The
Office of Health Education provides FREE condoms for all Penn
Students. They are located in our office as well as through
campus. Check HERE
for a location nearest you. |
Condom
Information
Reality
check: Most contraceptives provide little to no protection
against HIV and other STDs.
And although they aren't 100% effective, consistent and correct
use of condoms for those who are sexually active can substantially
reduce risk of HIV infection. The consistent and correct use of
condoms also provides the best available means of reducing the risk
of other STD transmission for sexually active individuals. The most
important thing to remember about condoms is that in order to protect
yourself from STD infection, you need to use one each and every
time you have intercourse. To be extra safe, use one even when you're
using another form of birth control.
Decisions,
decisions: Condoms come in lots of colors and textures
these days but only two things matter: They should be made of polyurethane
or latex (which is way more reliable than animal tissue condoms)
and if you are using the male condom, they should fit snugly. (Yes,
they do come in different lengths, widths, and thicknesses.) All
condoms distributed by the Office of Health Education are appropriate.
Condoms
prevent transmission of:
Inspection: Condom packages show
an expiration date. If a condom is past the date, or looks dry,
brittle, stiff, or sticky, it shouldn't be used. Keeping a few spares
on hand is a good idea in case one rips while being opened or put
on. All condoms distributed by the Office of Health Education don't
expire utill after 2006
Handling: Condoms should be stored
in a cool, dry place to prevent breakage or leakage. To open, the
package should be torn gently on the side (not with teeth or scissors,
which could tear the condom itself) and pulled out slowly.
Choosing the right lubricant: Using
a pre-lubricated condom, or applying a small amount of water-based
lubricant--such as K-Y jelly, Astroglide or ID Lube--inside and
outside the condom can help prevent rips. Oil-based lubricants (like
Vaseline or other petroleum jellies, body lotions, mineral or vegetable
oils) should not be used with latex condoms because they can cause
the latex to breakdown.
Putting a condom on correctly:
The condom should be put on before intercourse begins. The rolled
condom should be placed over the head of the penis after it is hard
and erect, leaving a half-inch of space at the tip to collect semen.
(Pinching the air out of the tip with thumb and forefinger can help
to prevent breakage). Next the condom should be unrolled down the
entire length of the penis until it reaches the base. Be sure to
smooth out any air bubbles along the way. The condom should fit
snugly so that it won't slide off during intercourse. If you start
to put on a condom inside-out, throw it away. You'll know it's inside
out because it won't roll down the length of the penis easily.
Tip:
For fun, try having your partner put on your condom with his or
her mouth.
Tip: Put a drop of lube inside the condom to
increase sensation (water-based only).
Tip: Using condoms makes men last longer in bed
- which usually makes their partner(s) happier.
Removing a condom: Immediately
after ejaculation, the penis should be withdrawn slowly before it
softens. The base of the condom should be held against the penis
to avoid slippage or spilling any semen as it's withdrawn. The condom
should be wrapped in tissue and thrown away in the garbage (not
in the toilet, or it may clog your toilet).
If
a condom breaks...
...during
intercourse, pull out and replace it. Guys should be able to tell
if a condom breaks while they're thrusting.
...and
semen leaks into the vagina or anus, ask a clinician at Student
Health Services about emergency
contraception and/or post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV within
72 hours.
Protection during oral sex: According
to the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC), it is possible to get HIV and other STDs
during oral sex. That's because viruses can enter the body through
tiny cuts or sores in the mouth. The CDC recommends you use a condom
for oral sex on a man. For oral sex on a woman, the CDC says you
can use non-microwavable Saran Wrap, dental dams or a cut up condom
as a barrier between the mouth and the genitals.
Alternatives
to latex
- Female
condom AKA the Reality condom
For vaginal sex: Made of polyurethane, not latex, the female condom
fits inside the vagina like a diaphragm and also covers the vulva.
The man doesn't have to stay hard for the entire time it's being
used, which can be an asset. It is not as effective as the male
condom, but provides some control for a female partner over preventing
pregnancy and STDs.
Female Condoms are avaible in the Office of Health Education
For anal sex: Some men are using the Reality female condom for
anal sex, mostly because of previous problems with male condoms
and their partners' preference for the Reality ones. More research
is needed to determine the effectiveness of the Reality condom
for anal sex.
Reality Condoms are avaible in the Office of Health Education
-
Polyurethane male condoms
These are a good (and only) alternative for people allergic to
latex. In 2002, research was presented at an FDA Science Forum
that polyurethane condoms were as effective in protecting against
STDs as latex ones. You can use oil-based or silicone lubricants
with polyurethane condoms. Health Education does NOT carry these
condoms
-
Lambskin condoms
These are ineffective in preventing transmission of STDs including
HIV and not recommended by the FDA for this use. Health Education
does NOT carry these condoms
Source: Kaiser
Family Foundation, ©2004
Department of Public Health, City & County of San Francisco.
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