Condoms – Male & Female
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Share the responsibility of preventing Sexually Transmitted Infections
(STI) and/or pregnancy. Even when the pill is used to prevent pregnancy,
condoms SHOULD be used to protect each partner from sexually transmitted
infections (STIs). Condoms can be used for oral, anal or vaginal sex.
Condoms are sold for use by men and women.
MALE CONDOMS - What is it?
The male condom is a protective barrier that fits over the penis during
oral, vaginal or anal intercourse. The condom collects ejaculate, or
pre-ejaculate (cum/semen) and protects both partners from body fluids
during intercourse. Therefore, condoms are useful for both preventing
pregnancy (they are rated between 86.2% and 97.4% effective in
preventing pregnancy) and protection against transmission of sexually
transmitted infections. Some sexually transmitted infections (herpes,
HPV or Human Papilloma Virus or warts) are passed through skin to skin
contact so a condom will not provide protection.
Condoms are available in a variety of sizes, colours, and textures.
Flavoured condoms are available for oral sex. They can be made of latex,
polyurethane or lambskin. Condoms made of animal tissue (e.g. lambskin)
do not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Polyurethane
condoms can be used if you or your partner has an allergy to latex.
Condoms are available with:
- no lubricant
- a water-based or silicone lubricant
- a spermicidal lubricant.
Condoms have many benefits including:
- preventing pregnancy
- preventing many sexually transmitted
infections
- may help in maintaining erection
- being easily available in many locations without a doctor's
prescription
- low in price - samples are available free at some clinics
- cut lengthwise, a latex condom can be used as a barrier during oral
sex with a female partner or oral-anal contact with a partner.
Possible Side Effects
- Skin irritation
- Possible allergic reaction to latex an/or spermicide
- Vaginitis due to the additives in some flavoured condoms
- Decreased sensation - sensation may be increased with the use of
water-based lubricant inside the tip of the condom
Important Points to Remember
- Oil-based lubricants (e.g. petroleum jelly/Vaseline, mineral oil, baby
oil, vegetable oil, massage oil, etc.) can break down latex condoms
- Condoms have an expiry date (by law this must be printed on each
condom package).
- Extra-strength condoms with additional extra water-based lubricant are
recommended for anal sex.
- Novelty condoms may not prevent pregnancy or sexually transmitted
infections.
It is important to talk with your partner(s) about safer sex practices.
If you or your partner(s) have had previous partner(s), consider testing
for sexually transmitted infections
Instructions on how to use a Male Condom
- Check the expiry date on the condom package.
- Store condoms in a cool, dry place (away from heat, UV light and high
humidity - don't keep condoms in a wallet next to the body for a long
period of time)
- Do not have any genital to genital contact without a condom on the
penis
- Open wrapper carefully so the condom is not torn by jewellry or
fingernails.
- Do not unroll or stretch a condom before use - it may weaken the
condom.
- Pinch the air from the tip of the condom and keep it pinched while the
condom is put on.
- Place condom on the end of the hard penis.
- Unroll condom all the way down penis.
- If not circumsized, pull foreskin back before putting the condom on.
- If you want more wetness during intercourse, use only water-based
lubricants such as Astroglide, K-Y Jelly, Muko, etc.
- After ejaculating (cuming), hold onto the condom at the base of the
penis and pull out before the penis gets soft - this will help to
prevent the condom from slipping off the penis.
- Remember after ejaculation, do not use the condom again.
- Throw condom in the garbage (do not flush – it may clog the toilet).
Helpful website:
www.condomania.com
Female Condoms
Share the responsibility of preventing Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)
and/or pregnancy. Even when the pill is used to prevent pregnancy,
condoms SHOULD be used to protect each partner from sexually transmitted
infections (STIs). Condoms can be used for oral, anal or vaginal sex.
Condoms are sold for use by men and women.
What is it?
The female condom is a thin, soft plastic condom that is placed inside
the vagina. It is the only female-controlled method that helps prevent
both sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy.
How effective is it?
The effectiveness rate of the female condom is similar to the male
condom (i.e. about 90-95% with "perfect" use, and form 80-85% with
"average" use).
