Condoms are made of latex (often called “rubbers”), plastic or natural membranes. Condoms look like long thin balloons before they are blown up. They prevent body fluids from mixing when two people have sex. The condom is put onto the penis before the penis comes into contact with the vagina.

If condoms are used consistently and correctly, about 3% will become pregnant.

Advantages

v     Condoms are safe and effective at preventing both pregnancy and infection when they are used during each act of sex.

v     Condoms are the best method of preventing infection when two people have sex.

How to Use a Condom

v     First of all always use condoms. Don't store condoms in a glove compartment or your wallet. Don't use them after the expiration date. Don't open them with your teeth.

v     Put the condom on after your penis becomes erect (gets hard). Put a few drops of water-based lubricant inside the tip of the condom.

v     Squeeze the tip of the condom to leave some extra space and roll the rest down the shaft.

v     If the penis is intact (has a foreskin), put the condom on with the foreskin pushed back. Once the shaft is covered, push the foreskin forward (toward the tip). This lets the foreskin move without breaking the condom.

v     Put more water-based lubricant of the outside of the condom.

v     After you ejaculate (cum), hold the base of the condom and pull out.

v     Throw the condom away; don't reuse condoms. Use a new condom every time you have sex.

FYI

v     Penises and condoms come in different sizes. You can usually find the size that best fits you.

v     You should never use oil-based lubricants such as, Vaseline, sun tan oil, whipped cream, or Crisco with latex condoms. These products can put a hole in a latex condom in a matter of seconds.

v     If you use a water-based lubricant such as Astroglide, KY Jelly Plus Nonoxynol-9, you may decrease the chance that your condom will break.

v     To decrease the chance of the condom slipping down the penis or falling off in the vagina, pull the penis out of the vagina right after ejaculation. Don’t continue thrusting until the penis becomes soft.

v     Some people are sensitive (or allergic) to latex or find the smell very unpleasant. Natural membrane condoms (skins) are slightly less effective and more expensive than latex condoms. However, they may help if either the man or woman is sensitive to latex. Polyurethane (plastic) condoms, which include the Reality female condom (see below) and some types of male condoms, are another option if either partner is allergic to latex.

Condoms may be purchased at any drugstore and many supermarkets and gas stations. Some health departments and family planning clinics give away condoms.

(The Reality Female Condom)

Reality female condoms are made of a thin plastic called polyurethane. This is not latex or rubber. The condom is placed into the woman’s vagina.

If these condoms are used consistently and correctly, only about 5% will become pregnant.

Advantages:

v     Female condoms give women a new option in preventing both infection and pregnancy.

v     Female condoms give women more contraceptive control and a sense of freedom.

v     Women don’t need to see a doctor to get it. No prescription or fitting is necessary.

v     The condom can be put in several hours in advance.

v     Any lubricant may be used with the female condom including oil-based lubricants since this condom is not made of latex. It does come with its own lubricant.

Disadvantages:

v     The female condom is large and some feel it is unattractive or odd-looking. Although it looks different and may appear unusual at first, it size and shape allow it to protect a greater area.

v     Some women may not want to touch their vagina.

v     It will not work if the man’s penis enters the vagina outside of the female condom.

v     It can make rustling noises prior to or during intercourse. A lubricant may decrease noises.

v     It takes practice to use the female condom correctly.

Where can you find the Reality Female Condoms?

v     Female condoms are sold at most drugstores and at some supermarkets. Call in advance to be sure.

v     They are sold in packs of three or six and cost $2.00 to $3.00 per condom.