262. What Condoms Can and Can’t Do
Once a taboo topic of conversation among mixed company, condoms are purchased by both males and females. Condoms are used as a form of contraception that also help protect against certain sexually transmitted diseases.
When used correctly, latex or polyurethane condoms may protect both partners against gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV. Condoms are less effective for preventing the spread of humanpapilloma virus (the cause of genital warts) and herpes, however, because the viruses responsible for those diseases are small enough to pass through the pores of a condom.
To increase the effectiveness of condoms as protection against pregnancy and STDs/STIs, follow these guidelines.
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•Don’t use condoms past their expiration date.
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•Choose condoms made of latex or polyurethane, not of animal membranes. Latex and polyurethane condoms are more durable than natural condoms and are less likely to break.
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•Avoid condoms advertised as “ultrathin.” They don’t hold up well.
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•Using latex condoms lubricated with spermicides, such as nonoxynol-9 (N-9) are no more effective than other lubricated condoms in protecting against the transmission of HIV and other STDs/STIs.
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•Don’t store condoms in a wallet, since they can be easily damaged.
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•Don’t expose condoms to the sun or store them under hot and humid conditions. Condoms deteriorate when exposed to ultraviolet light or heat.
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•Don’t use petroleum or oil-based lubricants, such as baby oil or petroleum jelly, to make penetration easier when wearing a condom. They can cause the condom to weaken and tear. Use an over-the-counter water-soluble lubricant like K-Y brand jelly.
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•Apply the condom over an erect penis before sexual contact. It should be rolled down over the shaft of the penis to the base, leaving a space at the tip for semen to collect.
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•Hold the condom against the base of the erect penis after ejaculation, until after withdrawal.
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•Throw the condom away after it is used. Use a new condom for each sex act.
