Madam, - Owen Corrigan (March 14th) accuses me of "shocking depths of sheer absurdity" in pointing out that dependence on a condom to prevent STDs is not wise. He says the problem is "that not enough people are using them". Are enough people not using them in Britain too?
It is a pity that a survey is not carried out to correlate the increase in the sale of condoms and in the incidence of STDs. I presume that Mr Corrigan is aware that there is even a disclaimer on a packet of condoms.
The only safe way to avoid these horrendous diseases is to be faithful to one partner or practise abstinence. Is Mr Corrigan suggesting that women have not sufficient self-control to take responsibility for their sexual behaviour?
I agree that education is the key to reducing STDs, but how can that be successful when the full facts are not given? When "safe sex" is promoted through using a condom - actually, I note that the official line is now safer sex - without pointing out that some STDs are picked up through skin contact, it is not surprising that these diseases continue to escalate. - Yours, etc,
Mrs MARY STEWART, Donegal Town.