As the Valentine’s Day has arrived, while enjoying the romantic atmosphere, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) reminds the public to avoid unsafe sex.According to the latest poll on condom usage conducted by Taiwan CDC, 68% of sexually active men aged 15-59 agreed that a condom should be used during sexual intercourse and 91% of the poll respondents expressed willingness to use condoms when requested by their partner.However, only 47% of the poll respondents used a condom during their last sexual intercourse. Further, 32% of the poll respondents did not use a condom when having sexual intercourse during the past one year.Taiwan CDC once again stresses the importance of safe sex practices throughout the entire sex act to prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

According to the poll, 50% of the poll respondents used a condom during sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy and 32% of the poll respondents thought using condoms spoiled sexual fun and enjoyment.24% of the poll respondents expressed the reason for not using a condom during sexual intercourse was because their partner refused to use one. 21% of the poll respondents felt embarrassed about purchasing condoms. 10% of the poll respondents were under the misconception that condoms only needed to be worn right before ejaculation. Among the poll respondents, only 41% used a condom during their first sexual intercourse and as high as 20% had their first sexual intercourse before reaching the age of 19.Hence, Taiwan CDC reminds the public the importance of correct and consistent condom use and safe sex practices and one should deny sexual contact with a partner who refuses to use proper protection.If any discomfort or symptom develops after having sexual intercourse, please refer to the list of recommended STD friendly clinics and physicians available on the Taiwan CDC’s website for seeking prompt medical attention.

Taiwan CDC asked Gallup Market Research Corp. to conduct the above-mentioned poll during December 17 and 19, 2010.The poll respondents are males aged between 15 and 59 who reside in Taiwan.The sample size for this poll is 1,131 people.At 95% confidence level, the sampling error is ±2.9%.