If they're used correctly, condoms are about 94% - 97% (depending on which study you look at) effective at preventing pregnancy and they're nearly 100% effective at preventing transmission of HIV. Some people say that some viruses can 'pass through' latex - that's not true.


Types of condom, no excuses of 'oh hes allergic' there is a condom suitble for everyone.

• Material - Most condoms are made from latex or polyurethane. The latex ones are a little stronger, so they give slightly better protection from STDs and pregnancy. A very small amount of people are allergic to latex, though, so they use polyurethane ones.
• Size - Condoms come in lots of different sizes. You can get longer or shorter or wider or narrower ones. If a packet of condoms says 'large' or 'small', this is usually talking about the width of the condom, not the length. Be honest! A condom that is too big may come off, and a condom that's too small might break. Most condoms that you buy in shops and vending machines will be a standard size.
• Lubricated - Some condoms are not lubricated at all, some have silicone-based lubricants, some have water-based lubricants. Some condoms are lubricated with a spermicide (see below).
• Spermicidal - Some condoms have a spermicidal lubricant. This can help to reduce the likelihood of pregnancy. One of the most common spermicides, though, is something called nonoxynol-9. This is a chemical that some people are sensitive to, and if it's used regularly it can can cause irritation and increase the chance of HIV infection. Condoms lubricated with Nonoxynol 9 should not be used for anal sex.
• Ribbed - These condoms have little ridges running around them. These can make sex more pleasurable for both partners, and if they're used correctly (see below) then they're just as safe as ordinary ones. Ribbed condoms are the answer for people who complain "But I can't feel anything if I put on a condom. . . "
• Coloured - The natural colour of latex is a creamy white, so lots of condoms have different colours - some of them even glow in the dark. Again, if they're used properly, they're fine.
• Flavoured - Some sexually transmitted infections can be passed on orally, so it's a good idea to put on a condom for oral sex. Sometimes, people don't like the smell and taste of latex, so they use flavoured condoms. These can taste of anything from strawberry to curry! Flavoured condoms shouldn't be used for vaginal or anal sex, though, unless they have the kite mark sign in the UK and Europe, or are FDA approved in the USA.
• Resevoir tipped - Most condoms have a reservoir tip to catch semen, some have a plain tip. If they have a reservoir tip, be sure to pinch the end when putting them on - if they have air inside them, they can break when you're having sex.
• theres even a female condom

How to put a condom on...?

• Get ready. Make sure your condoms are fresh - check the expiration date. Throw away condoms that have expired, been very hot, carried around in your wallet, or washed in the washer. If you think the condom might not be good, get a new one. You and your partner are worth it.
  
• That dick has to be hard before you put a condom on it.
  
• Open it. Tear open the package carefully, so you don't rip the condom. Careful if you use your teeth.
  
• If the penis is uncut (uncircumcised), pull the foreskin back first.
  
• Make sure the condom is right side out. It's like a sock: there's a right side and wrong side. First unroll it about half an inch to see in which direction it is unrolling. Then put it on. It should unroll easily down your dick. If you start off wrong, try again with a new condom. You'll see when you practice.
  
• Hold the top half-inch of the condom between your fingers when you roll it down. This keeps out air bubbles, which can cause the condom to break. It also leaves a space at the end for the cum.
  
• Roll the condom down as far as it will go. It should reach the base of the penis near the balls
  
• For anal intercourse, use lots of lube. Water-based lube is great for vaginal intercourse, too. Put the lube on after you put on the condom, not before - the condom could slip off. Add more lube often. Dry condoms break more easily.
  
• Guys - when you pull out hold the condom near your balls so it doesn't slip off. Try to pull out while you're still hard. Take the condom off only after you are completely out of your partner.
  
• Throw out the used condom right away. Use a condom only once. Never use the same condom for vaginal and anal intercourse. Never use a condom that has been in, or used by someone else. Never cum more than once in the same condom

Safe Lubes

• Aloe-9
• Spermicides
• Lubricants made specifically for condoms, including: Astroglide
• KY Jelly
• Aqua Lube
• Wet
• Glycerin
• Saliva
• Water
• Silicone lubricant
• Egg whites

Unsafe lubes

• Baby Oil
• Cold Cream
• Edible Oil, including: Olive Oil
• Peanut Oil
• Corn Oil
• Sunflower Oil
• Massage Oil
• Petroleum jelly (i.e. Vaseline)
• Vegetable or mineral oil
• Hand and body lotions
• Suntan oil and lotion
• Rubbing Alcohol
• Vaginal yeast infection medication
• Whipping Cream

What to do if a condom breaks?

Depending on when the condom breaks during sex, there are different courses of action you can take:

• If your partner has not yet ejaculated, he should quickly pull out, take off the damaged condom and put on a new one.
• If the breakage is discovered after ejaculation, you can insert two applications of spermicide into your vagina as soon as possible; both partners should wash with soap and water to get rid of any semen that may have leaked out. However, it is important to note that this is not a very effective method of emergency contraception and is in fact one of the least reliable ways to prevent pregnancy.
• See your gp/family planing clinic for the morning after pill
• contact pregnancy resource center as soon as possible to discuss STD tests, pregnancy testing, and other options that may be available to you.

Remember to always store your condoms away from sunlight, in a cool, dry place. Also, check the expiration date on your condom package and never use a condom that has expired. If you cannot find an expiration date (usually marked as "Exp"), then check for the date of manufacture (usually marked as "MFG"). Do not use any condoms five years after the date of manufacture. If your condoms contain spermicide, then throw them out two years after the date of manufacture.


A baby isn't the only thing you might catch!

