The Condom and Safer Sex
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What is a condom?
(Rubber, safe, prophylactic, skin, raincoat)
A condom is a rubber or animal membrane sheath that fits over the erect penis and acts as a barrier against the transmission of semen during intercourse (vaginal, anal) or oral-genital contact.
Condoms come in a variety of styles and colors. They can be lubricated or non-lubricated; straight-sided or tapered. Some have a receptacle to catch the semen, and some have a spermicide on the inner and outer surface.
Latex condoms are far more effective than animal skin condoms in helping to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
How do I use the condom?
(How to get it on)
Use a condom every time you have intercourse.
If the condom does not have a receptacle, leave about one-half inch at the end. Gently squeeze out any air.
Unroll the condom over the erect penis down to its base. If you are not circumcised, pull back the foreskin before putting on the condom.
You may want to add more WATER-BASED lubricant to the outside of the condom. Try K-Y jelly or spermicides with nonpxynol-9.
After sex, hold the base of the condom and pull out before the penis gets soft. Try not to spill any semen.
Throw away the condom in the trash, not the toilet.
How effective is a condom?
(Does it work?)
When used properly, a condom does work and very well. As a method of birth control, it is 90% effective. A condom when used with contraceptive foam or jelly is as effective as the birth control pill (97-98% effective).
Condoms are highly effective against the spread of STDs. The latex condom provides an effective barrier against the transmission of some viruses and bacteria, reducing the risk for STDs
Why should I use a condom?
(Why bother?)
They help prevent the spread of STDs including AIDS/HIV, herpes, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.
Condoms are the only non-permanent form of male contraception.
They are easy to get (pharmacy or vending machines on campus or any local drugstore).
You can involve your partner in putting it on.
Condoms can help make an erection last longer.
What is safe sex?
Essentially, safe sex is no sex. The questions may be What is safer sex?
Safer sex is sex that greatly reduces the unwanted consequences of sex, such as unwanted pregnancy, coercive sex, and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
How can I have safer sex?
(How to be a better lover)
Talk with your partner. Find out what your partners needs and dislikes are. Dont assume you know what your partner wants or needs. Lack of communication can lead to unsatisfying and unsafe sex.
Like many other things, sex is what you make of it. Eroticize the condom. If you or your partner is male, sex with a condom should be your practice. Experiment with many different brands and styles of latex condoms until you find one that suits you. There are different colors, textures, strengths, and sizes of condoms. Remember that a latex (not animal skin) condom with a spermicide offers improved protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
No one wants to have regrets about any sexual experience. If the two of you decide to have sex, make sure it is that a mutual decision.
Condoms do not interfere with the most erotic organs the heart and the brain.
Remember
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Always wear a condom during any kind of intercourse
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Even when you use another form of birth control, use a condom to help protect against the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
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Store condoms in a cool, dry place (not a wallet or glove compartment). Check the expiration date.
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Remember the choice to have or not have sex is up to you.
For more information call the Rutgers health hotline, (732) 932-8282