|
If used consistently (every time you have sex) and correctly, latex condoms do significantly reduce the risk for HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Condoms are not 100% protection however. When condoms fail, it is usually due to people not using them correctly, or not using them every time they have sex. If you're having intercourse make sure you use a latex condom. Natural Membrane or Animal Skin condoms are not nearly as good as latex condoms. How do you use a condom? For starters, practice makes
perfect. Put a condom on as soon as your (or his) penis gets hard. Make sure your condom
is always slicked up with a water-based lubricant, or lube, like K-Y jelly, so that the
penis can enter smoothly and the condom isn't likely to slide off. Vaseline, butter,
Crisco, hand cream or anything that contains oil can make your condom break and should be
avoided. Pinch the tip of the condom before putting it on and squeeze the air out of the
tip of the condom. Make sure you smooth down the condom really well so that there are no
air bubbles in it. If you want to be really careful, use an extra strong condom. If one partner is allergic to latex, use a natural condom and a latex one, keeping the natural one next to the skin of the allergic partner. All condom packages should carry an expiry date. Throw them away if the date is past. Never store condoms in direct sunlight. Some safer sex pamphlets suggest using condoms or lubes that contain a spermicide called nonoxynol-9. Recent studies have shown that, although it may give you some protection against sexually transmitted diseases, it doesn't appear to lower the risk of passing on HIV. And it can cause skin irritation. This could actually increase the chances of a germ getting into your body. So it's probably best to avoid it. The best way to test whether you're going to have a reaction to spermicide or cream is to test it first on the skin on the inside of your wrist. So remember, Use a latex condom every time you have sexual intercourse. |
News, Features & FAQ's | Events & Fund Development | Services, Programs & Stuff | Web Links & Articles | Home
Copyright �
1998-2002 |
Read about this web site. Created & maintained by Humantec Consulting. Comments about the site can be sent to Humantec Consulting. |
Thanks to Shane H, our first Web volunteer, for getting us started. |