The right condom to buy

Here are some tips to keep in mind when purchasing and using condoms:

• Latex condoms -- when used consistently and correctly -- are highly effective barriers against pregnancy and STDs.
• Latex condoms are the only condoms that prevent transmission of HIV. The newer plastic condoms have been proven in recent, limited laboratory studies to be an effective barrier against HIV, but less is known about their practical use except that they make a good alternative for people who are allergic to latex. (There is some concern about plastic condoms slipping off during use because of their rigidity; they do not adhere to the body in the same manner latex condoms do).
• Animal skin (lambskin) condoms do not offer an adequate barrier of protection against STDs even though they do work as a contraceptive; viruses and bacteria (not sperm) can pass through naturally occurring "holes" in these condoms.
• The new female condom (basically a plastic condom in reverse that is inserted into the vagina), like the male plastic condom, has been shown to be an effective barrier against HIV in laboratory studies. Although its practical use is still being studied, it provides women a choice that offers protection against STDs.
• Avoid novelty condoms; warnings on the package usually indicate these do not protect against STDs.
• Vending machine condoms are fine to use if they are made of latex, are marked "for disease prevention," and have not been exposed to direct sunlight in the machine.
• Condoms marketed as "stronger" or more "sensitive" do not offer more or less protection; just be aware that thinner condoms may be more prone to tearing.
• When it comes to condoms, size does matter; if a condom is too tight, it's more likely to break. If it's too loose, it's more likely to slip off.
• Ribbed condoms are as effective at protection as non-ribbed; it's a matter of personal preference.
• It makes sense that a condom lubricated with a spermicide (a contraceptive chemical) would offer slightly more protection against pregnancy than one without, and likely more protection against STDs since research has shown that the spermicide nonoxynol-9 can kill HIV in a laboratory setting. However, it's unknown how much additional protection is provided.
• Proper lubrication may reduce the risk of the condom tearing. If the condom is not lubricated and lubrication is necessary, use a water-based lubricant, such as K-Y jelly, on the outside of the condom.
• Do not use petroleum or mineral-based lubricants, such as petroleum jelly or baby oil, which can weaken latex condoms, causing them to break.
• Do not use condoms that are brittle, gummy or discolored.
• Always check the expiration date of a condom.

Putting on a Condom

Putting on a condom can be fun. Some women enjoy doing this for their partners. You can use your lips and tongue to help your fingers unroll the condom down the shaft of the penis -- but be careful not to snag the delicate material with your nails or jewellery.

Condoms come ready-rolled and most end in a teat, which catches the semen. Tear open the package carefully

Expel the air from the teat at the tip of the condom by squeezing it. An air bubble may cause the condom to tear or come off. 

Place the opening of the condom on the head of the penis. (The rolled rim should be on the outside). If you are uncircumcised, make sure the foreskin is pulled back before you put on the condom.

Unroll it down the shaft to fit comfortably, be sure to leave ample room -- a half-inch space -- at the tip for semen to collect unless the condom comes designed with a "reservoir" tip.

When fully unrolled, the condom should extend almost to the base of the penis and fit like a second skin, feeling silky and smooth. Smooth out any air bubbles to ensure the condom fits securely.

After ejaculation, the condom should be removed carefully to prevent spillage. First, the man withdraws his penis from the woman's vagina, holding the condom securely to his penis so as not to leave it behind. Then he removes it and disposes of it. Of course, care must always be taken that any semen left on the penis does not get transferred -- on the fingers, for example -- to the woman's vagina.

Never reuse any condom; if you put a condom on backwards and it does not unroll easily, don't flip it over since there may be semen in it. Use another.

Store condoms in a cool, dry place because extreme temperatures can damage them. Body heat will cause latex to deteriorate, so it's not a good idea to keep condoms in a wallet.

Remember, too, that condoms cannot protect you from every STD, such as genital warts or herpes in cases where an open sore or wart at the base of the penis cannot be adequately covered by a condom and skin-to-skin contact between partners occurs.

1998 SWEETDREAMZ