Plastic bags not a wise substitute for condoms: ministry
By PONGPHON SARNSAMAK
THE NATION
Using plastic bags instead of condoms during sex would put teenagers at risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and severe vaginal lacerations, the Public Health Ministry warned yesterday.
A study has shown that some Mathayom 1 students in the Northeast had used plastic bags to prevent pregnancies and STDs.
Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said yesterday that the Disease Control Department's Aids, Tuberculosis and Sexual Transmitted Disease Bureau had informed him that the use of plastic bags was unusual among teenagers who want to experience sex.
But this unsafe behaviour could lead to injuries and infections of the sex organ.
The ministry has been distributing more than 20 million condoms a year to the public.
People can get free condoms in their villages from primary-care units and health volunteers.
About 20,000 vending machines have been deployed in public spaces nationwide by the ministry so people can easily access prophylactics. About 5 million pieces a year have been purchased from condom-vending machines.
The ministry now is speeding up its campaign to raise awareness among teenagers about condom use and pregnancy prevention at an early age, Jurin said.
Dr Somsak Akkhasilpsaid, deputy director of the bureau, said people could buy condoms from vending machines installed at the department.