Condoms *
DESCRIPTION AND HOW CONDOMS WORK
A condom is a sheath of polyurethane, latex or natural skin (lambskin or gut) that you unroll over an erect penis. It prevents sperm and bacteria from entering into contact with your partner's sex organs.
COST
Condoms cost between 75 cents and $5 each.
Some agencies distribute condoms free of charge: CLSCs, birth control clinics, school health departments, youth centres, etc.
LATEX, NATURAL SKIN OR POLYURETHANE?
- Latex condoms are the most popular for the following reasons: they are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, thicknesses, colours, and flavours. They are more resistant, more elastic, and more economical and they also protect against STIs and HIV.
- Natural skin come in one size only. They are thinner than most latex condoms. They are very lubricated and have a strong smell. These condoms conduct body heat better, thereby enhancing sensation, and may be an alternative for individuals who are allergic to latex. Their protection against STIs has not been demonstrated; however, it is better to use a natural skin condom than no condom at all.
- Polyurethane condoms (Avanti: $16/5 condoms) came on the market in Canada in the spring of 2000. They are more resistant than latex condoms, transmit sensations better and can be used with oil-based lubricants. They offer better protection against STIs and HIV and are suitable for individuals who are allergic to latex.
EFFECTIVENESS
Condoms can be 99% effective if used every time you have sex, regardless of the time of the month and if they are put on before any contact between the penis and the vulva or vagina. Keep a condom on you, in various places around the house or elsewhere.
LUBRICATION
Some condoms come pre-lubricated. Lubrication makes penetration easier, reduces the risk of tearing, and enhances sensation. If more lubrication is desired, you can use a water-soluble lubricant such as K-Y Jelly, Surgilube or Lubafax. You can also add a spermicide (Ortho-gynol Cream, Delfen foam), which increases protection against pregnancy and infections. Some individuals are allergic to spermicides or lubricants but this is rare.
Avoid using oil-based lubricants with latex condoms: Vaseline, hand creams, and oils of any kind. Watch out for vaginal creams and suppositories for vaginal infections (Vagisil, Monistat, etc.), which can also affect latex condoms for up to 72 hours after treatment has ended.
FEMALE CONDOMS (REALITY)
Female condoms are now sold in pharmacies at a cost of $15 per package of three: one style, one size. They are made of thin, flexible polyurethane. They come with a flexible ring at each end: the inner ring is used to insert the condom and keep it in place. Female condoms are covered with a non-spermicidal lubricant.
Reality™ is supposed be as effective as the male condom and also provides protection against STIs and HIV. Because it adapts to the shape of the vagina it does not compress nor squeeze the penis. Because polyurethane heats instantly when it comes in contact with the body, the female condom provides an enhanced, more natural sensation. It can be inserted up to 8 hours before the sexual relation..
LEARNING TO USE CONDOMS
- Check the expiry date on the box: choose the longest expiry date (3 to 5 years).
- Store condoms in a cool, dark place: if possible, avoid storing them in your wallet, the pockets of tight pants or car glove compartment.
- Think ahead: keep condoms handy (on the night table, in a container inside your purse, school bag, sports bag, shirt pocket or jacket pocket).
- Be assertive: dare to introduce the condom into your sex life and into foreplay.
- Use a new condom every time you have sex.
- Open the package carefully. Avoid any contact with rings, teeth or fingernails. Do not remove the condom from its wrapper until you are ready to use it and don’t test it by stretching it, inflating it or unrolling it.
- You or your partner must place the condom on the penis before any genital, oral or anal contact.
- Unroll the condom about one centimetre and then pinch the end between your fingers to squeeze out any air.
- After pulling back the foreskin, unroll the condom on the penis as far as possible.
- After ejaculation, the penis must be withdrawn while it is still erect and while holding the condom at the base of the penis. Check to make sure that the condom is intact.
- Throw the condom in the garbage. It is not biodegradable.
- The penis must not come into contact with the vulva because some sperm may still leave the penis.
REMEMBER!
- A safe condom must have a batch (lot) number and an expiry date. Condoms may be purchased from a pharmacy, vending machine, sex shop, department store or convenience store. The more expensive condoms don’t necessarily offer better protection.
