Health Services: Health Education

Condoms

Free Male and Female Condoms are available in Health Services

WHAT ARE CONDOMS AND HOW DO THEY WORK:

Condoms are an effective over the counter method to reduce your risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, genital warts; HIV, hepatitis. The Male Condom is a sheath of thin latex or plastic worn on the penis during intercourse. For best protection use a spermicide with the condom for greater reduction in risk of pregnancy. The Female condom is a thin plastic pouch with flexible rings set in the top and bottom. It fits inside the vagina, lining its walls. The top ring covers the cervix (opening of the uterus) and the bottom ring covers the external genitalia, the labia (vaginal lips). When condoms are applied properly they collect semen (pre-cum and cum) preventing sperm from entering the vagina.

For proper fitting technique, please see http://www.plannedparenthood.org/pp2/portal/files/portal/medicalinfo/birthcontrol/pub-condom.xml

Condom Tips:

Practice makes perfect: practice putting a condom on by yourself, before you are with a partner. Knowing how to use condoms helps you feel more comfortable and knowledgeable about sex.

Keep condoms were you usually have sex. Store them in dry, cool place where heat won't damage them.

Check the expiration date- a condom that is past its expiration date may not be as strong and could break.

Lubrication: extra lubrication can be used to reduce friction during sex. Make sure it is WATER-BASED; such as K-Y jelly or Astroglide. Add lubrication after the condom is on the penis. NO OIL-BASED lubricants, these can damage the latex and cause breakage to the condom.

Not all condoms are alike. Different styles work better for different people. Experiment until you find a brand that fits you comfortably.

Make sure you choose a condom that states on the package- Protects against STIs.