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Don't gamble, use condoms
It's Saturday and Shaban is preparing for a very special evening out. He is meeting the new girl in his life and feels totally happy and in love and he is equipped - of course - with condoms.
At 22 he says 'life is beautiful', working with a bus company in Moshi he is earning money and he has plans for the future. Shaban has bathed and dressed carefully, his favourite light blue shirt, marine slacks and a dash of after-shave that he has borrowed from a friend. In his left pocket he has two 'socks' (condoms) which he has bought at a local shop, he feels both stylish and equipped.
Tonight, he has the room for himself, his brother with wife and child have travelled to visit relatives. Shaban tingles with excitement. He is convinced that Pili will follow him back here tonight, during their last meetings there have been sparks between them! She is sweet and good company although he doesn't know her that well, she is new to this neighbourhood.
SEX WITHOUT WORRIES
Shaban wants to impress, he will take her to a video show, offer her drinks and if they end up having sex, then he plans to play it safe, for his own sake but also for hers, he feels it is the clearest statement of caring. He has stopped taking risks, he is tired of worrying about diseases and HIV/ AIDS which can strike anytime, and about making a girl pregnant, he is not ready to start a family! There is nothing cool about getting yourself into trouble by not being careful. Nowadays he sees condoms as vital to his life and well being, but it took him some time. Shaban comments, "I used to feel awkward and embarrassed, fumbling to put it on in front of my girlfriends, I was near to giving up on condoms".
His own reluctance was overcome when Peter, a good friend, basically convinced him that condom use is all about getting the right technique, putting it on and take it off in style! Shaban continues, "so I practised and today I feel relaxed and good about using them, I just don't move anywhere without them. There is no way around it, I'm part of the 'condom generation', that's it." The killer disease of HIV just wasn't there before, so using protection has to be part of the lifestyle of all guys and girls these days. "If you want to be a winner in the game of love and pleasure, you have to go for condoms", says Shaban.
TAKE CONTROL
Taking control of your sex life is a major step towards your future dreams and goals if you are part of the young generation, after all it's much harder to succeed if you have to support a child or if you contract HIV/ AIDS! Today, more and more young people who are sexually active are using condoms to protect themselves. It has become a positive social norm, it's part of the modern lifestyle.
CONDOM MYTHS AND FACTS
Many young people know about condoms but do not use them. They are taking risks and gambling with their lives. Myths and misinformation is often the reason why. Boys and girls have to overcome barriers or excuses and change their attitude towards condom use. It’s time we become the fighting generation, lets not loose the battle against HIV and our future! Look for the facts!
MYTH: Condom use 'is like eating sweets with a wrapper' it reduces sensitivity and pleasure.
FACT: Some people say it reduces pleasure and sexual capacity some say the opposite. What is true is that having sex without protection creates anxiety about getting infected with HIV/AIDS or pregnant and that reduces pleasure. Use a condom and you will see that you can enjoy yourselves safely.
MYTH: Condom use is a sign of distrust even promiscuity.
FACT: No. The introduction of condoms in a relationship is a sign of caring and taking responsibility to protect your partner and yourself from unwanted pregnancy and HIV infection.
MYTH: Condoms easily break while having sex.
FACT: Condoms do not break if you put them on and use them properly. Condoms must never be pulled on like socks or torn by nails. You need to follow the instructions on the condom package. Statistics say that 1-2 condoms per 100 condoms used break, and this is not the fault of the manufacturer but incorrect usage.
MYTH: Some young women believe they need men's sperm because it is nourishment that makes them grow hips and breasts.
FACT: There is no evidence whatsoever that young women need the sperm of men to develop their female attributes. Rather they need to protect themselves so that they will stay healthy and conceive babies later when they are ready for it.
MYTH: Condoms causes anxieties because they may slip off and disappear inside the woman's body.
FACT: The condom can slip off the penis, but it will not get lost inside the woman. Simply place a finger into the vagina and take it out. If the condom has been put on properly this will not happen.
MYTH: Condoms have been contaminated with the HIV virus by the Americans to reduce the African populations.
FACT: This is NOT true. Condoms do not contain HIV virus. Condoms are manufactured and tested using International standards approved by the international World Health Organisation (WHO). The HIV virus cannot survive more than 48 hours under the most beneficial conditions.
MYTH: Using condoms is sinful and against God's wishes according to religion.
FACT: No, it isn't. It teaches us to love and care for each other and be responsible for our actions.
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If condoms are used properly, there will be no infections or re-infections! Believe me.
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