- The drops of transparent fluid that moisten and lubricate the end of the erect penis sometimes contain sperm that can cause fertilization if placed at the opening to, or inside, the vagina.
- Tears in condoms are generally caused by excessive or prolonged use, adding a weakening lubricant, improper storage or being used after the expiry date. Tears are more frequent with anal sex. Condoms also tear when being unwrapped, placed on the penis or removed. Dispose of any condom that has an unpleasant odour, if it feels greasy or if the chemical substances have formed crystals.
CONDOM FAILURE
1.You can see a health professional for post-coital contraception: the morning-after pill or IUD.
2.You can immediately insert a spermicide. This measure is less effective than the above measures.
3.You can also be tested for AIDS and other STIs.
A CONDOM FOR EVERY NEED AND EVERY OCCASION
(Adapted from Turgeon F, Steben M. Les maladies transmissibles sexuellement. Montreal: Les presses de l'Université de Montréal, 1994: 390-2.)
- Regular condoms for contraception and to prevent AIDS and other STIs
-Lubricated latex condoms: Shields Protection™, Sheik Sensi-creme™, Ramses Sensitol™, Trojan-Enz™, LifeStyles™
-Avoid natural skin condoms (Fourex™)*
-For maximum protection: Ramses Ultra 15™, Trojan-Enz™, Ultra Texture™ - Condoms to enhance sensation
-Put a drop of lubricant (Lubafax™, K-Y™, Surgilube™) on the tip of the penis
-Thinner condoms: Conceptrol Supreme™, LifeStyles Nuda™, Sheik Sensi-Thin™, Trojan Plus™, and Japanese condoms (Kimono, Vis-à-Vis)
-Ribbed condoms: Ramses Regular™, Titan Ribbed™, Trojan Naturalube™
-Natural skin condoms: Trojan Kling-Tite™
-Condoms with a larger tip: Lifestyle Xtra Pleasure
-Contoured condoms for circumcised men: Comfort-fit, Contourned - Condoms for oral sex
-Non-lubricated condoms: Ramses Regular™, Sheik Regular™, Trojan Regular™ - Condoms for anal sex
-Stronger condoms: Ramses Extra Strength™, Shields Protection X™
-Add a water-soluble lubricant: Lubafax™, K-Y™, Surgilube™ - Condoms for smaller penises
-Conceptrol Supreme™
-Use Ortho condoms which are generally smaller - Condoms for larger penises
-Condoms by Julius Schmid(Ramses™, Sheik™, Trojan™)and Durex Comfort, MAXX, etc. - Safe, fun condoms to break the monotony
-Coloured condoms: Shields, Sagami Type E, Beyond Seven
-Ramses Ribbed™, Sheik Excita Sensi-Ribbed™, Fruity™, Trojan Naturalube™, Titan Ribbed™, and LifeStyles™
-Avoid condoms from sex shops if they don’t have a batch (lot) number or an expiry date - To avoid a condom tear
-Ramses Ultra™
-Ortho Shield Protection™
-Add lubrication
-Re-evaluate how you are using condoms during sex - To prevent premature ejaculation
-Avoid ultra-thin or natural skin condoms
-Lubricate well - If the condom slips
-There is too much lubrication
-Hold the condom in place or use another one - If the penis or vagina becomes irritated
-Choose a non-lubricated condom and add a water-soluble lubricant (K-Y™, Lubafax™, Surgilube™)
-Use a Sherloon (purified latex) condom: Beyond Seven
-Change your brand of lubricated condom - If you don’t like the taste Use a water-soluble lubricant Change your brand of condom
- In the event of an allergy to latex
-Use natural or polyurethane condoms (Durex Avanti) - If sensitivity is reduced or if it is difficult to maintain an erection because the condom is interfering with sex
-Make putting the condom on part of foreplay. Use humour and fantasy.
-Use a thinner condom, a natural condom or a Japanese condom. - If it is difficult to put the condom on
-Practise unrolling a condom on a banana or something else either together or on your own
-Pre-oriented condoms: Lifestyle Disks, Durex Gold