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| Condoms |
| Information on this page is provided
as a service to our readers from AVERT, an international AIDS charity.* |
| The opinions expressed by AVERT do not
necessarily reflect the opinions of the administration at Passions
Unchained. |
| |
Why do I need to use a condom?
Condoms are the only form of protection which can both help to
stop the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as
HIV and prevent pregnancy.
Getting ready, Choosing the right condom
A number of different types of condom are now available. What is
generally called a condom is the 'male' condom, a sheath or covering
which fits over a man's penis, and which is closed at one end.
There is also now a female condom, or vaginal sheath, which is
used by a woman and which fits inside her vagina. The rest of this page
is about the male condom.
What are condoms made of?
Condoms are usually made of latex or polyurethane.
If possible you should use a latex condom, as they are slightly more
reliable, and in most countries they are most readily available.
Latex condoms can only be used with water based
lubricants, not oil based lubricants such as Vaseline or cold cream as
they break down the latex. A small number of people have an allergic
reaction to latex and can use polyurethane condoms instead.
Polyurethane condoms are made out a type of plastic. They
are thinner than latex condoms, and so they increase sensitivity and are
more agreeable in feel and appearance to some users. They are more
expensive than latex condoms and slightly less flexible so more
lubrication may be needed. However both oil and water based lubricants
can be used with them.
It's not clear whether latex or polyurethane condoms are
stronger – there are studies suggesting that either is less likely to
break. With both types however, the likelihood of breakages is very
small if used correctly. |
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Lubrication
The lubrication on Lubricated Condoms also varies. Some condoms are not
lubricated at all, some are lubricated with a silicone substance, and
some condoms have a water-based lubricant. The lubrication on condoms
aims to make the condom easier to put on and more comfortable to use. It
can also help prevent condom breakage.
Spermicides and Nonoxynol 9
Condoms and lubricants sometimes contain a spermicide called Nonoxynol
9. Nonoxynol 9 was thought in the past to help to prevent pregnancy and
the transmission of HIV and other STDs, but it is now know to be
ineffective.
Some people have an allergic reaction to Nonoxynol 9 that can result in
little sores, which can actually make the transmission of HIV more
likely. Because of this, you should only use condoms and lubricants
containing Nonoxynol 9 if you are HIV negative and know that your
partner is too. However, using a condom (even if it contains Nonoxynol
9) is much safer than having unprotected sex.
What shapes are there and which should I choose? What about flavored
condoms?
Condoms come in a variety of shapes. Most have a reservoir tip although
some do have a plain tip. Condoms may be regular shaped (with straight
sides), form fit (indented below the head of the penis), or they may be
flared (wider over the head of the penis).
Ribbed condoms are textured with ribs or bumps, which can increase
sensation for both partners. Condoms also come in a variety of colors.
It's up to you which shape you choose. All of the differences in shape
are designed to suit different personal preferences and enhance
pleasure. It is important to communicate with your partner to be sure
that you are using condoms that satisfy both of you.
Some condoms are flavored to make oral sex more enjoyable. They are also
safe to use for penetrative sex as long as they have been tested and
approved. |
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| Condom Size
What about the condom size?
Condoms are made in different lengths and widths, and different
manufacturers produce varying sizes.
There is no standard length for condoms, though those made from natural
rubber will in addition always stretch if necessary to fit the length of
the man's erect penis.
The width of a condom can also vary. Some condoms have a slightly
smaller width to give a "closer" fit, whereas others will be slightly
larger. Condom makers have realized that different lengths and widths
are needed and are increasingly broadening their range of sizes.
The brand names will be different in each country, so you will need to
do your own investigation of different names. There is no particular
best brand of condom. |
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Using
Condoms
So when do you use a condom?
You need to use a new condom every time you have sexual intercourse.
Never use the same condom twice. Put the condom on after the penis is
erect and before any contact is made between the penis and any part of
the partner's body. If you go from anal intercourse to vaginal
intercourse, you should consider changing the condom.
Where can I get condoms?
