged.
New data shows that despite the increase of some STIs, women still feel embarrassed about buying condoms (stock image)
Speaking to the ABC, Associate Professor Martin Holt, who co-authored the UNSW’s Annual Report of Trends in Behaviour said it was important to visit your GP, if you think you may be at risk.
‘The massive problem with all of this stuff is that people can feel embarrassed or ashamed about talking about sexual health or admitting that they’ve been having casual sex, and that can delay them going forward for screenings.
‘In the majority of cases everything is fine, and even if there is something, it can usually be easily treated,’ he said.
Be prepared to visit your GP if you think you may be at risk. In the majority of cases everything is fine, and even if there is something it can be usually be treated (stock image)
Moments Condoms is calling on Australians to join the Moments Movement to support young women to talk openly about protecting their sexual health and encourage them to make informed choices with confidence.
The campaign will donate five per cent of the retail price from every pack of the brand’s condoms to the McGrath Foundation in support of women’s health.