Word: condomize
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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...spread of AIDS is concerned, then, condoms only are essential for homosexual men engaging in anal intercourse. Even then, they're no panacea. There's a very good reason why before AIDS hit condom use was on the decline as a birth control method: it wasn't a very good one. At a minimum, many studies have shown, condoms do not prevent pregnancy in one out of 10 couples who rely on them for a year. Some estimates go as high as 20 percent...
Much of this may be attributable to misuse of condoms, but such misuse is endemic to them. And the technical problems of condom use are only heightened when used by homosexuals engaging in anal intercourse. The chief AIDS epidemiologist at the federal Centers for Disease Control told The New York Times this summer that condoms fail more often during anal than vaginal intercourse because the former is likely to involve "trauma" that may rip or pull off the condom...
THERE ARE still some caveats even if the practitioner of "safe sex" manages to avoid such trauma. Industry and government studies demonstrate that the AIDS virus cannot penetrate latex condoms. Other studies, though, underscore the susceptibility of latex condoms to rapid deterioration when exposed to heat, light or oil-based lubricants. (I know of no studies examining the effects of genuine cowhide on latex.) And earlier this year the Food and Drug Administration ordered three major condom manufacturers to recall 100,000 condoms after spot inspections found many with excessive leaks...
...Natural" condoms, made of lamb intestine, are another story altogether. Researchers believe they may contain microscopic holes through which the AIDS virus can be transmitted. The point is very well summed up by U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop: "If you use a condom for protection against AIDS the way you use them for birth control then you are in danger...
Similarly, it's hard to believe the vast minority of Harvard students engaging in homosexual sex need condom machines in their houses to heighten their awareness of the need to practice safer sex. There is no reason, other than peace of mind and routine birth control, why heterosexuals need condoms. Nor is there any reason we need condom machines installed all over campus. Unless, that is, a cheap, prurient thrill is all we're after...