There are no age limitations on buying condoms. Buying a condom no
matter how old you are shows that you are taking responsibility for your
actions. Family planning and sexual health clinics provide condoms free
of charge. Condoms are available to buy from supermarkets, convenience
stores and petrol/gas stations. Vending machines selling condoms are
found in toilets at many locations. You can also order them online.
How can I check a condom is safe to use?
Condoms that have been properly tested and approved carry the British
Standard Kite Mark or the EEC Standard Mark (CE). In the USA, condoms
should be FDA approved, and elsewhere in the world, they should be ISO
approved.
Condoms have an expiration (Exp) or manufacture (MFG) date on the box or
individual package that tells you when it is safe to use the condom
until. It's important to check this when you use a condom. You should
also make sure the package and the condom appear to be in good
condition.
Condoms can deteriorate if not stored properly as they are affected by
both heat and light. So it's best not to use a condom that has been
stored in your back pocket, your wallet, or the glove compartment of
your car. If a condom feels sticky or very dry you shouldn't use it as
the packaging has probably been damaged.
How do you use a condom?
Open the condom package at one corner being careful not to tear the
condom with your fingernails, your teeth, or through being too rough.
Make sure the package and condom appear to be in good condition, and
check that if there is an expiration date and that the date has not
passed. |
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Putting a Condom on:
Place the rolled condom over the tip of
the hard penis, and if the condom does not have a reservoir top, pinch
the tip of the condom enough to leave a half inch space for semen to
collect. If the man is not circumcised, then pull back the foreskin
before rolling on the condom.
Pinch the air out of the condom tip with one hand and unroll the condom
over the penis with the other hand. Roll the condom all the way down to
the base of the penis, and smooth out any air bubbles. (Air bubbles can
cause a condom to break).
If you want to use some extra lubrication, put it on the outside of the
condom. But always use a water-based lubricant with latex condoms, as an
oil-based lubricant will cause the latex to break.
The man wearing the condom doesn't always have to be the one putting it
on - it can be quite a nice thing for his partner to do.
What do you do if the condom won't unroll?
The condom should unroll smoothly and easily from the rim on the
outside. If you have to struggle or if it takes more than a few seconds,
it probably means that you are trying to put the condom on upside down.
To take off the condom, don't try to roll it back up. Hold it near the
rim and slide it off. Then start again with a new condom.
When do you take off the condom?
Pull out before the penis softens, and hold the condom against the base
of the penis while you pull out, so that the semen doesn't spill. Condom
should be disposed properly for example wrapping it in a tissue and
throwing it away. It's not good to flush condoms down the toilet -
they're bad for the environment.
What do you do if a condom breaks?
If a condom breaks during sexual intercourse, then pull out quickly and
replace the condom. Whilst you are having sex, check the condom from
time to time, to make sure it hasn't split or slipped off. If the condom
has broken and you feel that semen has come out of the condom during
sex, you should consider getting emergency contraception such as the
morning after pill.
What condoms should you use for anal intercourse?
With anal intercourse more strain is placed on the condom. You can use
stronger condoms (which are thicker) but standard condoms are just as
effective as long as they are used correctly with plenty of lubricant.
Condoms with a lubricant containing Nonoxynol 9 should NOT be used for
anal sex as Nonoxynol 9 damages the lining of the rectum increasing the
risk of HIV and other STD transmission. |
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| Is using a condom
effective?
If used properly, a condom is very
effective at reducing the risk of being infected with HIV during sexual
intercourse. Using a condom also provides protection against other
sexually transmitted diseases, and protection against pregnancy. In the
laboratory, latex condoms are very effective at blocking transmission of
HIV because the pores in latex condoms are too small to allow the virus
to pass through. However, outside of the laboratory condoms are less
effective because people do not always use condoms properly.
How do you dispose of a used condom?
All condoms should be disposed of by wrapping in tissue or toilet paper
and throwing them in the bin. Condoms should not be flushed down the
toilet as they may cause blockages in the sewage system and pollution.
