By qcmythbusters.

com Amanda Wheeler Brad Cirks Jon Murray

We at qcmythbusters.com believe that many people are misled by myths and misperceptions regarding condoms and their use. It is our mission to contribute to the fight against poor decision-making due to this lack of correct information.

You must be 18 years old to purchase condoms.

The truth is that you do not have to be of a certain legal age to buy condoms. You can purchase condoms at grocery stores, drug stores, pharmacies, gas stations and they are available in vending machines in restrooms.

Condoms break easily.

Less than 2% of condoms break when they are used correctly.

AIDS.org. (2009). Fact Sheets: Condoms. AIDS.org, pg 1. Retrieved September 28, 2009

As long as you use a condom, there is no chance for pregnancy or contracting an STD.

Condoms are not a 100% effective method of birth control or STD protection. When used properly and consistently for one year, 98 out of 100 women will not get pregnant. When used under usual conditions for one year, 85 out of 100 women will not get pregnant.

Condoms do not fit well, they are either too big or too small and they don't smell good.

Latex condoms can stretch to fit most males. Consumer Reports filled over 25 liters in 7 brands/models without breaking! Some condoms have a smell when they first come out of the wrapper due to residue within the wrapper, but that smell will disappear a few seconds after the package is opened.

Condoms protect against all sexually transmitted diseases.

Condoms cover the penis, not every area in the genitalia where STDs may reside, so they may not be 100% effective in guarding users against every STD. (CondomMan.com 2009)

You can not use condoms if you are allergic to latex.

People who are allergic to latex can use polyurethane condoms, which are as effective and work the same way.

Consumer Reports (December 2009 p. 52)

Lab test report on condoms

Online Articles
Articlesbase.com

Youtube.com Unfpa.org Condomman.com Condomdepot.com Sexetc.org Avert.org Globalaidsday.org

Advocates for Youth

Champions efforts to help young people make informed and responsible decisions about their reproductive and sexual health.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America

Delivers vital reproductive health care, sex education, and information to millions of women, men, and young people worldwide.

New York State Condom Program

Provides eligible organizations with free condoms.

Dr. Paul J. Caratti

founder of Global AIDS Day and is an AIDS researcher and sociologist.

Dr. Charles Farthing

Chief of Medicine for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation.

AIDS.org. (2009). Fact Sheets: Condoms. AIDS.org, pg 1. Retrieved September 28, 2009 http://www.aids.org/factSheets/153-Condoms.html Salazar, Daniela. (December 2007). Breaking Down Condom Myths. Rutgers University, pg 1. Retrieved September 28, 2009 http://www.sexetc.org/story/2230 http://www.ippf.org November 18, 2009 http://www.condomman.com/articles/condomuse/exposing-common-condom-myths/ November 18, 2009 http://www.sexetc.org/story/2230