Condon Use 101: How to Use Condoms to Prevent HIV
With growing numbers of HIV- and AIDS-infected individuals worldwide, information on how to prevent HIV is critical.
The primary means by which people contract HIV is through sexual activity. Vast research has demonstrated conclusively that condom use is the most highly effective means of preventing HIV and reducing the risk of other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
However, in order to provide protection condoms must not only be used consistently (that is, for every sexual act - vaginal, anal or oral sex) but also correctly.
Here is a "Condom Use 101" guide on how to correctly use condoms to prevent STDs, HIV, and AIDS.
- Always use a new condom with a valid expiry date
- Prior to any sexual contact, place condom on the tip of the penis with the rolled side out.
- Use condom throughout the entire sexual act, from beginning to end
- Hold the tip of the condom and unroll it all the way to the base of the erect penis
- At the rolled tip, be sure to leave a half-inch space for semen to collect
- After ejaculation, immediately withdraw while carefully holding the condom rim
- Gently and with great care peel the condom off the penis, making sure the semen does not spill
- Discard used condom
- If a condom breaks during sex, immediately withdraw and replace the broken condom with a new one
- Use adequate lubrication. Use a water-based lubricant and not an oil-based lubricant, which can weaken and cause condoms to break. Examples of proper lubricants include K-Y JellyTM, AstroglideTM, AquaLubeTM, and glycerin. Examples of lubricants to avoid include body lotions, massage oils, cooking oil, petroleum jelly or Vaseline, shortening, and mineral oil
Note that almost all cases of condom failure to prevent HIV are due to human error rather than a faulty product. Indeed, incorrect use of condoms can lead to breakage, leakage, and slippage.
"Modern" Condoms
With the rising demand for condoms to prevent HIV and with new and improved technology, condoms are now available in different shapes, thicknesses, lengths, and designs. Here but a few of your modern condom-shopping alternatives:
•· Latex Condoms for Men
•· Synthetic Condoms (appropriate for people who are allergic to latex; research demonstrates that synthetic condoms provide an effective barrier to prevent HIV and STDs)
•· Polyurethane Condoms for Women (this female condom is a great option when a male condom cannot be used; this condom fits inside the vagina and covers some of the area outside of the vagina)
Summary
You can protect yourself and your partners and prevent STDs and the potentially life-threatening HIV disease by properly and consistently using condoms during sex. However, the surest way to prevent disease is abstinence from sexual intercourse, or being in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and who you know is not infected.
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