YES. Latex or polyurethane condoms block the smallest organisms and even large particles like sperm. They help to prevent most major STIs. A few STIs, such as herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), and syphilis, can sometimes infect places on the body not protected by condoms. If you or your partner notice sores in the genital area, [...]
YES. Many people mistakenly believe oral sex is a way to practice safe sex, but it’s not. STIs can be spread during oral sex. To be safe, you should use a condom if the penis is going to touch the mouth. Be sure to use a condom that’s labeled effective against STIs. If your mouth [...]
Keep your condoms in a cool, dry place. Storing them near heat (in your glove compartment) can cause them to become brittle or gummy and not be any good to use.
Damaged packaging is one way to tell. Always inspect the condom and feel it before you put it on. You can also check it when it is on the erect penis. A condom that sticks to itself, is gummy or brittle, isn’t the same color all over, or has tears or holes shouldn’t be used. [...]
Before sex: Sex means not only vaginal intercourse but oral or anal sex. Always use a condom for any sexual activity to best protect yourself and your partner. Use a new condom for every sex act. Infectious organisms are transmitted through lesions, pre-ejaculate secretions, semen, vaginal secretions and blood. Tear open the package carefully. Do [...]
Using male or female condoms is an important and pleasurable part of having safer sex. Sex with condoms can be fun, exciting, and very enjoyable. And using them correctly and consistently – every time you have sex – can also reduce the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections or diseases (STIs or STDs), [...]
There are two main types of condoms: male condoms and female condoms. Male Condoms Most male condoms are made of latex; some are made of polyurethane (a type of plastic), polyisoprene (a man made equivalent of natural rubber), or lambskin. Lambskin condoms can prevent pregnancy; however, they do NOT prevent the spread of HIV or [...]
Condoms help protect both partners from pregnancy and STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) – with both genital and oral sex. It’s about respect – and responsibility – for yourself and your partner. Before deciding to have sex it pays to think about protecting yourself from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You’ve already taken a big step by [...]
Sometimes people don’t like to use protection for sex, so it can be helpful to think about how you might respond if you’re ever with a partner who doesn’t want to use a condom. Remember, you have a right to protect yourself and your health, and using condoms is a way to take care of [...]
The time to talk about condoms is before sex! 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: “I don’t have any kind of disease! Don’t you trust me?” “Of [...]
