Guapura 101: Latinas, HIV And Condoms

Hey everyone, I thought today would be a good time to talk about something that I think is often overlooked in Latino households, perhaps especially Catholic ones, and that’s how to use condoms. A recent report in Latina Lista found:

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Latinas represented a quarter (24%) of new infections among Hispanics/Latinos in 2006 and the rate of HIV infection among Latinas was nearly four times that of white women.

The CDC writes that using condoms is an effective way to reduce rates of HIV infection, according to the site:

Laboratory studies have shown that latex condoms provide an effective barrier against even the smallest STD pathogens.

Epidemiologic studies that compare rates of HIV infection between condom users and nonusers who have HIV-infected sex partners demonstrate that consistent condom use is highly effective in preventing transmission of HIV. Similarly, epidemiologic studies have shown that condom use reduces the risk of many other STDs.

Long story short, if women are going to be sexually active, they should know about condoms and how to use them.

Trojan Condoms provides a detailed and illustrated guide how to properly use condoms here. I find myself often talking about birth control to young men and women because their parents or adults that care for them don’t. If you know a young Latina who you think needs to know about proper condom use, please send this story to her.

Follow Sara Inés Calderón on Twitter @SaraChicaD