Advantages and Disadvantages
Listed below are some advantages and disadvantages of the new female
condom
Advantages:
- Latex free, reducing risk of allergy
- Reduces "friction" and irritation of vaginal lining (helpful for women
post partum, breast-feeding or at menopause when dryness is a problem)
- 40% stronger than latex
- Has no odour
- Any lubricant can be used
- Heat conductive so warms up as soon as inserted
- Less disruptive to love-making (can be inserted up to 8 hours before
sex)
- Sold in stores - no prescription needed
- Better for men who loose an erection while/after putting on a latex
condom
- There are reports of increased sensitivity and pleasure for the male
- The soft flexible ring at the open-end covers a larger surface area
offering greater protection for each partner
- Some women find the outer ring stimulates the clitoris and increases
their pleasure
As with latex condoms for men, the female condom helps protect against
pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.
There are a few disadvantages:
- The outer ring hangs about 2.5cm outside the vagina., therefore it is
difficult to hide the use of the female condom
- During sex there may be noises caused by the friction. Extra
lubrication may minimize this.
- Practice may be necessary to learn how to put the condom in the
vagina.
- It is possible for the penis to enter the vagina "beside" the condom.
- The cost is approximately $3.50 - $5.00 each.
Each package of female condoms includes detailed instructions for use.
Remember, having safer sex means protecting yourself (and your partner)
from unintended pregnancies as well as sexually transmitted infections.
What's new in Condoms?
A FEMALE condom, now available in Canada, is made of POLYURETHANE
(plastic, not latex), which claims to be stronger than latex and is
hypo-allergenic (does not cause allergic reactions). It resembles a male
condom, but has flexible rings at either end; one ring, like a
diaphragm, helps with insertion, and holds the condom in place; the
outer ring covers the outer "lips" (vulva), and prevents the condom from
being pushed into the vagina during intercourse.
A new male POLYURETHANE (plastic, not latex) condom has been introduced
recently and can be found in some stores.
Condom Fitness Facts:
Reduce Irritation:
- irritation could be the result of an "allergy" to the latex, or a
sensitivity to the"chemical" lubricants. To avoid these reactions, the
use of a non-latex (natural lambskin) condom can help. It can be worn
either on top or under the latex condom, depending upon which partner is
affected.
- plastic/polyurethane condoms, are recommended for people with latex
allergies
- avoid 'chemical' lubricants, especially non-oxynol 9, will reduce
irritation.
Increase Sensation:
- putting a SMALL drop of water-based lubricant into the tip of a condom
before rolling it on can increase the sensation and comfort for the
'wearer'.
Get a Great Fit:
- condoms are 'one size' for the most part , although there are some
'extra large' to choose from. Trying different brands will help you find
the one most comfortable for you.
Where can I get Condoms?
Condoms are available without a prescription in drugstores,
convenience stores and many grocery stores. Healthy Sexuality Clinics
and school health services provide condoms. When choosing coloured or
flavoured condoms, make sure they are not being sold as novelty or joke
items.
WHAT IF YOUR PARTNER DOESN'T WANT TO USE A CONDOM?
HERE'S WHAT YOU MIGHT SAY! |
If your partner says: "Sex isn't as good. I can't feel much with a
condom on."
You say: "There's plenty of feeling left; and I wouldn't feel safe
without it."
or: "You're right. Condoms do change the feeling for both of us a
little, but it's not that bad. It gives us a chance to explore other
parts of our bodies." |
|
Partner says: "I'm on the pill. Trust me."
You say: "I do trust you but the pill is not enough. Let's play it
safe."
or: "The pill works great for stopping pregnancy, but condoms can
protect us from infections we might not even know we have." |
|
Partner says: "I don't have a condom with me."
You say: "The drugstore up the street is open all night. Let's go buy
some."
or: "I have one."
or: "Let's wait until we're prepared." |
Partner says: "I'm a virgin."
You say: "I'm not and I want to protect you." |
Partner says: "Putting it on breaks the mood. It's not romantic."
You say: "It doesn't have to break the mood. Let me show you." |
Partner says: "But I love you."
You say: "I want to protect you because I love you."
or: "I love you too. But we still need to use condoms."
|
|
Partner says: "I don't use condoms"
You say: "O.K. Then let's think of other ways we can satisfy each
other."
or: "I never make love without a condom. No glove, no love."
|
Partner says: "But we've been having sex without condoms."
You say: "That doesn't mean we can't use them now." |
Partner says: "I wouldn't give you a disease."
You say: "I know you wouldn't on purpose, but either of us could have an
infection and not know it. Why take chances?" |
Partner says: "Just this once."
You say: "Once is all it takes." |
(Adapted from: Contraceptive Technology, August 1992)
Use condoms to help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted
infections, HIV and Hepatitis B. For more information call 1-800-660-5853
and ask for Clinical Services.
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