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Condoms can be your best line of defense if used correctly. Do you know how to use them correctly?

What are condoms?

Condoms are a thin latex or polyurethane sheath that is used to cover the penis in order to prevent the transfer of bodily fluids during intercourse. The earliest known use of condoms is prior to 1400 B.C. by the Egyptians and were made from animal intestines.

The most common type is the Latex Condom and it is the safest one to use as long as you use a water based lubricant. Oil based lubricants can weaken a latex condom and cause it to fail during use. Only about 3% of the population is allergic to latex, those who are allergic must use the next type of condom.

The less common Polyurethane Condom is thinner and feel more natural but are much more prone to failure. You can use any type of personal lubricant with a this type of condom.

Do condoms prevent Herpes?

Aside from abstinence condoms are the very best protection against contracting Herpes and other sexually transmitted diseases. They are not however 100% effective. While they effectively, except in cases of breakage, stop any sort of discharge from the penis, they cannot prevent skin to skin contact. This contact can cause the transmission of Herpes if one of the partners is Shedding.

Condoms should be installed before the penis touches any part of the partner's body and should not be taken off until after intercourse is finished.

Some form of lubrication should be used inside and out to prevent undue stress on the condom which could cause it to rupture.

Condom Facts

When condoms are used in the correct manner the failure rate is around 2 %.
When used incorrectly the failure rate is closer to 12%.
Neither sperm of the pathogens that can cause STDs can pass through latex condoms.
The FDA uses a spot check test and if more than 4 out of a thousand condoms fail the entire lot is discarded.
Condoms should be stored in a cool dark place.
Young people stand a 25% risk of contacting a STD if they practice sex without using condoms.
Studies indicate that fewer than 12% of teens use condoms during sexual intercourse.
It is thought that 99% of all condoms currently manufactured are made from latex.
Women purchase as many or possibly more condoms than men.
Charles Goodyear obtained the first patent for a condom in 1844.
The supreme court ruled in 1977 that no state could restrict minors from purchasing condoms.
There are over 100 brands of condoms and there are as many as 5,000,000,000 condoms used worldwide.
There is a female condom that can be inserted hours before sexual intercourse that is very effective in preventing STDs and pregnancy.
A condom is the only form of contraceptive that protects simultaneously against STDs and pregnancy.

Who should wear a Condom?

Anyone who who has sex that has Herpes or any other STD that does not want to pass it on to his/her partner.
Anyone who is not sure if their partner might have a STD
Any sexually active female who does not wish to become pregnant.

Types of condoms?

Male Condoms - This type of condoms fits over the male penis trapping the sperm at the tip. This type of condom is very effective at preventing pregnancy and most STDs. It is not 100% effective in preventing Herpes because there is still skin to skin contact and when one of the partners is shedding the herpes virus can still be transmitted. It is still the best preventive measure you can take if you or your partner has herpes and you are having sex.

These come in many varieties, some are ribbed, have reservoir tips, pre lubricated and even flavored.

Female Condoms - This the other type of condom it is worn inside the vagina with portion on the outside. It can be inserted some time before intercourse. This type can only be used for vaginal intercourse.

Novelty Condoms - These are for use in preventing pregnancy or STDs. They are usually found in Gag Stores. If you are planning to use a condom for protection always check the package and make sure that the label does not say "for Novelty Use Only".

Condom Safety

The consequences of broken condoms can be serious so you should make sure that you follow all instructions on the package and do not take any shortcuts.

If you make a mistake you could end up with a STD or end up being a parent when you did not expect it. It is your life and your health and you an you alone are responsible for it so always take the proper precautions.

Condom Usage Tips

Use caution when opening a condom package. Never use your teeth, scissors, jewelry or anything that might damage the delicate material.
Never store condoms in your wallet, store them in a cool dry place
If the condom is sticky or appears abnormal or damaged in any way do not use it.
The pre ejaculation fluids contain enough sperm to cause pregnancy so make sure that you put the condom on before any foreplay and before the penis touches any part of your partner's body.
If you are not circumcised you should pull your foreskin all the way back before you place the condom on your penis.
As you place the condom on and before you roll it down on your penis you should pinch the air out of the tip to make room for the sperm.
Make sure that you roll the condom all the way down your penis, all the way to your pubic hair.
After sex be sure to hold the condom firmly at the base as you remove your penis from your partner's body. Make sure that you remove it while it is still hard. This will insure that it does not come off.
When you are finished with the condom you can wrap it in toilet paper and discard it in the trash. You do not want to flush it and cause blockage to your plumbing.
Never reuse a condom, always use a new condom each time you have sex.
If you have never used a condom you should practice installing one and get it right before you have sex.