For Love of Latex
Why should I use condoms?
Which ones should I choose?
Where do I buy them?
How do I put it on?
When do I take it off?
What about oral sex?
Anything else I need to know?
It’s simple: a latex condom, used correctly, every time you have sex, offers excellent protection against STDs and pregnancy. There are other methods of birth control, but they don’t offer any protection against STDs. Condoms come in so many shapes, sizes, and flavors these days (see below) that you and your partner are sure to find a favorite (and have fun trying).
The only thing you need to insist on is that the condom be made of latex or polyurethane and that it fit snugly. Why? Animal skin condoms aren’t reliable, and loose condoms can slide around or come off (in other words, they don’t work). So as long as the condom is made of latex or poly and it fits... the rest is up to you! Male condoms are more popular, but feel free to experiment with female condoms, too—they’re like thin plastic pouches that are inserted into her vagina instead of onto his penis--but they’re equally effective.
Drugstores, grocery stores, convenience stores, gas stations, supermarkets, bathroom dispensers, online... and sometimes you can get them free at a testing center, health clinic, or student health services center. If you feel awkward buying one, remember this: over 10 billion condoms are used around the world every year, so you’re making one of the most common purchases in the world—literally.
1. If it’s pre-lubricated... skip to step 2. If not, apply a small amount of water-based lubricant inside and outside the condom (do not use oil or petroleum jelly or lotion or anything else, because it can break down the latex of the condom, making it useless).
2. When the penis is hard (erect), but before you have sex, (Yes, really. Pre-cum can have semen in it as well as contain viruses like HIV) open the package carefully. Use your hands, not your teeth—you don’t want to tear it!—and take out the rolled condom.
3. Pinch the tip.
4. Roll the condom all the way down the penis. Make sure there are no air bubbles, that it’s snug so it won’t slide off during sex, and that you have a half-inch of space at the tip.
4. Did it wrong? Inside out? Air in there? Tore it? Start fresh with a new condom!
Right after he ejaculates (cums), hold the base of the condom so it stays in place while the penis is slowly withdrawn (while still erect). Wrap it in tissue and throw it away. Don’t flush it! It’s likely to clog the toilet (romantic, right?).
We’ll leave this one to the scientists: according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is possible for either partner to get HIV and other STDs during oral sex. If the person performing oral sex is HIV positive, blood from their mouth may enter the body of the person receiving oral sex through the lining of the urethra (the opening at the tip of the penis); the lining of the vagina or cervix; the lining of the anus; or directly into the body through small cuts or open sores. STDs may also be transmitted orally. The person receiving oral sex is HIV positive or has another STD, their blood, semen, pre-cum or vaginal fluid may also enter the body of the person performing oral sex (through the mouth). Therefore... The CDC recommends use of an unlubricated latex or polyurethane (plastic) condom for oral sex on a penis. For oral sex on a vagina or anus, the CDC says to use a latex barrier (such as a natural rubber latex sheet, a dental dam or a cut-open condom that makes a square) between your mouth and your partner's genitals. A latex barrier such as a dental dam reduces the risk of blood or vaginal fluids entering your mouth. Plastic food wrap also can be used as a barrier.
Like milk cartons, condom packages have an expiration date. If that date has passed... would you drink the milk? No! Likewise, if the condom is ripped, looks dry, brittle, stiff, or sticky, you shouldn’t use it. It’s a good idea to keep some extras on hand anyway, in case you rip one while opening the package or putting it on. Store them in a cool, dry place, and be gentle when you open the package: no teeth or scissors, please.
shlbyy posted on 04.17.09 at 07:17PM
IT IS YOUR SEX LIFE AND IS IMPORTANT AND ANYBODY THAT IS GOING TO HAVE OR ALREADY DID HAVE SEX SHOULD READ ITS VERY HELPFULL
herpesfindercom posted on 06.26.09 at 12:59AM
share it with some std singles
junior702 posted on 09.10.09 at 11:32AM
where do i get flavored condoms?
fiOlala posted on 12.29.09 at 12:10PM
I'm happy I read this..
Mia72908 posted on 02.16.10 at 08:21PM
im really glad that you girls are asking some ?'s.
even if some guys are asking ?'s
im turning 14 next month and i found out that my boyfriend that i been with for a year and a couple months. we started having sex after 6 months and a couple of weeks ago we had toke a shower together and im on birthcontrol but since i just started taking its not affective for 31 days. and when we got i realized that even tho he toke it out before cuming still a little bit of sperm had got in me. there is a huge chance i might be prego. whats going to happen? i dont know, anything but an abortion.
use condoms everyone it will save your child hood so much
noturaveragechick posted on 02.27.10 at 09:52AM
i have a question. I've been with my boyfriend for 3 months now and it's gettin serious. i've never loved anyone like this. i've been in love before but he broke me heart. My boyfriend now wants to have sex and I know it's a big commitment. I'm commited to him but i'm scared of becoming pregnant or getting caught in the act. I don't know if i'm ready to have sex yet. What do i do?