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About Condoms | Using Condoms | Choosing Condoms | Dental Dams | Female Condoms | Nonoxynol-9 | Excuses for NOT Using a Condom
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A condom (rubber) is a thin latex covering that a man pulls over his penis so that the semen (and pre-cum) he ejaculates does not come into contact with the mouth, vagina, or anus of his sexual partner. Condoms have been used for years to prevent unwanted pregnancy, but are also an effective barrier against sexually transmitted infections (STIs or STDs) such as gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, cervical cancer, and HIV infection.
Just as semen cannot pass through an intact condom, neither can HIV. However, condoms are only effective in protecting against HIV when they do not break or slip off during sexual intercourse. If you know how to use them correctly the chances of contracting HIV infection are greatly reduced. But it is important to use condoms consistently - it makes no sense to use them only occasionally, when the mood fits or when the time is right.
Quality condoms are tested for strength and durability but many manufacturers would agree that one in every 125 condoms fail such tests. This means that condoms do no offer 100% protection, but the use of condoms is certainly much more safer than having unprotected anal, oral, or vaginal sex. More often poor performance are the result of incorrect use rather than faulty manufacturing.
Some people do not like the idea of using condoms for various reasons: you have to stop to take it out of the package and put it on, which can seem like an unwanted interruption in the process of making love. But using condoms doesn't have to be a distraction from the sexual activity. You can make it a part of the fun and enjoyment of sex by using your imagination. If you are a man, you can get your partner to put the condom on for you, or you can try to put it on your male partner without using your hands. Also, you should keep a supply of condoms near to the place you are most likely to have sex - to avoid a search for them at the last minute.
Putting on a condom is simple, but there are some guidelines to avoid accidents with their use.
Make sure the vagina or anus is well lubricated. A water-based lubricant is best to prevent the condom from tearing or slipping off.
Tear the condom packet open carefully being sure that you don't tear the rubber with long fingernails or jewelry.
Place the rolled-up condom on the tip of the penis whilst erect. Make sure it is the right way around so that it will roll down properly (the roll should be outwards).
Roll the condom down the shaft of the penis, squeezing the tip of the rubber between your thumb and forefinger to get rid of any trapped air. (Most condoms have a 'tit' at the end to hold ejaculated semen). You can also put a little lubricant inside the tip of the condom before to help keep air out and increase sensation or the male.
If the penis goes soft during intercourse hold on to the base of the condom to keep it in place.
After sexual intercourse, hold the condom at the base of the penis while withdrawing from the vagina or anus. This will stop the condom from coming off inside the other person and prevents the spillage of semen.
Roll the condom off the penis tie a know in it and throw it away immediately.
Always use a new condom for each sexual encounter.
Keep condoms away from strong heat and light, as they may weaken the latex.
If you find putting on a condom awkward, always remember that practice makes perfect! Men can practice when they masturbate. Women can practice with a vibrator. Some people even use vegetables, such as a carrots or cucumber, or even a banana. The point is that, when you improve your technique when you are alone, you will make it that much more interesting when you are with a partner, avoiding those embarrassing moments and awkward feelings often felt.
Condoms can come in a variety of colours, designs, sizes, smells, and flavours. They range from the simple - your standard pale pink, smooth-surfaced model - to the outrageous - knobbly-textured, multi-coloured, peppermint flavoured - whatever you want. Condoms are available from supermarkets, shops, vending machines in bathrooms, garages, mail-order, or over the internet.
Slam
Condoms
Available for free from our office on Front Street.
It's always a matter of personal preference - thinking about the way they taste and smell - when buying condoms especially if you enjoy oral sex. However, you can always enhance the taste by using yogurt, chocolate syrup, or other foods (as long as they do not contain oil or acid which may damage the rubber). You may also want to consider how it feels during sex; how easy it is to put on; how much it costs, and so on. Mainly it's a question of experimenting until you and your partner find a brand that you both enjoy and are happy with.
