Condom Cues*

REALITY CHECK While contraceptives are effective at preventing pregnancy, most provide little to no protection against HIV and other STDs. However, latex condoms can substantially reduce the risk of sexual transmission of HIV when used consistently and correctly. Consistent and correct use of condoms can also reduce risk of transmission of other STDs, including gonorrhea and chlamydia. The most important thing to remember about condoms is that in order to protect your­self you need to use a new condom 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: Condoms should be made of polyurethane or latex (which are 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.)

INSPECTION Condom packages show an expiration date. If a condom is past the date, is ripped, 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.

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 the condom 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 or Astroglide—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 break down, reducing or eliminating the condom’s effectiveness.

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, don’t use it—throw it away. You’ll know it’s inside out because it won’t roll down the length of the penis easily.

REMOVING A CONDOM Immediately after ejaculation, the penis should be slowly withdrawn before it loses its erection. 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).

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 latex or polyurethane condom for oral sex on a penis. For oral sex on a vagina or an anus, the CDC says to use a latex barrier (such as a natural rubber latex sheet, a dental dam or a cut-open condom that makes a square) between your mouth and your partner’s genitals. A latex barrier such as a dental dam reduces the risk of blood or vaginal fluids entering your mouth. Plastic food wrap also can be used as a barrier.

*Disclaimer

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