CONDOM DO’S!

Condom failure is more often due to user failure than product failure.

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1. Do store condoms property - away from heat, sunlight, excessive cold, moisture, fluorescent lights or any kind of friction against the package.
2. Do check the expiration date. Most companies have an expiration date on the box or the individual wrappers. Others put the date the condoms were made. When stored in a cool dry place condoms with spermicide have a shelf life of three years; those without spermicide have a shelf life of five years. It is a good idea not to use a condom whose expiration date is less than a year away.
3. Do use a condom with each act of sexual intercourse or change if the penis moves from the rectum to the vagina.
4. Do put a condom on before any contact is made between the penis and any part of the partners body. Any body fluid alone can spread sexually transmitted diseases.
5. Do unroll the condom completely before use.
6. Do use only water based lubricants on latex.
7. Do apply a small amount of lubricant both inside and out to prevent breakage.
8. Do put a small amount of spermicide in the tip of the condom if you are using the condom for birth control.
9. Do use un-lubricated condoms for oral sex.
10. Do pinch the end of the condom if there is no reservoir tip to leave room for the sperm to collect.
11. Do check the condom during sex, especially if it feels strange, to make sure it is still in place and unbroken.
12. Do stop if you feel a condom break, and withdraw immediately. Apply some contraceptive foam. Don’t douche or otherwise attempt to “wash out” the vagina or anus, as this only pushes the semen further inside.
13. Do grab the rim of the condom after ejaculation and before the penis gets soft and remove it from your partner.
14. Do wrap a used condom in a tissue and throw it in the trash. Dispose of your condoms properly and do not leave them lying around, especially if you have children or pets.
15. Do practice putting on a condom.
16. Do try different condoms and lubricants till you find the right products for YOU.

CONDOM DON’TS!

1. Don’t keep condoms in your wallet or glove compartment, pocket, wallet, or purse. And in a purse, keys, pens, or other sharp objects can damage a condom if it’s not in a protective case.
2. Don’t use a condom with a damaged package or if it is brittle, sticky or discolored.
3. Don’t use outdated condoms.
4. Don’t open a condom package with your teeth. The foil condom packet has a tear strip; use it. Also, once the condom is out of the package, handle it gently and be careful with fingernails or body jewelry around the penis or vagina.
5. Don’t use of oil-based lubricants (petroleum jelly, shortening, lotions). that weaken latex.
6. Don’t pull the condom on too tightly, with no room at the tip. If the condom doesn’t have a reservoir tip, squeeze the end to remove air, and leave a little room at the end.
7. Don’t use 2 condoms at the same time - the friction between the two can cause breakage.
8. Don’t use a male and a female condom at the same time.
9. Don’t reuse a condom.
10. Don’t flush them down the toilet.

Condoms are the most effective way of preventing STDs and HIV. Condoms are now manufactured to offer maximum protection and thin enough to not interfere with sexual pleasure. Condom failure is usually caused by incorrect usage.

If you are not familiar with condoms the best idea is to buy an assortment pack and try them all until you find the condoms that are right for you.

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If you don’t know what a condom is then you are from some other planet but the plain fact is - if you are not in a monogamous (exclusive) relationship where you and your partner have both been tested then a condom is a responsibility you owe yourself. In addition to HIV, there are more than fifty different types of diseases that can be passed through sexual activity and the only way to lessen your risk is to use a condom.  If your partner is not willing to use a condom it means they don’t care about themselves or you and it’s time to find a different partner.  Remember a condom can Save Your Life! So you don’t have to like them but you HAVE to use them so you might as well learn about them and then check out “Getting Creative with Condoms”!

TYPES OF CONDOMS
Now with that little lecture out of the way there are lots of things to know about condoms and which kind of condom you use is going to depend on what kind of sexual activity you are engaging in, penis size and last but not least - personal preference.  Most people don’t realize that condoms are classified as medical devices. Their production and marketing are regulated by the Food & Drug Administration. Every single condom is tested before it is sold. Condoms used to be made of natural skin (including lambskin) or of rubber. That’s why they were called “rubbers”. Most condoms today are latex or polyurethane.

Lambskin condoms can prevent pregnancy, however, they have tiny holes (pores) that are large enough for HIV to get through. Lambskin condoms do not prevent the spread of HIV.  Latex is the most common material for condoms. Viruses can not penetrate thought the latex but latex has two drawbacks: oils make it fall apart, and some people are allergic to latex. There generally are three sizes available and size differences are subtle.

Non - Lubricated - Old style that has been around forever - these are best used for oral sex.

Plain - Lubed - These are standard-shaped lubricated condoms.

Thin & Sensitive - These are designed for people who feel that the standard condoms do no provide enough feeling.

Spermicidal- These are designed to add another level of protection against pregnancy. Nonoxynol-9 is a chemical that kills sperm (a spermicide). It can help prevent pregnancy when it is used in the vagina along with condoms or other birth control methods. Nonoxynol-9 should not be used in the mouth or rectum.  Because nonoxynol-9 kills HIV in the test tube, it was considered as a way to prevent HIV infection during sex. Unfortunately, many people are allergic to it. Their sex organs (penis, vagina, and rectum) can get irritated and develop small sores that actually make it easier for HIV infection to spread. Nonoxynol-9 is not recommended as a way to prevent HIV infection.

Extra Strength - These are the heavy duty industrial variety.

Large- As the name implies these are for the well endowed.

Extra Roomy - Designed to fit a bit looser that some people find increases the sensation and with a reservoir tip.

Flavored - Perfect for oral sex otherwise, the flavors would go to waste.

Textured- These are the fun ones designed to add some additional stimulation.

Polyurethane- Designed for people who are allergic to latex.  A latex allergic reaction can be fatal.  The symptoms can show up as a simple red rash or something more severe.  If you have ever had a reaction to wearing a band-aid then your probably have a latex allergy and should consider using only polyurethane condoms.

Female Condoms - These are designed to be inserted in the vagina before sex. The sheath contains a flexible ring on each end. One ring is inserted into the vagina and helps hold it in place. The outer ring stays outside the body. This can help prevent the female condom from getting pushed into the vagina. Each item comes with extra water-based lubricant and instructions.

Dental Dams - Specially designed as a barrier for use while performing cunnilingus (oral/vaginal sex) and rimming (oral/anal sex) or kissing (someone who has been rimming).  When properly used they may help reduce the risk of catching or spreading many sexually transmitted diseases. However, they cannot entirely eliminate the risk.