Being sexually active has risks, such as contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD) and/or becoming pregnant. The only sure way to avoid an infection or pregnancy is abstinence. Abstinence means avoiding contact with your partner’s body fluids and infected genitals during intimate activities. If you choose to be sexually active, correct use of a condom will help reduce yours and your partner’s risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease during intercourse – vaginal, oral, or anal. STD’s are viruses and bacteria that can be transmitted during sexual intimacy.

Purchasing Condoms

• Buy only latex or polyurethane condoms lubricated with a spermicide. Condoms come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and textures.
• Look for condoms with a reservoir tip, designed to give room for the ejaculate.
• Check the expiration date.
• For oral intercourse, purchase non-lubricated latex condoms or dental damns for oral sex performed on a female. Flavored products are available in specialty shops.

Storing Condoms

• Store in a cool environment. Be sure they are NOT in a container or area where the sun may heat the package (i.e. purse, wallet, jar on a desk, pack back). In addition, make sure the area does not become too cold.
• Keep condoms in a dry environment.
• Place them in a “soft” spot. Do NOT store condoms in an area where the package may become punctured, such as a desk drawer.

Putting on a Condom

1. Most importantly be sure there is consent for sex and for a condom to be used.
2. Select a condom that is not expired, has been stored properly, is made of latex or polyurethane and if participating in vaginal or anal intercourse, lubricated.
3. Open the condom package before the penis touches the mouth, anus, or vagina and after the penis is fully erect.
4. Squeeze the reservoir tip or top ½ inch of the condom and unroll the condom completely down the shaft of the penis. If the condom will not unroll, then the condom is inside out. If there is no pre-cum on the condom turn it right side out and repeat. If there has been pre-cum, open another condom. Pre-cum may contain sperm, viruses and bacteria.
5. Apply a water-based lubricant to the outside of the condom for better comfort.
6. After intercourse, hold the rim of the condom and withdrawal the erect penis.
7. Turn away from your partner to remove the condom so that spillage does not come in contact with your partner’s mouth, vagina, or anus to avoid spreading disease.
8. Use a new condom with each act of intercourse or if you have sex in a different place (i.e. in the anus and then the vagina).

Special Points to Remember

• Talk about condoms with your partner before the moment arrives.
• Be prepared. Keep condoms on hand. Women purchase over 40% of condoms.
• If you feel the condom break or slip during intercourse, pull out and use a new one.
• If you do NOT feel an air pocket in the condom package before opening it, the condom has been damaged and should not be used.
• You can contract a STD at anytime when you engage in unprotected intercourse.
• Limit the number of partners you have. The more partners you have the greater your risk for contracting a STD.
• If you think you may have been exposed to or are infected with a STD, see a healthcare provider. For an appointment call 515-7107.
• Condoms are your best defense against contracting a STD.

For more information about male and female condoms visit the American Social Health Association.