Condoms. They are made of many different materials. They come in many colors and textures. They are meant to protect you against pregnancy and transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s). Why should you consistantly use them?

Condoms are a contraception method, or barrier, that can prevent pregnancy and the exchange of bodily fluids like blood, semen, and vaginal fluids, only when used properly. This is important to consider since the primary routes to STD transmission and pregnancy is the passage and exchange of these bodily fluids. While non-adequate research and misinformation in health classes and education programs has caused debate about the effectiveness of condoms, research continues to show that condoms are effective and one of the best methods available in helping the prevention of pregnancy and transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.

In order to benefit from the protection that condoms provide, individuals must use them consistently and correctly. This means they must use a condom with every act of sexual intercourse, from start to finish, including penile-vaginal intercourse as well as oral and anal intercourse. In addition, individuals must understand how to properly use a condom. Studies of hundreds of couples show that consistent condom use is possible when sexual partners have the skills and motivation to use them. So, how do you correctly use a condom?

Correct use of a "Male" Condom:
1. Store condoms in a cool place out of direct sunlight (not in wallets or glove compartments). Latex will become brittle from changes in temperature, rough handling, or age. Don't use damaged, discolored, brittle, or sticky condoms.
2. Check the Use By date or expiration date.
3. Carefully open the condom wrapper WITHOUT using your teeth, scissors, or fingernails as they may damage, tear, or pierce the condom.
4. Use a new condom for each act of sexual intercourse including oral. DO NOT use a condom for intercourse that has been previously used for oral sex.
5. Put on the condom before it touches any part of a partner's body.
6. Hold the condom over an erect penis.
7. If a penis is uncircumcised, pull back the foreskin (GENTLY!) before putting on the condom.
8. Put on the condom by pinching the reservoir tip and unrolling it all the way down the shaft of the penis from head to base. If the condom does not have a reservoir tip, pinch it to leave a half-inch space at the head of the penis for semen to collect after ejaculation.
9. In the event that the condom breaks, withdraw the penis immediately and put on a new condom before resuming intercourse.
10. Use ONLY water-based lubrication on LATEX condoms. Do not use oil-based lubricants such as cooking/vegetable oil, baby oil, hand lotion, or petroleum jelly-these will cause the condom to deteriorate and break.
11. Withdraw the penis immediately after ejaculation. While the penis is still erect, grasp the rim of the condom between the fingers and slowly withdraw the penis (with the condom still on) so that no semen is spilled.
12. Remove the condom, making certain that no semen is spilled.
13. Carefully dispose of the condom. Do not reuse it.
14. DO NOT use a male condom along with a female condom. If the two condoms rub together, the friction between them can cause the male condom to be pulled off or the female condom to be pushed in.

To correctly use a "Female" condom:

1. Store condoms in a cool place out of direct sunlight (not in wallets or glove compartments). Do not use damaged, discolored, brittle, or sticky condoms.
2. Check the Use By date or expiration date.
3. Carefully open the condom wrapper WITHOUT using your teeth, scissors, or fingernails as they may damage, tear, or pierce the condom.
4. Use a new condom for each act of sexual intercourse including oral. DO NOT use a condom for intercourse that has been previously used for oral sex.
5. First, inspect the condom and make certain it is completely lubricated on the outside and the inside. If it is not, use a WATER-BASED lubricant ONLY if your partner will be using a LATEX condom.
6. The female condom is inserted into the vagina with fingers, much like a tampon that has no applicator. To do so: Hold the condom at the closed end and squeeze the flexible inner ring with thumb and middle finger so it becomes long and narrow. With the other hand, separate the outer lips of the vagina.
Gently insert the inner ring end as far into the vagina as possible, using the index finger to push up the inner ring until the finger reaches the cervix (similar to how a diaphragm would be inserted). Before having intercourse, make certain the condom is in place. When in place, it will cover the opening of the cervix and line the vaginal walls. A general indicator of correct insertion is that the individual will no longer feel the ring. The open end of the condom must always remain outside the vaginal opening. Before having intercourse, make certain that the condom is straight and not twisted.
Add water-based lubricant onto the penis and/or the inside of the female condom to increase comfort and decrease noise. It is important to use enough lubricant so that the condom stays in place during sex. If the condom is pulled out or pushed in, that is an indicator that there is not enough lubricant. Be sure that the penis is not entering the vaginal canal outside of the condom before intercourse.
7. To remove the condom, twist the outer ring and gently pull the condom out to avoid any spillage.
8. Carefully dispose of the condom. Do not reuse it.
9. Do not use a male condom along with a female condom. If the two condoms rub together, the friction between them can cause the male condom to be pulled off or the female condom to be pushed in.

And there you have it. The correct way to use both a "male" and a "female" condom.

If you have any questions about proper use, consult your physician or any other qualified health care worker.

Jase ;0)
BellaOnline's Gay Lesbian Editor