Latex condoms are made mainly from latex with added stabilizers,
preservatives and vulcanizing (hardening) agents. Latex is a natural
substance made form rubber trees, but because of the added ingredients
most latex condoms are not biodegradable. Polyurethane condoms are made
from plastic and are not biodegradable. Biodegradable latex condoms are
available from some manufacturers. |
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| How can I
persuade my partner that we should use
a condom?
It can be difficult to talk about using
condoms. But you shouldn't let embarrassment become a health risk. The
person you are thinking about having sex with may not agree at first
when you say that you want to use a condom when you have sex. These are
some comments that might be made and some answers that you could try... |
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EXCUSE |
ANSWER |
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Don't you trust me? |
Trust isn't the point, people can
have infections without realizing it |
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It does not feel as good with a
condom. |
I'll feel more relaxed, If I am
more relaxed, I can make it feel better for you. |
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I don't stay hard when I put on a
condom. |
I'll help you put it on, that will
help you keep it hard. |
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I am afraid to ask him to use a
condom. He'll think I don't trust him. |
If you can't ask him, you probably
don't trust him. |
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I can't feel a thing when I wear a
condom. |
Maybe that way you'll last even
longer and that will make up for it |
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I don't have a condom with me. |
I do |
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It's up to him... it's his
decision. |
It's your health. It should be
your decision too! |
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I'm on the pill, you don't need a
condom. |
I'd like to use it anyway. It will
help to protect us from infections we may not realize we have.
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It just isn't as sensitive and I
can't feel a thing. |
Maybe that way you will last even
longer and that will make up for it |
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Putting it on interrupts
everything. |
Not if I help put it on
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I guess you don't really love me. |
I do, but I am not risking my
future to prove it |
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I will pull out in time. |
Women can get pregnant and get
STDs from pre-ejaculate |
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But I love you. |
Then you'll help us to protect
ourselves. |
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Just this once. |
Once is all it takes |
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There are many reasons to use condoms
when having sex. You could go through these reasons with your partner
and see what she/he thinks.
Reasons to use Condoms
Condoms are the only contraceptive that help prevent both pregnancy and
the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (including HIV) when used
properly and consistently.
Condoms are one of the most reliable methods of birth control when use
properly and consistently.
Condoms have none of the medical side-effects of some other birth
control methods may have.
Condoms are available in various shapes, colors, flavors, textures and
sizes - to increase the fun of making love with condoms.
Condoms are widely available in pharmacies, supermarkets and convenience
stores. You don't need a prescription or have to visit a doctor.
Condoms make sex less messy.
Condoms are user friendly. With a little practice, they can also add
confidence to the enjoyment of sex.
Condoms are only needed when you are having sex unlike some other
contraceptives which require you to take or have them all of the time.
Here are also some tips that can help you to feel more confident and
relaxed about using condoms.
Confidence tips
Keep condoms handy at all times. If things start getting steamy - you'll
be ready. It's not a good idea to find yourself having to rush out at
the crucial moment to buy condoms - at the height of the passion you may
not want to.
When you buy condoms, don't get embarrassed. If anything, be proud. It
shows that you are responsible and confident and when the time comes it
will all be worthwhile. It can be more fun to go shopping for condoms
with your partner or friend. Nowadays, it is also easy to buy condoms
discreetly on the internet.Talk
with your partner about using a condom before having sex. It removes
anxiety and embarrassment. Knowing where you both stand before the
passion stands will make you lot more confident that you both agree and
are happy about using a condom.
If you are new to condoms, the best way to learn how to use them is to
practice putting them on by yourself or your partner. It does not take
long to become a master.
If you feel that condoms interrupt you passion then try introducing
condoms into your lovemaking. It can be really sexy if your partner
helps you put it on or you do it together. |
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| * Information
on this page is provided from AVERT, an international AIDS charity
(www.avert.org).
The opinions expressed by AVERT do not necessarily reflect the opinions
of the administration at Passions Unchained. This information is
provided as a service to our readers only. Passions Unchained makes no
guarantee any of the information provided by AVERT to be accurate,
factual or correct. Passions Unchained is not responsible for
errors or omissions. Always consult a doctor if you believe you
may be infected with any sexually transmitted disease. |
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