Prevention

1. What's the best type of protection for sex?

If you choose to have sex, latex condoms give you good protection because they are barriers - something that keeps you away from your boyfriend's or girlfriend's sex fluids. Other birth control methods only protect you from unwanted pregnancy. Using a condom isn't 100% safe against pregnancy or STDs--only abstinence is--but it offers the best protection from STDs and pretty good protection from pregnancy if you do have sex. The best protection is to use birth control pills or depo provera to prevent pregnancy AND latex condoms to protect against STDs.


2. If I take birth control pills, do we still need to use condoms?

Yes! Birth control pills are prescribed only to prevent pregnancy. They do not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

3. How do you use condoms?

• The penis should be erect (hard) and the condom should be put on before the penis touches the vagina, mouth or anus.
  
  
• Carefully open the condom packet-don't use your teeth, fingernails or anything sharp so you don't nick the condom-and remove the rolled up condom.
  
  
• Most condoms have a nipple-shaped end on it. Pinch that together to squeeze out the air before placing the condom on the head of the erect penis. This is the tip where the semen will go when the male partner ejaculates (comes) after his orgasm.
  
  
• Carefully roll the condom down the erect (hard) penis. If the condom will not roll, then it's not turned the right way. Throw it away and start over. Do not unroll and then re-roll a condom.
  
  
• The unrolled condom should cover the majority of the penis shaft. Check for air bubbles and squeeze them out before the covered penis is inserted.
  
  
• When intercourse is complete, hold the condom securely at the base of the penis and withdraw before the penis goes soft. Holding the condom prevents it from slipping or spilling.
  
  
• Throw the condom away after it's been used. Never reuse a condom.
  
  
• Always use a new condom for each sexual act.