Chlamydia
Most women who contract Chlamydia do not experience any symptoms. However, some of the most common Chlamydia symptoms include abnormal discharge from the vagina, as well as burning during urination. Long-term symptoms of Chlamydia include lower abdominal pain, the inflammation of the eyes, and skin lesions. Women may also experience inflammation of the pelvic organs, known as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Men with Chlamydia will experience symptoms such as abnormal discharge form the penis, as well as pain in the testicles. Chlamydia can be cured but it may return

Genital Herpes
Common genital herpes symptoms include the appearance of small red bumps, blisters or open sores on the vagina or areas surrounding the vagina. Women may also experience vaginal discharge, fever, headache, muscle aches and pain during urination. The glands of the vaginal area may also experience swelling, and itching and burning may also occur. Men with genital herpes will experience blisters, bumps or open sores on the penis and surrounding area. Medication can reduce the severity of the symptoms of genital herpes, but symptoms may reappear. There is no cure for the disease.

Hepatitis B
Common hepatitis B symptoms include a mild fever, headache, joint pain and muscle aches. Symptoms of hepatitis B also include fatigue, loss of appetite and stomach pain. Jaundice is also a hepatitis B symptom and results in the skin and whites of the eyes turning yellow. Thirty percent of individuals who have contracted hepatitis B exhibit no symptoms. Medication is available to reduce the extent of damage to the liver. While there is no cure for hepatitis B, a vaccine is available to prevent it.

Genital Warts
First appearing as painless bumps on the vagina or penis and surrounding area, genital warts, also known as human papillomavirus (HPV) can become fleshy in appearance if left untreated. However, in some cases, no symptoms appear, even though the individual has contracted the STD.

In women, genital warts increase the risk of cervical cancer. Gardasil is a vaccine recently approved that decreases the risk of both genital warts and cervical cancer and is safe to be administered to young girls and women who are between 9 to 26 years of age.

HIV/AIDS In some cases, HIV/AIDs symptoms are not apparent for ten years or more. Common symptoms of HIV/AIDS include extreme fatigue, rapid weight loss, as well as recurring yeast infections (in the mouth). Night sweats are also common, as are low-grade fevers. Red, brown or purplish splotches may also appear under the skin, inside the eyelids, mouth or nose. Women with HIV/AIDS may also experience other STDs, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, or changes in their menstrual cycle.

Syphilis
During the primary stage of syphilis (between 10 days and 6 weeks after exposure to the STD), painless sores known as chancres may appear and heal on their own. If syphilis is left untreated, however, the disease will progress to the secondary stage which include common syphilis symptoms such as a sore throat, fatigue and a skin rash.

The latent stage of syphilis is the period during which symptoms disappear, but the infection remains in the body affecting the joints, nerves, liver, bones, heart, blood vessels and the brain. The late stage of syphilis includes paralysis, gradual blindness, dementia and in some cases death. If treated early on, syphilis can be cured; however, it is possible for syphilils to be contracted again, especially if both partners are not treated.

This is just a few of the nastys out there, some can cause you to be infertile and others will eventually end your life if it worth the risk? Surly this is the point in condoms?

Thanks UV! That was very informative! You're right though, if they are used properly, they shouldn't be splitting. I will point out though that they have their best chance of remaining intact to in the missionary position! If you are doing lots of deep things in strange positions, this may cause them to tear! The other point is that if the woman is very dry and not lubed enough, this can cause a rip.
Jus be careful with what you are doing, ESPECIALLY if the last thing you want is a pregnancy and if it soes split, go to your local chemist immediately to get the morning after pill.

:-) id be more worried about catching a nasty infection!

from personal and some of my other friends own experiences, when your in a long term relationship and having regular sex, it seems a lot more practical (at the time) to use the withdrawal method. there are some downsides to condoms, such as they tend to "ruin the moment", but these minor downsides are nothing compared with getting pregnant or getting an STD. I guess you may have to have experienced either in order to be able to fully appreciate condoms. i agree with UVlollypop, i'd rather be pregnant than catch something untreatable like aids. i'd never risk it again and yes i've definetly learnt my lesson- there is ALOT of point in condoms

if your in a long term relation ship there are so many other options the pill, injections, the implant, patches etc or non hormonal a coil. condoms dont have to ruin the moment you could bring introduce it as part of foreplay? make it fun.

it really agvates me when people say things like 'whats the point in condoms' they have a clear function you have to ask yourself if youd rather take a bit longer gettin buzy or have nasty blisters/discharge/aids or a baby to contend with.

ella thanks i appreciate your reply.

contraception is so so important.
i used to volunteer at a brook centre so if anyone wants any advice on other forms on contraception feel free to ask.

Good for you lovely!

Totally agree.

I have met so many men who are anti condoms and use feeble excuses for not wearing one.

I work at a College where the students have C card training. I would love to pop down and listen to this talk and get re-educated.

x

WOO! I think this should be a sticky thread...so many people really put condoms down, but i think they are probably the best form of protection out there!

SAFE SEX IS COOL!!

thanks UV...great post!

You're right - I'd certainly prefer to be pregnant than have some sort of nasty STi or STD. Just the thought that one moment of stupidity could cost you your life is just plain scary. And to think some people are so blazey about it. It makes me so mad.

Great post, very informative.

Though I've gotta say, some of those unsafe lube choices... vaginal yeast medication (yuck!)? Rubbing alcohol?!?!!!!!! If you think those are good choices, you probably shouldn't be gettin' it on in the first place.

Though the thought of using rubbing alcohol (ouch! ouch!) as some kind of lubrication is ridiculous and makes me giggle.

lol cameo i remember at school about 13/14 getting a sex talk, all about condoms etc and someone said 'if you dont have a condom dont think its ok to use a crisp packet' i mean WTF