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CONDOM DEFINITION - per wikipedia
A condom is a device most commonly used during sexual intercourse. It is put on a man's erect penis and physically blocks ejaculated semen from entering the body of a sexual partner. Condoms are used to prevent pregnancy and transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs—such as gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV).
Most condoms are made from latex, but some are made from other materials. A female condom is also available (see left). As a method of contraception, male condoms have the advantage of being inexpensive, easy to use, having few side-effects, and of offering protection against sexually transmitted diseases. With proper knowledge and application technique—and use at every act of intercourse—users of male condoms experience a 2% per-year pregnancy rate.
Condoms have been used for over 500 years. In the early twentieth century, with the invention of disposable latex condoms, they became one of the most popular methods of contraception. While widely accepted in modern times, condoms have generated some controversy. Improper disposal of condoms contributes to litter problems, and the Roman Catholic Church generally opposes condom use. > SEE BELOW FOR INSTRUCTIONS
The Female Condom
The female condom is designed to be worn by women during penetration. It can be put on ahead of time, and is intended to give women the opportunity to use condoms. The female condom has a small, flexible ring on the closed end, designed to cover the cervix, and a larger ring that remains on the outside of the receiver's body. Female condoms don't sheath the penis tightly, so a little more attention is required beyond just putting it on correctly. Make sure the penis goes inside the ring, and doesn't slide in next to the condom. Take care when thrusting to stay inside the female condom.
Construction is of heavy duty polyurethane, an alternative to latex which can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Some men find that the loose fit increases their sensitivity as opposed to traditional skin-tight male condoms. It can also be used during anal sex, just remove the inner ring and make sure the outer ring stays outside the body.
Using The Female Condom
Be sure that the inner and outer rings are in place properly.
What is the correct way to use a condom?
CONDOM HOW-TO
Click to watch this video from YouTube that features Condomania, a specialty condom shop in New York City.
For more information about their store or to order from them online, click here.
Tips For Negotiating Condom Use
Sometimes talking about using condoms can be awkward, especially if it’s somebody you don’t know. Nonetheless, remember you have a right to protect yourself and your health, and using condoms is a way to take care of your partner too – so you’re not being selfish at all.
A partner might have specific reasons for not wanting to use condoms. Look over this list to get ideas about how to respond if you ever feel pressured to have sex without a condom:
“Sex with condoms doesn’t feel as good. I can’t feel anything with one on...”
…sex may feel different with a condom, but it doesn’t have to be unpleasant. I know if we use condoms I’ll feel a lot safer and more relaxed, and that will make the sex more enjoyable for both of us.
“Don’t you trust me?”
…we may both believe we’re disease free and trust each other, but people can have an STI and not know it. We may not be able to trust our past partners. I trust that using a condom will protect us both.
“My HIV test was negative…”
…HIV is not the only infection I’m worried about. There are several STIs that may not have any visible symptoms even if you are infected. A condom will help protect us both from getting an STI.
“I love you. If you really loved me, you wouldn’t ask me to use a condom…”
…love isn’t the issue. Getting a sexually transmitted infection is. I think if you loved me you would be more concerned about protecting us both from infections.
It has been shown that those of us who stop using condoms at the beginning of a relationship will nearly always continue without them. If you’re starting a relationship and your partner wants to stop using condoms, don’t give in if you really want to continue using condoms. Explain to him that your decision is not a sign that you don’t trust him or that you cannot be trusted; it’s about caring enough about each other to acknowledge that mistakes can happen in any relationship. After all nobody’s perfect.
Some may think condom use within a relationship is a sign of failure. Rather, couldn’t condom use be a sign of mutual respect and caring?
CONTACT FOUR A’S
1057 W. Fireweed, Suite 102
Anchorage, AK 99503
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Think you’re smart? Let’s see how much you know about condoms?
Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association
1057 W. Fireweed Ln #102 - Anchorage
907-263-2050
Planned Parenthood
1867 Airport Way - Fairbanks
907-455-7285
Zach Gordon Youth Center
396 Whittier Street - Juneau
FREE CONDOM LOCATIONS
COMMON CONDOM MYTH...
“I’m too big for condoms”
Condoms can stretch to hold 4 gallons of air.
GENEROUSLY PROVIDED BY
LUBE INFO...
Not all lubes are created equal.
Always remember to use water based or silicone based lubricants with condoms. Oil based lubes break down the latex and make them ineffective. If you’d like more in-depth information about lubrications, just ask for assistance next time you are purchasing some. Attendants at any supply store will be glad to help you with your questions, that’s what they’re there for.
For information on the
only 100%
effective way to prevent HIV and other STDs, click here to visit
this abstinence site.
