Condom

Condoms are a balloon-like piece of latex or sheep's intestine that fits over a man's penis. They come individually wrapped in small packages that easily fit into your purse or pocket. There are many brands and varieties; they come in many different colors, sizes and even flavors. Some condoms are lubricated.They have a gel on them that makes them slippery, so they don't tear as easily.

Some condoms also have a spermicide on them. Spermicide is a substance that helps to kill the sperm that come out of a man's penis when he ejaculates or "comes". Spermicide can help reduce the risk of pregnancy and STDs.

Are condoms effective?

Condoms are 88-98% effective. Latex condoms are more effective against STDs including AIDS.

How do they work?

Condoms are designed to cover a man's penis so that the semen or "come" does not ever touch a woman's vagina. They also keep any other body fluids from mixing. This allows condoms to be very effective at preventing both pregnancy and STDs, if used correctly every time.

How do I use a condom?

Store condoms in cool, dry places. Keeping them in your wallet, back pocket or car glove compartment for a long period of time may cause them to rip or tear more easily. A new condom must be used every time you have sex. If the condom does not come with lubricant, lubricate it inside and out before putting it on. This helps to prevent tearing. Only use special water-based lubricant. Do not use lotion, Vaseline, butter or other oil-based creams because they may make the condom tear more easily. Using an extra spermicide that you can buy at a pharmacy can also provide more lubrication and extra protection against pregnancy and STDs.

Putting on a condom:

It is a good idea to practice putting on a condom before you really have to use it, so you will not feel embarrassed later. A carrot, cucumber or other penis-shaped object can work for practice. Both partners should know how to put a on condom.

• Check the expiration date.

• Tear open the package, but do not use your teeth or scissors because this can tear the condom. The condom will be rolled into a ring shape. Make sure to check which direction it unrolls before placing in on the penis.

• The penis must be hard before putting on the condom. Pinch the tip of the condom to remove air and place it on the end of the penis. Hold the end with one hand and with the other roll the condom down over the penis all the way to the base. Make sure there are no big air bubbles.

• The man should have a condom on before his penis ever touches your vagina.

• The fluid that leaks from a man's penis when it is hard can have millions of sperm in it. That sperm could make you pregnant, or the fluid could give you an STD.

• After sex, hold onto the base of the penis and the condom while the man pulls out. This will keep the condom from slipping off. Be sure that the man pulls out while his penis is still hard so no semen can leak out. Slide the condom off and throw it away.

• Have the man wash his penis with soap and water before he embraces you again.

• Use a new condom if you want to have sex again.

What do I do if it breaks?

If a condom breaks during sex, have the man pull out as soon as possible. Wash with soap and water. If you think that semen may have leaked out into your vagina, call a health professional to find out about Emergency Contraception. Don't use 2 condoms together. It won't give you added protection because the 2 condoms rubbing against each other can cause them to break more easily.

From what will condoms protect me?

Condoms are 86-98% effective at preventing pregnancy. If they are used correctly every time, latex condoms (the most common type) prevent any body fluids from touching the other person, which can prevent unplanned pregnancy and STDs. Condoms made from sheep's intestines help prevent pregnancy, but they do not stop STDs from being passed from one person to another. Since these condoms are more expensive anyway, it is best to use latex. Most people who use sheepskin condoms have a latex allergy that makes them not able to use the normal latex condoms.

Even with perfect condom use every time, there is still a risk of pregnancy or STDs. The only way to be 100% safe is to choose abstinence.

Where can I get condoms?

Condoms are available at most pharmacies and grocery stores. They cost between 25 cents and $2 for one. Many family planning clinics like Planned Parenthood give them away for reduced prices or free. If you cannot find the condoms displayed at the pharmacy or clinic, ask. Do not feel shy or embarrassed. Feel proud that you are making the choice to protect yourself and your future.

What are the Pros and Cons?

PROS:

• Condoms let men be involved in preventing pregnancy and STDs.

• They are easy to get. Condoms can be purchased in drugstores, grocery stores, gas stations, etc.

• Condoms are inexpensive.

• Putting it on can be part of the sexual play and stimulation.

• You don't need a doctor's supervision to use condoms.

• Condoms may help a man's penis stay hard longer.

• They don't cause any medical problems.

CONS:

• Can tear if you don't use it carefully.

• Can produce allergy.

• You must use a new condom every time you have sex.

• Condoms may interrupt foreplay.

• Condoms may lessen the sensation for either partner.

If you are having trouble talking with your partner about using condoms, the following script might help:

• If your partner says -- What is that honey?
  You can reply -- It's a condom.

• If your partner says -- What do you want to use that for?
  You can reply -- I want to protect us from an STD or an unwanted pregnancy.

• If your partner says -- Don't you trust me?
  You can reply -- Yes, I trust you, but trust has nothing to do with becoming pregnant.

• If your partner says -- But I don't like condoms.
  You can reply -- I don't like the idea of getting pregnant.

• If your partner says -- I'll pull out in time.
  You can reply -- Women can get pregnant or get STDs from pre- cum.

• If your partner says -- It doesn't feel the same with a condom.
  You can reply -- It might not feel the same, but it still feels good. And I'll be more relaxed with you using one; that should help both of us.

• If your partner says -- I'm not using a condom, and that is final.
  You can reply -- Well, do you know how to play any games? Because without a condom, we won't be having sex, and that's final.

Adapted from http://www.plannedparenthood.org/