|
Advicenators discussion: Condom Info
karenR wrote Saturday April 18 2009, 9:02 am:
Condoms are excellent for preventing the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS. Condoms made of latex are the best in preventing STDs. Lamb-skin condoms for people with a latex allergy are thought to have an increased risk of transmitting STDs due to the porous nature of the material.
Condoms also prevent seminal fluid, which contains sperm, from entering the vagina. This prevents against unwanted pregnancy.
Condoms are easy to use and purchase. They can be purchased at drugstores, supermarkets, through mail order or the internet.
Notes on Condom Use
1. Check the expiration date of the condom.
2. Do NOT use oil-based lubricants with a condom. This means no Vaseline, hand lotion or baby oil. They can create holes in latex. Be sure to only use water-based lubricants.
3. Do NOT allow a penis to enter the vagina before putting on a condom. Some fluid may be released from the penis before ejaculation, and it may contain sperm.
4. NEVER reuse a condom.
5. Broken condom? Don't panic but immediately put spermicide into the vagina using an applicator full of spermicide. In fact, a condom is more effective if always used with a spermicide.
6. Condoms should never be kept in a wallet, pocket or a hot car's glove compartment. This can destroy the latex.
REF:[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
karenR wrote Saturday April 18 2009, 9:03 am:
5 Things You Need to Know About Condoms
1. Provides Protection From STDs
A condom keeps semen, blood and vaginal secretions from passing from one partner to the other. Simply put, when the man ejaculates the semen remains in the condom and doesn't pass into the woman's vagina, preventing pregnancy. This not only prevents pregnancy but also protects against HIV, AIDs and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Use a condom for vaginal, oral and anal intercourse for consistent protection against STDs.
2. Lube Them Up
Many condoms come pre-lubricated (or even flavored), but always lubricate plain condoms before using them. Lubrication feels more pleasant and also prevents condoms from breaking during intercourse, When adding lubricant on your own always use a water based lubricant made specially for personal lubrication or use with condoms, like Astroglide or KY Jelly. Using oil based lubricants or baby oil weakens latex and can cause infection and make condoms break easily.
3. Wrap Up Unplanned Pregnancies
Although condoms remain one of the safest and most convenient forms of birth control, use them correctly and consistently every time you have sex to prevent pregnancy. Despite old wives tales to the contrary, condoms rarely break and are one of the few birth control methods without side effects. An occasional user may have an allergic reaction to the latex but they can use a lambskin condom instead.
4. Add Extra Protection to Your Condoms
To increase protection against pregnancy, use a barrier method like a contraceptive sponge or diaphragm. If that's too much extra baggage, try a spermicide capsule, jelly or foam containing nonoxynol-9 along with the condom.
5. Slow Down and Do It Right
Store the wrapped condom according to the manufacturer's directions. Tear open the package gently, with your hands, not your teeth. Take a quick look at it to make sure it's free of holes or tears. Always take care to put the condom over the penis when it's fully erect, not sooner. You can leave a bit of space at the tip of the condom to collect semen. If the condom tears while opening the package or putting it on, use another one. Make sure the condom fits securely. It may tear if it's too tight or slide off if it's too loose.
karenR wrote Saturday April 18 2009, 9:05 am:
FEMALE CONDOMS
A female condom, or femidom, is a fine, loose fitting and flexible polyurethane sheath worn by women during sex to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. The round, closed end of the sheath covers the cervix and prevents the sperm from exiting the condom, and also helps to hold it in place. The open end of the sheath has a soft ring that overlaps the vaginal opening. The female condom must be placed into the vagina before intercourse, though it can be inserted up to 8 hours prior to sex. It is a single-use barrier method. Female condoms are between 75 to 95 percent effective.
Though the female condom is not difficult to use, it may take you a little while to get used to it. Clinicians recommend that you insert it two or three times to get comfortable with the feel of it before you actually use it during intercourse. One you get the hang of it, it is simple to use and is easily removed after use and can be disposed of by wrapping it in tissue and putting it into the waste bin. Female condoms come pre-lubricated with a non-spermicidal lubricant which makes it easier to insert and more comfortable to use. Spermicidal jelly can be used with it to increase safety.
What to Look for
The female condom is available without prescription and can be purchased at many drug stores or online. If you need extra lubricant, you can use either oil- or water-based lubricants without affecting the integrity of the condom.
Common Pitfalls
A male condom should not be used at the same time as a female condom, as friction between the two can damage the integrity of one or both protective barriers. There are no physical side effects associated with female condoms. There is, however, a chance that the condom could tear or become displaced during sex, which would render it ineffective.
Because the femidom is so large compared to a male condom, its appearance may be quite off-putting for both you and your partner.
If the penis is not guided in carefully and instead of entering the femidom slips between it and the vaginal wall, there will be no protective barrier in place, which can lead to pregnancy and/or sexually transmitted infections.
REF: [Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
karenR wrote Saturday April 18 2009, 9:12 am:
HOW CAN I PERSUADE MY PARTNER TO 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...
EXCUSE ANSWER
Don't you trust me? Trust isn't the point, people can have infections without realising it
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.
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.
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.
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
I don't have a condom with me
I do
It's up to him... it's his decision
It's your health. It should be your decision too!
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 realise we have.
Putting it on interrupts everything
Not if I help put it on
I guess you don't really love me
I do, but I am not risking my future to prove it
I will pull out in time
Women can get pregnant and get STDs from pre-ejaculate
But I love you
Then you'll help us to protect ourselves.
