Gumboots, jandals and condoms: these three Kiwi rubber essentials are the focus of a Family Planning campaign to get people talking about condoms and practising safer sex. Family Planning Chief Executive Jackie Edmond says, “We’d like to see condoms, and looking after your own and your partner’s sexual health as strong a part of Kiwi culture as wearing jandals and gumboots.” Holidays, sun and alcohol make summer an important time for good choices, so here are the five most common condom myths:

• Myth 1: You have to be 18 to buy condoms. Fact: Anyone can buy condoms from pharmacies, supermarkets and other retailers, or on prescription from Family Planning clinics, which is much cheaper. While there, you can talk about long term contraceptive needs and get a sexual health check-up (free for under 22s).
• Myth 2: Condoms frequently break. Fact: Statistics show this is much less likely with a condom-safe, water-based lubricant. Also, store them in a cool place; heat can increase the chance of your condom breaking.
• Myth 3: HIV can pass through condoms. Fact: A common misperception is latex has tiny “holes” that let through the HIV virus. This is false.
• Myth 4: If I ask to use a condom, my partner will think less of me. Fact: Insisting on a condom suggests you know how to take care of yourself and know what you want.
• Myth 5: I don’t need to use condoms – I only sleep with nice people. Fact: STIs don’t know or care if you’re nice or not. And, many STIs have no symptoms.