Condoms

• General condom information:
  • Latex condoms are the only effective way to prevent STDs during sexual intercourse.
  • You can also use condoms during oral sex.
• Obtaining a condom:
  • Buy latex rubber condoms. Persons who are allergic to latex can use a polyurethane (plastic) condom. Never use condoms made from animal skins; they can leak.
  • You can get condoms at public health clinics (often free), drug stores, supermarkets, and via the internet. You do not need a prescription.
• Storing condoms
  • Store condoms at room temperature. Avoid extreme heat, extreme cold, or sunlight.
  • You might want to keep a condom in your wallet or purse; this way it is ready and available.
• Putting on a condom - Instructions:
  • Hold the condom at the tip to squeeze out the air.
  • Roll the condom all the way down the erect penis (Do not try to put a condom on a soft penis).
  • If you use a lubricant during sex, make sure it is water-based (e.g., K-Y Liquid, Astroglide). Do not use petroleum jelly (Vaseline), vegetable oil (Crisco), or baby oil; these can cause a condom to break.
• Taking off a condom - Instructions:
  • After sex, hold onto the condom while the penis is being pulled out.
  • The penis should be pulled out while still erect, so that sperm (semen) doesn't leak out of the condom.
• Female condoms
  • There are female condoms (e.g., Reality) that you can also buy without a prescription.
  • A female condom is a polyurethane (plastic) sheath that is placed inside the vagina.