Condoms, Lets Roll!
You can have safer sex by using condoms. Condoms are
covers used to protect you from being in contact with fluids from
the penis or vagina that could have STDs. They can also protect you
from unwanted pregnancy. If you and/or your mate are currently
using birth control (pills, patches, shots, or tubes tied) you
still need condoms, because none of those things helps protect you
from HIV/STDs. Only latex and polyurethane condoms (Lifestyles,
Reality, Trojans, etc.) have been shown to consistently prevent
transmission of HIV/STDs. "Skins" or condoms made from animal skins
have microscopic holes in them that STDs can get through. Remember,
condoms are needed for safer sex; not having sex is the only way to
avoid STDs or pregnancy.
No Guarantee
Condoms cannot guarantee that you will not be exposed or get
infected for several important reasons:
Condoms do not cover the
entire genital area
Contact with infected skin alone can lead to the spread of disease
especially with viruses and lice. Any genital contact, therefore,
puts you at risk. But remember, not wearing a condom leaves you
wide open for all infections or pregnancy.
Condoms
break
If you do not place the condom on properly or use a defective one
it is more likely to break and you or your partner could be exposed
to an infection.
Many people have foreplay naked. Release of semen (pre-cum),
contact with infected skin or vaginal discharge before sex can lead
to pregnancy or disease.
Many people have oral and
anal sex without condoms
You can also get STDs in your anus, mouth, throat and tonsils.
Since the tissue in the rectum is very delicate it is more likely
to break and the germs can spread into the body through the tears.
You may also have tears in your mouth (from brushing/flossing your
teeth) where germs can enter. Avoid brushing/flossing at least one
hour before sexual contact.
Some people get caught up and think one time without it wont hurt
WRONG!!! You can get HIV, any other STD or pregnant your first
time.
He Can "Pull Out" and
Climax Outside of Me
WRONG, AGAIN!! The same fluids that can infect you on the inside
can infect you on the outside. Many people get warts, Herpes or
Syphilis cause someone "came" on their genital area, back or
stomach.
Male Condoms
Male condoms cover the penis and if used properly are
80-90% effective in preventing HIV/STDs or unwanted pregnancy. They
are less effective in protecting you from STDs that can live on the
skin (Herpes, Syphilis, HPV [Human Papilloma Virus], Crabs). To be
effective they must be used from the beginning (even with foreplay
& even if "just the tip" is gonna be inserted")! They can be
purchased at many retail stores (grocery, drug and convenience
stores) and on the Internet. Many clinics and health departments
will give them to you free of charge
Female Condoms
Female condoms are long polyurethane tubes (with a ring
at each end) that are inserted into the vagina. When they are
inserted, one ring is placed inside the vagina and anchors the
condom in position and the other covers some of the outer area
surrounding the entrance. Like the male condom it also can only be
used one time. They are less likely to break because polyurethane
is stronger than latex. They are effective in preventing pregnancy
and the spread of HIV/STDs mostly because they cover more of the
female genital area (less skin contact) and polyurethane doesnt
allow virus transmission. Female condoms are more expensive. They
also need to be used from the beginning.
Other Condoms/Barriers
Dental Dams or plastic wrap should be used for oral sex.
Non-lubricated condoms can also be used for protection from oral
contact with the penis and a cut open one can be used to cover the
vulva (lips of the vagina). Dental dams can be purchased at your
dental office and at some retail stores.
Finger cots, male condoms or latex exam gloves should be used for
finger sex (inserting a finger in the vagina or anus). These are
necessary because cuts on your finger can allow germs to spread
into your body. You can purchase either of these at pharmacies and
retail stores.
Male condoms should be in place when massaging/stroking the penis
(especially with a partner who knows they have an infection)
because there could be sores or unknown viruses on the penis and
germs can enter through cuts on your hands. Latex gloves should be
used when touching the female genital area for the same reasons.
Latex gloves can be purchased at retail stores.
A condom or plastic wrap should be placed on sex toys and they
should always be cleaned after each use. Diseases can also be
spread this way
Tips For Effective Condom Use
Store Your Condoms in a Cool, Dry
Place
Do not put condoms in your wallet or shirt or pants pocket or leave
them in the car (Heat, even from the body, causes them to
break)
Remember Condoms Expire
Condoms used after 2-5 years will become dried out and brittle and
this can cause them to break. Also, if your condom is sticky or has
an uneven color, the package is damaged or they have been in the
washing machine by accident, of course, throw it away and get
another one.
Condoms can only be used
once
Even if you didnt climax (cum) in it you need to use a new condom
every time you have sex.
Male condoms have to be placed on the
penis with room at the tipThe semen (cum) has to go
somewhere. If there is no room at the end the force of the pressure
from the semen will break it open.
Do Not Use Oil Based
Lubricants
Vaseline and oil based gels (petroleum jelly, vegetable shortening,
lotions, massage oils, grease) weaken condoms and causes them to
break more easily. Water based lubricants (KY jelly, Astroglide,
etc.) do not weaken the condom.
Dont Assume Your Partner Knows How To
Use It
You need to know how to use the condom, whether you are the one
using it (putting the condom on the penis or placing it in the
vagina) or your partner is. Some people are too ashamed to say they
dont know how or are tryin to front. This is one of the most
common reasons that condoms fail. This is not the time for you to
be placing your trust in someone else to protect you. LADIES, THIS
IS ESPECIALLY STATED FOR YOU!! Also, you need to see for yourself
that it has been done right. Dont be shy
leave the lights
on!
If the Condom Breaks
Immediately stop having sex, remove the condom and wash the area of
the body (both partners) that was exposed and your hands. Use a new
condom and make sure it doesnt appear damaged. Ladies, douching
often spreads disease and isnt recommended. Emptying your bladder
(urinating) is also a good idea because the urethra (opening to the
bladder) is in the same area and germs can spread there also.
Understand that germs cant be "washed away" if they already
entered through openings on your genitals, etc.
Spermicide Use
Spermicides or Nonoxynol 9 is a contraceptive agent that destroys
sperm. They have not been shown to decrease getting an STD when
using condoms. It is also recommended that people having anal sex
not use Nonoxynol 9 as a lubricant when having anal sex because of
the increased risk of infection.
