Survey Focuses On Condom Use

A new survey by the makers of Trojan-brand condoms shows that gay men ages 18-24 are keenly aware of the protections offered by condom use but don't always put that knowledge into practice. The survey, called "Are We a Condom Nation?" showed that 84% of sexually active gay men agree it's smart to have condoms on hand but that only 45% agreed with the statement "Most people my age regularly practice safer sex." About 63% of the gay survey respondents said they always ask their sex partners about sexually transmitted diseases, and about 56% say they regularly look for information about safer and responsible sex. But 33% of the sexually active respondents say they are not worried about getting an STD, despite knowing that certain behaviors may put them at risk for them.

Just 50% of the gay men surveyed said they always or often use a condom during sexual activity; 39% said the reason they don't use condoms more regularly is that they don't always have them available. Only 18% of the survey respondents say they always carry condoms for themselves or to give out to friends, and only 37% said they always refuse to have sex with a partner who wouldn't use a condom. When it comes to purchasing condoms, gay men seem to look for shared pleasure in their condom selection, according to the survey: 81% said they prefer a condom designed for their own and their partners' pleasure. To access more data from the condom survey or to receive free condom samples, try this link .