HIV/AIDS
Program
Safer sex and condoms
Safer
sex means always assuming that your partner could be HIV-infected,
and never allowing his or her risky body fluids (blood, semen, vaginal
fluids, and breast milk) to enter your body. Touching, dry kissing, body
rubbing, and mutual masturbation are the safest sexual activities. Safer
penetrative sex means always using a latex barrier for anal, vaginal,
and oral intercourse. This includes using a condom on a man or barrier
protection such as plastic wrap, a dental dam, or cut condom for oral
sex on a woman and for oral-anal contact.
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Do
condoms provide 100% protection from HIV? |
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No,
condoms are not 100% effective at preventing HIV transmission;
however, when used correctly and consistently, condoms are
highly effective and reliable in reducing the risk of
transmitting and acquiring HIV and other sexually transmitted
diseases (STDs). The surest ways to avoid the sexual
transmission of HIV (and other STDs) is 1) to abstain from sex,
or 2) to have sex with only one partner known be uninfected. The
next surest way is to use condoms consistently and correctly
during all penetrative sexual acts. When condoms do fail, it is
most often because of improper and/or inconsistent use.
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Following
these basic rules will further reduce the small chance of condom
failure:
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Use
latex (rubber) or polyurethane condoms.
These are preferable to "natural skin" condoms,
which may have tiny holes through which HIV may pass.
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Choose
a condom that fits.
Condoms come in different sizes, shapes, and styles.
Experiment with different condoms and practice putting them on before
intercourse. Also practice talking with a close friend about
your desire and intention to use condoms.
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Open
and handle condoms carefully.
Never use a condom in a damaged package or one that is past
its expiration date. Do not store condoms in hot or sunny places
(for example, in a wallet or by a window).
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Use
plenty of water-based lubricant.
Water-based lubricants help to reduce the friction that can
cause breakage. Never use oil-based lubricants like Vaseline,
hand cream, Crisco, or mineral oil which can rapidly break down
latex and allow the virus to pass through. Water-based
lubricants include K-Y Jelly, Slippery stuff, ForPlay, and most
contraceptive jellies.
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Put
the condom on after erection but before insertion.
Leave some room at the tip for the discharged semen (some
condoms have a reservoir tip for this). It is important to pinch
the tip as you roll it down onto the penis to be sure that there
are no air bubbles that could pop under pressure. If the
penis is uncircumcised, pull back the foreskin before
unrolling the condom all the way down to the base of the penis.
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After
intercourse, withdraw the penis while still erect.
Hold the base of the condom to prevent it from slipping off
or spilling semen. Remove the condom and wash the penis with
soap and water.
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Use
a condom only once.
Use a condom only once and dispose of it in the garbage; do
not flush condoms down the toilet. Never reuse a condom.
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Use
a condom EVERY TIME during sex.
Use a condom every time during sex when transmission or
acquisition of HIV and STDs are possible. |
Condom
credit : http://www.metrokc.gov/health/apu/basic/condoms.htm |