Condoms & Lubricant




What are condoms?

A condom is a tube made of thin, flexible material. It is closed at one end. Condoms have been used for hundreds of years to prevent pregnancy by keeping a man’s semen out of a woman’s vagina. Condoms also help prevent diseases that are spread by semen or by contact with infected sores in the genital area, including HIV. Most condoms go over a man’s penis.


Lubricant
The lubrication on condoms varies. Some condoms are not lubricated at all, some are lubricated with a silicone substance, and some condoms have a water-based lubricant. The lubrication on condoms aims to make the condom easier to put on and more comfortable to use. It can also help prevent condom breakage.

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What are they made of?

Condoms used to be made of natural skin (including lambskin) or of rubber. That’s why they are 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 get through it. Latex is inexpensive and available in many styles. It has two drawbacks: oils make it fall apart, and some people are allergic to it.

Polyurethane is an option for people who are allergic to latex. One brand of female condom and one brand of male condom are made of polyurethane.

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How are condoms used?

Condoms can protect you during contact between the penis, mouth, vagina, or rectum. Condoms won’t protect you from HIV or other infections unless you use them correctly.
  • Store condoms away from too much heat, cold, or friction. Do not keep them in a wallet or a car glove compartment.
  • Check the expiration date. Don’t use outdated condoms.
  • Don’t open a condom package with your teeth. Be careful that your fingernails or jewelry don’t tear the condom. Body jewelry in or around your penis or vagina might also tear a condom.
  • Use a new condom every time you have sex, or when the penis moves from the rectum to the vagina.
  • Check the condom during sex, especially if it feels strange, to make sure it is still in place and unbroken.
  • Do not use active and passive condom at the same time.
  • Use only water-based lubricants with latex condoms, not oil-based. The oils in Crisco, butter, baby oil, Vaseline or cold cream will make latex fall apart.
  • Use unlubricated condoms for oral sex (most lubricants taste awful).
  •  Do not throw condoms into a toilet. They can clog plumbing.
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Using a Male Condom

 Put the condom on when your penis is erect – but before it touches your partner’s mouth, vagina, or rectum. Many couples use a condom too late, after some initial penetration. Direct genital contact can transmit some diseases. The liquid that comes out of the penis before orgasm can contain HIV.
  • If you want, put some water-based lubricant inside the tip of the condom.
     
  • If you are not circumcised, push your foreskin back before you put on a condom. This lets your foreskin move without breaking the condom.
     
  • Squeeze air out of the tip of the condom to leave room for semen (cum). Unroll the rest of the condom down the penis.
     
  • Do not “double bag” (use two condoms). Friction between the condoms increases the chance of breakage.
     
  • After orgasm, hold the base of the condom and pull out before your penis gets soft.
 Be careful not to spill semen onto your partner when you throw the condom away.

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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 STD transmission.

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Condom Myths

Condoms don’t work: Studies show condoms are 80% to 97% effective in preventing HIV transmission if they are used correctly every time you have sex.

Condoms break a lot: Less than 2% of condoms break when they are used correctly: no oils with latex condoms, no double condoms, no outdated condoms.

HIV can get through condoms: HIV can not get through latex or polyurethane condoms. Don’t use lambskin condoms.

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The Bottom Line

When used correctly, condoms are the best way to prevent the spread of HIV during sexual activity. Condoms can protect the mouth, vagina or rectum from HIV-infected semen. They can protect the penis from HIV-infected vaginal fluids and blood in the mouth, vagina, or rectum. They reduce the risk of spreading other sexually transmitted diseases.

Condoms must be stored, used and disposed of correctly. Male condoms are used on the penis. Female condoms can be used in the vagina or rectum.

REMEMBER: Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for maintaining your health. Take control of your health and your life.
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SOURCE: thebody.com