Latex Condoms
Written by Jane Carrasco
Condom Sense --
How Do You Use Condoms?
The latex condom is the only form of male birth control currently available, though that may change one day. So, why is it that the number one reason condoms fail is improper use? It is very important for both males and females to learn how to correctly use a ondom.
Remember, for a condom to be effective, you have to use it and you have to use it correctly.
Things You Should Know:
# At least 55 million Americans have a sexually transmitted infection- that's 1 in 4 adults.
# Do not use a condom that is old or brittle.
# Store condoms in a cool, dry place.
# Don't store condoms in wallets, they could get damaged or worn out from the heat of the backside of a person or the pressure from being squished so much.
# Condoms can be weakened by exposure to heat or sunlight or by age.
# Always check the expiration date. Condoms should come with an expiration date.
# Do not to use more than one condom at a time as they can both tear due to friction between them.
# In order to prevent the transmission of HIV (the virus that causes AIDS), you MUST use a latex condom, NOT a "natural" or animal skin condom. Animal skin condoms have tiny holes that HIV can get through, whereas latex condoms do not.
# Always put the condom on before ANY contact with your partner. There are traces of sperm in the pre-ejaculated liquid that comes from the erect penis and this too can cause pregnancy.
# Do not leave any air pockets in the tip of the condom as this may cause breakage.
Sex, Lies and HIV
- 34% of men and 10% of women have told lies in order to have sex.
- 68% of men and 59% of women have been involved with more than one person that their current partner doesn't know about.
- 47% of men and 42% of women would understate the number of their previous partners in order to convince someone to have sex.
Did You Know?
- 63% of all sexually transmitted disease (STD) cases occur among people less than 25 years of age.
- AIDS is the leading killer of Americans between the ages of 25 and 44.
- Users of male condoms experience a 2% per-year pregnancy rate
- Condoms have been used for at least 400 years- since the nineteenth century, they have been one of the most popular methods of contraception in the world.
- Using a condom is more effective than the morning after pill in preventing pregnancy.
In 2006, there were:
*36,935 cases of Syphilis
* 1,030,911 cases of Chlamydia
*358,366 cases of Gonorrhoea
Condom's don't give 100% protection against STD's, AIDS, or pregnancy. But, failure to use one leaves you completely vulnerable to HIV/AIDS, Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), Human Papiloma Virus (HPV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Hepatitis-B virus (HBV), Chlamydia Trachomatis, and Neisseria Gonorrhoeae, Gonorrhea, Ureaplasma Infection, Pelvic inflammatory Disease, and even Cervical Cancer.
When buying condoms, remember that latex condoms offer greater protection against viral STDs than natural membrane condoms and lubricant products that are considered water-based have not been shown to be harmful to condoms.
Disclaimer
The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. The content provided is intended strictly for informational purposes to help patient understanding of medical terms and conditions.