THE PEOPLE PROBLEM
LESSON PLAN · TEACHING SAFER SEX THIRD EDITION
When Condoms Don’t Work
Objectives
By the end of this lesson, participants will be able to:
1. List facts about condom manufacturing, testing and quality control in the United States today.
2. Explain how improper usage can weaken latex condoms.
3. Identify problems people have in using condoms correctly and consistently and recommend solutions to those problems.
Rationale
Research demonstrates conclusively that condoms used correctly and consistently are highly effective in preventing both sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancy. Since most condom failures are, in fact, people failures, it is important to identify and address the reasons people at risk do not use condoms consistently and correctly. This lesson addresses some of the problems people have using condoms, including the often confusing directions to use water-based, not oil-based lubricants.