|
CONDOMS
Although
it is not known how effective condoms are in
real-life situations, studies have shown that
condoms can prevent the transmission of HIV
in the laboratory. For this reason most researchers
believe that, when used properly, condoms reduce
the risk of contracting HIV during intercourse.
Condoms reduce the risk of becoming infected
with HIV, they do not make sex ’safe. They have
about a 10% failure rate in preventing pregnancy,
and the protection they provide against HIV
infection could be lower since a woman can get
pregnant only a few days each month. One reason
for condom failure is people not using them
properly. Sometimes the condom gets damaged,
or else it is put on or taken off incorrectly.
Another reason is the condom breaking. Only
when the condom remains intact can the possibility
of becoming infected with HIV and other sexually
transmitted infections is reduced.
Since
condoms can fall off or tear during intercourse,
it is safer for the man to withdraw his penis
before he ejaculates. The major causes of condoms
breaking are air inside the condom, not enough
lubrication, old or faulty condoms, or the use
of oil-based lubricants. Apart from helping
to prevent the condom from ripping, the use
of a lubricant during sex will also help to
reduce friction and possible tearing of the
vaginal wall. Another way of reducing the risk,
and worry associated with the condom breaking
is to use a strong condom. Ensure that you use
a water-based lubricant, like KY jelly or Duragel
and not Vaseline or any oil based lubricant
as they dissolve the rubber. Do not use saliva
as a lubricant as it many contain the virus
if you or your partner are infected. There some
evidence that nonoxynol-9 a chemical agent found
in most spermicides and lubricants may afford
some protection against HIV infection but this
does not mean you won’t get infected
Condoms
come in different colours, flavours, textures
and styles. They may be dry or lubricated, smooth
or textured, straight or shaped, natural or
brightly coloured. some have a reservoir at
the tip, others are plain ended. if you use
this type make sure you leave a space at the
end for the semen so it doesn’t get forced up
the sides. (Check there is no air in the tip
of the condom which could cause it to break).
Buy some different brands and experiment to
find out which is the right one for you both.
Practise using condoms and learn (safely) what
it feels like if the condom breaks. Condom,
lubricants and spermicides can be bought in
most chemists.
CONDOM
CHECK LIST
Always
check for the following before using condoms:
Check
that the condom has a kite mark for the strength,
thickness and reliability, e.g British Standards
Institute will ensure all of the above
Check
for the expiry date on the packet
DON’TS
Do
not store condoms for a long time or near
heat or in strong sunlight
Do
not use old condoms
If
a packet of condoms has past it’s ‘use by
date‘, or hasn’t got one, do not use it.
If
the condom does break, the man should slowly
withdraw his penis. Do not douche, as this may
create small tears and increase the risk of
infection. Consider instead putting a large
amount of spermicide containing 5% or more of
nonxunol-9 into the vagina.
HOW
TO USE CONDOMS CORRECTLY
Open
the package carefully so you do not damage
the condom
Hold
the closed end of the condom between thumb
and forefinger to squeeze out the air. Air
bubbles con cause condoms to break. With plain
end rubbers you need to pinch the end to create
a space for the men.
Put
a dab of water-based lubricant in the tip
of the condom before putting the condom on.
the lubricant helps keep the air out of the
tip and will also increase sensation for the
man.
unroll
the condom so that it covers the entire length
of the erect penis. Check that you are unrolling
it the right way. When putting a condom on
an uncircumcised penis, pull back the foreskin
before rolling on the condom.
Use
a water-based lubricant on the outside of
the condom before intercourse (preferably
one containing nonoxynol-9, insufficient lubrication
can cause the condom to tear or pull off).
Do not use oil-based lubricants or saliva.
The
condom may tend to slip or come off if the
penis is getting soft, Holding the base of
the condom will stop it from slipping.
After
sex, the man should with draw his penis before
it becomes soft. One of you needs to make
sure that the condom is held firmly around
the base so that no sperm can be spilled.
Dispose
of the used condom safely, wrap it in tissue
and put it in the bin and not toilets as condoms
are difficult to flash. Also ensure that children
do not play with any condoms, used or not.
Use
condoms once, (use a new condom every time
you have sex).
Article
by Sarah Tembo
Taken
from: Women and the AIDS Crisis
By
D. Richardson
Pandore
Press
UK.1989.
How
to Use a Condom
Whether
you are for it or against it, the use of condoms
has to a certain extent helped to lessen the
infections of STDs and HIV.
The
encouragement of the use of condoms is not a
promotion of promiscuity or immorality. The
fact of the matter is if you are sexually active,
you need to be smart. Protect yourself.
HIV/AIDS
affects all of us.
What
you need to know...
The
condom comes rolled in a small package.
Open
the package carefully
Teeth,
fingernails or sharp objects can damage the
condom
Once
you have taken it out of the package, look to
see which way it unrolls.
Always
check the expiration date before you unwrap
the condom. Do not use a condom after the expiration
date.
Use
a new condom for every act of intercourse.
Do not think you are saving by reusing a condom.
Infact, by using a new condom each time, you
are saving your life. Condoms are not meant
to be reused. Use a fresh new condom for each
intercourse, especially after ejaculation.
Connect
with your health. Act now
News,
Links and Message Board: HIV/AIDS Awareness
Learn
more about How to Use a Condom effectively
|