Contraception

A condom is a very thin cylinder that is fitted over the penis to prevent sperm from entering the woman’s body. 

This contraceptive method is effective 97% of the time when used correctly.  This means that for 100 women that have sex with a man wearing a condom, 3 of them will become pregnant.

The great thing about condoms is that they protect you on two fronts: against pregnancy and STI’s (Sexually Transmitted Infections).  A condom acts as a shield between both partners as soon as there is a vaginal, oral or anal penetration.  If you’ve just started a relationship, or if you have many partners, you might want to do like many other teens and use condoms. They are very effective, cheap and simple to use.  No wonder the male condom is the number one contraceptive method!

The best condoms are made of latex.  You can find lubricated and non lubricated condoms.  Certain condoms even have a spermicide that can kill or stop sperm quickly.  There are many different condom sizes, shapes,textures…and even flavours. 

To find a condom that really fits you, don’t lose hope, try as many as you can.  There really is something for everybody.

A Few Precautions…

• Natural membrane condoms (also called “sheepskins”) are not recommended against infections such as Hepatitis or HIV (for more information, see our section on STI’s)
• You must be very careful when using “high sensitivity” condoms:  they are generally thinner and more prone to breaking.
• For enhanced efficacy, use a spermicide.
• This is very important!  You must use a new condom for every new sexual intercourse.  This means that if it happens twice that night, use two condoms!

When you buy condoms, always check the expiration date (Yes! Just like milk!) : Even though they might have the look and feel of a regular condom, it is not recommended to use one after its expiration date has past.  If the condom doesn’t have an expiration date, or if the envelope seems damaged in any way, it’s best to leave it and find a new one. 

Condoms must be kept in a cool, dry environment.  Don’t expose them to excessive heat (say, putting them in a box on top of a radiator!), they will deteriorate rapidly and become sticky and unusable.

Crash Course in Condom Use

• Open the wrapping while being extra careful not to rip the condom.
• Manipulate the condom with care to avoid ripping or piercing it.
• Pinch the small container to empty it of air and to leave room for sperm.
• Unroll the condom on the erect penis as far as possible.
• Use a water-based lubricant to prevent irritation or ripping the condom (like K-Y gel).
• Don’t use a petroleum-based lubricant like Vaseline.  It could weaken the condom and its ability to protect, it could even rip.
• When ejaculation occurs (when you “come”), get out of the vagina while the penis is still erect. Firmly pinch the base of the condom (the open-ended side) to prevent the sperm from coming out.
• Knot the open end and throw it away in a garbage can (don’t try to flush it down the toilet!).
• Use a new condom for every sexual intercourse.
  

• Very affordable
• Ideal protection against infections (STI’s) for you and your partner
• Effective and easy to use
• If you do not have frequent intercourse, it is a good method
• If you tend to be very excited and have early ejaculation, it can help slow you down for loooooong lasting pleasure

• You have to remember to put it on right before penetration.  At that point, you are thinking of things other than putting on a condom!  However, with a little effort and motivation…and considering the great advantages (protection against STI’s!  Hello!), condom use can become natural and part of the pleasures of sex. It can be very sexy.
• Some people are allergic to latex or to the spermicide on certain condoms.