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is using a latex or
polyurethane barrier (a male condom, female condom or dental dam)
during oral, vaginal or anal sex to prevent contact with blood,
pre-cum, semen and vaginal fluids.
Condoms
offer protection and are easy to use. When used correctly, they
are one of the safest forms of birth control and can protect you
from HIV/STI's and unplanned pregnancy.
Latex
condoms come in different sizes and shapes, and have features
like ribs, colors and different flavors. They come dry or lubricated,
with or without nonoxynol-9, a spermicide that weakens sperm.
Polyurethane
condoms are a little more expensive and are made of thin,
flexible plastic. Polyurethane condoms are a good option if you're
allergic to latex.
The
female condom, which is made of polyurethane, is being used
by more and more people. For more information, go to www.femalehealth.com
Lamb
skin condoms have pores and do not protect you from getting
HIV and other STDs because the pores allow germs to pass from one
person to the other. They do offer protection against pregnancy
and are another option if you're allergic to latex.
 Before
sex:
- check the expiration
date
- check the package
for damage
- open the package
carefully so you don't rip or puncture the condom
- make sure the condom
will unroll the right way before putting it on the penis
- pinch the tip to
leave room for semen
- when the penis
is erect, unroll the condom all the way down to the base
- smooth out any
air bubbles
- to keep the condom
from feeling dry, add extra lubrication to the outside and inside
During
intercourse:
- check to make sure
the condom stays on
- add extra lubricant
if needed
After
ejaculation:
- don't remain inside
your partner too long (condom is likely to slip off)
- hold the base of
the condom while pulling out
- move away from
partner, take condom off and throw it away
Important
tips:
- when a man becomes
erect, the pre-cum on the tip of the penis is enough to transmit
HIV, STI's, or get a woman pregnant
- dry or flavored
condoms should not be used for vaginal or anal intercourse
- oils or moisturizer,
when used as a lubricant, weaken latex and can make the condom
break
- using two condoms
increases their chances of breaking
- never reuse a condom
Dental
Dams
A dental dam is a thin,
square piece of latex that prevents body fluids from being passed
during oral sex (mouth on vagina or anus). Place the dental dam
against the vagina or anus. Be careful not to flip it over while
using it or your mouth will come into contact with the side that
was touching your partner.
Reasons
to use a dental dam:
-helps prevent HIV and other STDs
-they come in flavors!
What
makes using dental dams challenging:
-the dental dam is not reusable
-tasting rubber
-it's tricky to get used to and may take time to become comfortable
using one
Important tips:
You can
make your own dental dam by cutting a dry or flavored condom into
a square. Don't use a condom with nonoxynol 9 for oral sex! It will
numb your mouth.
To really communicate
with your partner, you need to express your ideas, and feelings,as
well as listen to what your partner says, too. Good communication
with your partner will help you both figure out what you want and
how you want to have sex safely.
Talking with your partner
about using condoms and dental dams can sometimes be challenging.
Your partner might have a bunch of excuses and sweet talk about
why you shouldn't use protection.
"I want to feel you, too; but we’ll
both feel better if we’re protected."
"Using protection is the way to
show me you love me."
"I love you, too, that’s why
I want to use a condom."
"Being
a virgin doesn’t mean that we don’t need to use protection."
"Well, then, let’s think of
other things we can do to be intimate."
"Using condoms will make sure we
both stay clean."
"Then let’s just fool around
in a way that’s safe, and we’ll get protection another
time."
"We
can wait until another time when we do have them."
"Out of all the condoms that are
out there, we can find one that we both are comfortable using."
"Think about how much better it will feel without having to
worry about anything else."
- Think about what
you want to say ahead of time.
- Pick a time and
place to have this conversation. (Don't wait until you're in an
intimate situation.)
- Choose what you
are going to say to kick off the conversation, like: "I'm a little
nervous about bringing this up, but I really feel it's important,"
or, "I really care about you, so I want to talk about something
that affects both of us."
- Be bold. Start
the conversation. Your partner may be relieved you did.
- Be honest.
- Express how you
feel.
- Listen. One of
the biggest parts of communication is listening. We often think
it's about talking and expressing yourself. But listening is just
as important.
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