Condoms are an effective and easy way to practice safer sex. In
addition to preventing pregnancy, condoms are the only method of
contraception that protects against many sexually transmitted
infections (STIs), including HIV.
The surest way to avoid the sexual transmission of HIV is to
refrain from sex or have sex with only one partner who has taken an HIV
test and is known to be uninfected. The next surest way is to use
condoms correctly and consistently.
HIV is carried in blood, semen and vaginal fluids, which cannot pass
through an intact latex condom. When used correctly, condoms are 97%
effective and have been proven to dramatically reduce the chance of HIV
transmission.
You can use condoms for protection during oral, vaginal and anal
intercourse with an HIV-positive partner or someone whose HIV status is
unknown. But they must be used from start to finish, every time you
have sex.
The best way to protect yourself and your partner:
Use latex (rubber) or polyurethane condoms. These are preferable to "natural skin" condoms, which may have tiny holes though which HIV may pass.
Choose a condom that fits. Condoms come in different sizes, shapes and styles. Find the condom that fits you and feels best.
Open and handle condoms carefully. Be careful not to damage
the condom when opening the package. Never use a condom in a damaged
package or one that is past its expiration date. Do not store condoms
in hot or sunny places (for example, in a wallet or by a window).
Put the condom on the erect penis before insertion. To put
the condom on, squeeze the tip as you roll it down onto the penis to be
sure that there are no air bubbles that could pop under pressure. If
the penis is uncircumcised, pull back the foreskin before unrolling the
condom all the way down to the base of the penis. Leave some room at
the tip for the discharge of semen.
Never wear more than one condom. Doubling-up on condoms can increase friction and cause them to break.
Use water-based lubricants. Lubricant can help to reduce the
friction that could cause a condom to break. Never use oil-based
lubricants like Vaseline, hand cream or baby oil, which can rapidly
break down latex and allow the virus to pass through. Choose
water-based lubricants, such as K-Y Jelly that are available at the
drugstore.
After ejaculation, withdraw the penis while still erect. Hold the base of the condom to prevent it from slipping off or spilling semen. Dispose of it after use and never reuse condoms.
Use a condom every time you have sex. To prevent HIV, other STIs and unintended pregnancy, you must use a condom every time you have sex.
About the Female Condom
The female condom is another option that provides both men and women
protection from sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS,
and unintended pregnancies. The female condom is a polyurethane pouch
that is inserted into the vagina. It forms a barrier between the penis
and the vagina and can feel very sensitive and natural.
The female condom is not difficult to use, but women should practice
inserting and removing it before using it for the first time during
sexual intercourse. It can be inserted up to eight hours before a
sexual encounter.
You should not use both a male and female condom together, which can cause extra friction and breakage.
Visit African Services to receive all the free condoms you need.
