Alcohol, Condom Use and Sexually Transmitted Infections: A Letter from Russia

The abortion rate in the former Soviet Union was reported to be the world highest, being caused not only by the insufficient availability of modern contraception but also by irresponsible behavior. The alcohol overconsumption has been perceived as a contributing factor. The social background and cause-effect relationships between the alcohol abuse, heavy binge drinking and certain behavioral stereotypes are discussed here based on the literature and our observations since the 1970s. The conclusion is that the use of condoms is dependent on individual traits and a level of social development; however, alcohol consumption at sexual encounters and heavy binge drinking are risk factors for the non-use of condoms and other irresponsible behaviors potentially contributing to the spread of sexually transmitted infections.