Always check the SELL BY date on the package before you buy condoms and be aware that all condoms are not made equal. The older a condom is, the more likely it is to break or tear. It is best to use condoms that come from reliable manufacturers that are made from latex rubber. Some condoms are specifically manufactured for vaginal sex only, and may not appropriate or safe for anal sex when more protection is required. During anal sex always use more water-based lubricant, as the anus tends to be drier than the vagina.
About five inches square dental dams are so-called because they were originally manufactured for dental surgery. However, when placed over a woman's vulva before cunnilingus, they can prevent the transmission of HIV through vaginal fluids or blood from getting into the mouth. They also make rimming (licking or kissing the partner's anus) safer because there are bacteria and infections other than HIV which can be prevented from being transmitted.
The Female Condom is similar to the traditional condom, but is larger and is inserted into the vagina. It has a flexible inner polyurethane ring which facilitates it being inserted into the woman's vagina and serves to hold it in place. There is also an outer ring which fits over the vaginal opening. It is effective in the prevention of HIV transmission and may be a good alternative for people who are unhappy with traditional condoms for men. Men who have sex with men (Gay Men) also have experimented with using the Female Condom during anal sex. It is important to note that the noise made by the penis against the rubber of the Female Condom during intercourse has been a distraction for some people who have used them. Also Female Condoms, which are less readily available, are more expensive than the male condom.
It was previously thought that the Nonoxynol-9 was effective in preventing transmission of HIV and other STDs. However, tests have shown that Nonoxynol-9 may cause allergic reactions in many people. Also it has been proven in some cases to break down the lining of the vagina or anus, thus increasing the likelihood of transmission of infection. We strongly advise that you choose a condom without nonoxynol-9. Read the package carefully before purchase and, if in doubt, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
Lubricants do provide a substantial role in safer sex. As stated before, they can help the condom from slipping or tearing, and they can help ease insertion of the penis by reducing friction on the vagina or anus. Additionally, lubricants help to minimize damage to the vaginal or anal walls during sexual intercourse, which in turn can allow HIV or other infections to be absorbed by the body. Lubricants can also make the entire sexual encounter more pleasurable.
Always use a water-based lubricant. Some lubricants may be flavoured, or scented, for additional pleasure. Never use oil-based lubricants as they can break down the effectiveness of the latex rubber and make a condom more prone to tearing. Don't confuse water-based with water-soluble lubricants. Water-soluble lubricants are ones that dissolve in water and they usually still contain oil.
Excuses for
NOT Using a Condom
"The condom is too small." - Not all condoms are the same size. By experimenting with different brands, you will be able to find a brand and size that is suitable to your needs.
"The condom decreases sexual pleasure." - Once you are familiar with using a condom that is suitable to you, you'll realize that your sexual pleasure even increases. There are a variety of condoms with various qualities. Some are very thin, some are coloured, flavoured and ribbed for extra sensation. Use a water-based lubricant on the tip of the penis to increase sensitivity.
"The condoms burst." - If you use a condom correctly, (and it has not passed the expiry date) there is little possibility of breakage, unless you are into rough sex, in which case you should buy a stronger condom (e.g. Rough Rider). You must not use grease (Vaseline) which can cause the condom to burst. Use a water-based lubricant instead (K.Y.). Do not carry condoms around or keep them in the car for a long time or have them exposed to the sun. This would decrease the quality of the condom.
Open the condom pack with your fingers rather than our nails, to avoid damaging the condom.
"If I don't cum in my partner, I am safe." - With or without cum you can be exposed to HIV or STDs once you have unprotected sex with someone who is infected with HIV or an STD (Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Chlamydia). Discharges with blisters and sores are usually symptoms of STDs. The presence of an STD can increase the risk of contracting and/or transmitting HIV. If penetration is involved, even before ejaculation, and you and your partner have not used protection, you might both be exposed to body fluids that are infected.
"Sex is only when you penetrate." - Sex involves a number of acts which can be all quite stimulating and enjoyable to you and your partner. Ejaculation (breaking, cumming) without penetration could be a most satisfying experience. Foreplay allows you and your partner to explore each other's bodies, creating as much, or more, sexual sensation than penetration alone.