Just this once
Once is all it takes
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.
karenR wrote Saturday April 18 2009, 9:13 am:
REASONS TO USE CONDOMS:
1. Condoms are the only contraceptive that help prevent both pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (including HIV) when used properly and consistently.
2. Condoms are one of the most reliable methods of birth control when use properly and consistently.
3. Condoms have none of the medical side-effects of some other birth control methods may have.
4. Condoms are available in various shapes, colours, flavours, textures and sizes - to increase the fun of making love with condoms.
5. Condoms are widely available in pharmacies, supermarkets and convenience stores. You don't need a prescription or have to visit a doctor.
6. Condoms make sex less messy.
7. Condoms are user friendly. With a little practice, they can also add confidence to the enjoyment of sex.
8. 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.
REF:[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
karenR wrote Saturday April 18 2009, 9:16 am:
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.
REF:[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
karenR wrote Saturday April 18 2009, 9:17 am:
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.
REF:[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
karenR wrote Saturday April 18 2009, 9:18 am:
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.
REF:[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
karenR wrote Saturday April 18 2009, 9:25 am:
How Do I Use Condoms?
With a little practice, condoms are very easy to use.
Be sure to handle condoms properly. Keep in mind that certain types of lubricants can damage a latex condom. Use only water-based lubricants, such as K-Y jelly or AstroGlide, with latex condoms. Oil-based lubricants like petroleum jelly, cold cream, butter, or mineral and vegetable oils damage latex and will make the condom ineffective at preventing pregnancy and infection.
Putting on a Condom
Each package of condoms includes detailed instructions. Be sure to read and understand the instructions and check the expiration date before you use a condom.
* Put the condom on before the penis touches the vulva. Men leak fluids from their penises before and after ejaculation. This fluid can carry enough germs to pass sexually transmitted infections and possibly cause pregnancy.
* Use a condom only once. Use a fresh one for each erection ("hard-on"). Have a good supply on hand.
* Condoms usually come rolled into a ring shape. They are individually sealed in aluminum foil or plastic. Be careful — don't tear the condom while unwrapping it. If it is torn, brittle, stiff, or sticky, throw it away and use another.
* Put a drop or two of lubricant inside the condom.
* Pull back the foreskin, unless circumcised, before rolling on the condom.
* Place the rolled condom over the tip of the hard penis.
* Leave a half-inch space at the tip to collect semen.
* Pinch the air out of the tip with one hand while placing it on the penis.
* Unroll the condom over the penis with the other hand.
* Roll it all the way down to the base of the penis.
* Smooth out any air bubbles. (Friction against air bubbles can cause condom breaks.)
* Lubricate the outside of the condom.
REF:[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
karenR wrote Saturday April 18 2009, 9:26 am:
Taking Off a Condom
* Pull out before the penis softens.
* Don't spill the semen — hold the condom against the base of the penis while you pull out.
* Throw the condom away.
* Wash the penis with soap and water before having sex play again.
If the Condom Breaks …
Sometimes condoms break. If a condom breaks, it is less effective.
If the condom breaks during intercourse, pull out quickly and replace it. Men should be able to tell if a condom breaks during intercourse. To learn what it feels like, men can break condoms on purpose while masturbating.
If the condom breaks and semen leaks out, wash the semen away from the vulva or penis with soap and water.
If the condom breaks and semen leaks into the vagina, emergency contraception is a good option. Emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy if started up to five days after unprotected intercourse. The sooner you start it, the better it will work.
REF:[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
karenR wrote Saturday April 18 2009, 9:27 am:
How Do I Get Condoms? How Much Do Condoms Cost?
Condoms are available in drugstores, Planned Parenthood health centers, other family planning clinics, some supermarkets, and from vending machines. Individually, condoms usually cost a dollar or more. Packs of three can cost from about $2 to $6. In packages of 12, condoms can cost less than a dollar each. Some family planning centers give them away or charge very little. The cost in clinics or when authorized by a private doctor is covered by Medicaid in some states.
Be sure to examine the condoms that you are buying. All condoms are tested for defects. But, like rubber bands, condoms deteriorate with age. If properly stored, they should stay effective until the expiration date printed on the wrapper of each condom.
Beware of "Novelty" Condoms
Some condoms are not supposed to be used for pregnancy protection. These are called "novelty" condoms. Read labels on "novelty" condoms to be sure they protect against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
REF:[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
karenR wrote Saturday April 18 2009, 9:28 am:
Don't Let Embarrassment Become a Health Risk
Don't be embarrassed by the thought of going into a store and asking for condoms. Be proud. Buying condoms says that you are responsible and that you accept your sexuality as a normal part of living.
Nearly as many women as men buy and carry condoms. And many people use them — every time they have sexual intercourse.
If you are embarrassed to talk with your partner about using condoms, practice before you are in a sexual situation. Then, choose the right time to talk — don't wait until the heat of passion takes over. It may overwhelm your good intentions.
Don't be shy — be direct. Be honest about your feelings and needs. It can help create a relaxed mood to make sex more enjoyable.
Talking is easier if you are in a respectful relationship that makes you feel happy and good about yourself and your partner. In any case, don't let embarrassment become a health risk.
REF:[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
Reply to topicWhoa, hold up there! You have to be logged in to reply to this topic.Register for free!
|