- use a new condom for each act of intercourse.
- Put on a condom as soon as the erection occurs and before any sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral.)
- Hold the tip of the condom and unroll it onto the erect penis, leaving space at the tip of the condom, yet ensuring no air is trapped in the condom's tip.
- Adequate lubrication is important, but use only water-based lubricants, such as glycerine or lubricating jellies. Oil-based lubricants, such as petroleum jelly, cold cream, hand lotion, or baby oil, can weaken the condom.
- Withdraw from the partner immediately after ejaculation, holding the condom firmly to keep it from slipping off.
Myths About Condoms
There continues to be misinformation and misunderstanding about condom effectiveness. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides the following updated information to address some common myths about condoms. This information is based on findings from recent epidemiologic, laboratory, and clinical studies.
Myth #1: Condoms Don't Work
Some persons have expressed concern about studies that report failure rates among couples using condoms for pregnancy prevention. Analysis of the studies indicates that the large range of efficancy rates is related to incorrect or inconsistent use. The fact is: latex condoms are highly effective for pregnancy prevention, but only when they are used properly. Research indicates that only 30 to 60 percent of men who claim to use condoms for contraception actually use them for every act of intercourse. Further, even people who use condoms every time may not use them correctly. Incorrect use contributes to the possibility that the condom could leak from the base or break.
Myth #2 HIV Can Pass Through Condoms
A commonly held misperception is that latex condoms contain "holes" that allow passage of HIV. Although this may be true for natural membrane condoms, labratory studies show that intact latex condoms provide a continuos barrier to microorganisms, including HIV, as well as sperm.
Myth #3 Condoms Frequently Break
Another area of concern expressed by som is about the quality of latex condoms. Condoms are classified as medical devices and are regulated by the FDA. Every latex condom manufactered in the U.S. is tested for defects before it is packaged. During the manufacturing process, condoms are double-dipped in latex and undergo stringent quality control procedures. Several studies clearly show that condom breakage rates in the country are less than 2%. Most of the breakage is due to incorrect usage rather that poor condom quality.
Centre For Disease Control Statement on the Effectiveness of Condoms
The proper and consistent use of latex condoms when engaging in sexual intercourse -- vaginal, anal, or oral -- can greatly reduce a person's risk of acquiring or transmitting sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection.
Under labratory conditions, viruses occassionally have been shown to pass through natural membrane ("skin or lambskin) condoms, which contain natural pores and are therefore not recommended for disease prevention. On the other hand, laboratory studies have consistently demonstrated that latex condoms provide a highly effective mechanical barrier to HIV.
In order for condoms to provide maximum protection, they must be used consistently and correctly. Incorrect use contributes to the possibility that the condom could leak or break.
When condoms are used reliably, they have been shown to prevent pregnancy up to 98% of the time among couples using them as their only method of contraception. Similarly, numerous studies among sexually active people have demostrated that a properly used latex condom provides a high degree of protection against a variety or STD's, including HIV infection.
Coming Soon!