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Americans Need to Translate Intention Into Action When it Comes to Sexual Behavior

  
 Trojan Condom Survey Reveals Role of Condom Innovation in Responsible Sexual
                                   Behavior

    PRINCETON, N.J., June 16 /PRNewswire/ -- While men and women claim to have
the best intentions when it comes to practicing safer sex, according to the
Trojan brand condom "Are We A Condom Nation?" survey, their real life
experiences and actions tell a different story.
    (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040616/NYW154 )
    The national survey, conducted by StrategyOne, indicates that sexually
active men and women ages 18-24 are thinking about sexual health more
responsibly, with 77% of those surveyed in agreement that "it's smart to carry
condoms."  Additionally, 91% of the sexually active respondents attest to
taking personal responsibility for their own sexual health and an impressive
85% claim responsibility for their partners'.  Further 58% of sexually active
women and 46% of sexually active men say they "regularly look for credible
information that will help me have safer and more responsible sex."
    Despite these good intentions, the Trojan brand condom "Are We A Condom
Nation?" survey finds Americans are not translating this into full compliance.
For instance, only one half (51%) of sexually active adults surveyed always
ask their potential partners about STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) before
engaging in sexual activity.  Further, fewer than half of sexually active
adults (44%) are concerned about contracting an STD (39% of men, 49% of
women).

     -- Thirty-six percent of African Americans agree that they are "not
        worried about getting an STD" versus 42% of Hispanics and 45% of
        Caucasians.

    Clues to the gap between intention and behavior could be the result of how
men and women perceive their sexual personality. The survey revealed that 80%
of the sexually active men and women surveyed describe themselves as being
"spontaneous" versus a "planner" in the bedroom.  Seventy-one percent describe
their sexual behavior as "experimental;" 29% described it as "tried and true."
They do admit that they have more to learn, however, as 52% call themselves a
"seasoned veteran" in the bedroom as opposed to the 48% who still label
themselves as "learning the ropes."
    This sense of spontaneity and experimentation could be the reason why 70%
of sexually active respondents agree "for most people my age, abstinence may
be safe, but it's not a very realistic option."  Yet, the survey finds that
only 38% of adults agree that "most people my age regularly practice safer
sex."
    "The good news in the survey is that more and more men and women are
taking ownership of their and their partner's sexual health," said Dr. Drew
Pinsky, Co-Host of Loveline and Author. "Yet despite this, these adults
continue to put themselves at risk. Responsible intentions need to be met with
responsible behaviors and that means carrying and using condoms."

    Condom Usage
    The survey reveals that while most people take a responsible attitude
towards sexual activity, they are not always prepared to follow through in
action. While 80% of all sexually active respondents have purchased condoms,
only 23% of respondents admit to always carrying condoms for themselves or to
give out to their friends. Still, 46% of sexually active men and women always
or often use a condom during sexual activity.
    When condoms are available for sexual activity, only a third of adults
(36%) say "if their partner refuses to use a condom, they always refuse to
have sex with him/her."  Broken out, nearly half (49%) of African American
respondents agree that "if my partner refuses to use a condom, I would always
refuse to have sex."  The percentage of Hispanics (35%) and Caucasians (33%)
who agree is much lower.

     -- When engaging in sexual activity, 57% of African Americans cite they
        "always/often use condoms" while 49% of Hispanics and 42% of
        Caucasians agree with this.

    When it comes to carrying condoms, sexually active women cite tampons
(47%), lipstick (36%) and mirrors (22%) as essentials in their bags/purses
well ahead of condoms (9%) as one of three items women regularly carry in
their purse or bag.

    Condom Innovations Lead to Preferences
    According to the survey, condom innovations and styles can lead to greater
interest and trial among sexually active men and women.  Sixty-five percent of
sexually active respondents agree that "certain styles and designs can help
enhance sexual pleasure." Condom purchasers also seem to look for shared
pleasure in condom selection.  When asked about choosing a condom, 73% of
sexually active adults cite a preference for a condom designed for both
partners' pleasure.
    "We are pleased that adults are using condoms to enhance their sexual
experiences for both themselves and their partner. Increasingly, the chasm
between intent and actual use of a condom is closing, with increased interest
in condom pleasure and innovation.  This trend to increase condom usage plays
a vital role in improving public health," says Jim Daniels, Senior Director of
marketing for Trojan brand condoms.

    Shared Responsibilities
    When it comes to making sure a condom is available, 66% of sexually active
adults agree "both my partner and I would be responsible." A commitment to
ensure that condoms are available is also uniform across race with African
Americans (66%), Hispanics and Caucasians (61%).  However, there is a marked
gender difference with 55% of men agreeing with this statement versus 78% of
women.  Individually, 33% of sexually active men believe it is their own
responsibility to make sure condoms are available, while just 4% of women feel
it is their responsibility to ensure a condom is available for sexual
activity.

    Share The Hottest New Way To Heat Things Up In The Bedroom!
    The newest way for couples to experience a heightened sensual experience
is by using Trojan(R) Shared Pleasure(TM) condoms with Warm Sensations(TM)
lubricant. This innovation features a revolutionary new warming lubrication
system on both sides of the condom that, when activated by natural body
moisture, releases gentle, warm sensations to help enhance sensual pleasure
for both partners during lovemaking.  Like other Trojan(R) brand condoms,
Trojan(R) Shared Pleasure(TM) condoms with Warm Sensations(TM) lubricant are
made in the United States and triple-tested to ensure Trojan(R) brand quality.
Trojan(R) Shared Pleasure(TM) condoms with Warm Sensations(TM) lubricant
condoms are widely available on retail shelves now for a suggested price of
$8.99 each for a box of 12 condoms.  For men who feel restricted by regular
sized condoms Magnum(R) condoms with Warm Sensations(TM) lubricant are also
widely available on retail shelves now for a suggested price of $8.99 each for
a box of 12 condoms.

    About Trojan(R) Condoms
    Trojan brand condoms are America's #1 condom and have been trusted for
over 80 years. Trojan brand latex condoms are made from premium quality latex
to help reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted
diseases. Each condom is electronically tested to help ensure reliability.
There are over 29 varieties of Trojan brand condoms.  More Americans trust the
Trojan brand than any other condom. Trojan is committed to helping young women
take charge of their sexual health by encouraging them to carry condoms for
themselves and their friends. To access the latest information on sexual
health, view the Trojan "Are we a Condom Nation?" survey or receive free
condom samples, please visit http://www.trojancondoms.com.

    About Dr. Drew Pinsky
    Known to millions as a radio host, TV personality and author, Dr. Drew
Pinsky is a respected medical doctor, relationship expert and certified
addictionologist whose experience with addicts and teens spans over 20 years.


SOURCE Trojan Condoms




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    NewsCom: 
    http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040616/NYW154 AP
    PhotoExpress Network: PRN6 PRN Photo Desk,
    photodesk@prnewswire.com
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    christine.monaghan@edelman.com, or Janine Provencher,
    +1-212-819-4809, janine.provencher@edelman.com, both of Edelman,
    for Trojan Condoms