When used properly condoms offer good protection against pregnancy and some protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV and Herpes. Condoms are not 100% safe, they do fail, but they can help decrease your risks. Condoms must be used exactly as directed on the package. If you do not use condoms as directed their failure rate dramatically increases. Never use more than one condom at a time, one is all you need.

Only water based lubricants should be used with condoms, oil based lubricants can cause the condom to break. Some examples of oil based lubricants are; baby oil, cold cream, Vaseline, hand cream or any cooking oil.

Condoms should never be stored in your wallet or any other small and warm space. They should only be stored in a dry and cool place. Glow in the dark, coloured or flavoured condoms do not generally offer as much protection against pregnancy or STIs. Read the label to be sure.

You need to put on a new condom each time there is ejaculation. You must use condoms with oral and anal sex to protect against STIs even though pregnancy is not a concern.

Condoms do offer some decreased sensitivity for guys but they do not mean that there is no sensation at all. For some guys who have problems with premature ejaculation condoms can actually help.

You do not need a prescription for condoms and they can be bought almost anywhere. With very few exceptions condoms are one size fits all. There are not many guys who are too large or too small for the average condom.

National Government also distributes condoms free of charge, and they can be found at clinics, hospitals and in public toilets.  

Female Condoms:

The female condom is a polyurethane sheath or pouch about 17 cm (6.5 inches) in length. At each end there is a flexible ring. At the closed end of the sheath, the flexible ring is inserted into the vagina to hold the female condom in place. At the other open end of the sheath, the ring stays outside the vulva at the entrance to the vagina. This ring acts as a guide during penetration and it also stops the sheath bunching up inside the vagina.

There is silicone-based lubricant on the inside of the condom, but additional lubrication can be used. The condom does not contain spermicide.

There are a few reasons on why women can also use condoms :

• Opportunity for women to share the responsibility of condoms use with their partners
• A woman may be able to use the female condom if her partner refuses to use the male condom
• The female condom may protect against most STDs, HIV and pregnancy if used correctly
• The female condom can be inserted up to 8 hours before intercourse so as not to interfere with the moment
• The female condoms are made of polyurethane and nitrile, which are less likely to cause an allergic reaction than latex. These materials can be used with oil-based as well as water-based lubricants. No special storage requirements are needed because polyurethane and nitrile are not affected by changes in temperature and dampness. In addition, these materials are thin and conduct heat well, so sensation is preserved.

Condom use is not only a man thing, it is a shared responsibility to take precautionary measurements against STI`s, HIV or an unwanted pregnancy.

Being fully aware of its uses, who its meant for and how to use it properly will aid you in having a stress free sexual encounter.

Sex in its entirety is risky, don't be fooled by the moment or the sweet talk of your partner, practice safer sex always, to ensure a healthier life after it.

Sources:

• avert
• emedicinehealth
• teenadvice 
• info.gov.za/events/2011/sti_condom_week.htm

 Page created: 16 February 2011