Condom 101 February 28, 2012

Misuse of Condoms are a Global problem.

Not only in the US but globaly couples are not using condoms right. Sex and condoms goes hand and hand right? Reported last week, A new study published in the journal of Sexual Health provides a global picture of condom use, based on 50 articles representing 14 countries. Led by the Kinsey Institute Condom Use Research Team, researchers from around the world compared notes on condom habits and issues, including the use of female condoms in South Africa and counterfeit condoms in China. The most common errors included not using condoms throughout sex, not leaving space or squeezing air from the tip of the condom, putting condoms on upside down, not using water-based lubricants, and incorrect withdrawal. Other problems included breakage, slippage, leakage, and difficulties with fit and feel. The misuse of condom use is on the rise. Then number of confirmed STD's are also on the rise, coinsidence I think not.

Condom 101: How to use a condom Consistently and Correctly.

Here are some guidelines from the CDC on How to use a condom Consistently and Correctly.

Use a new condom with every act of vaginal, anal and oral sex throughout the entire sex act from Start to Finish.
Before any genital contact, put a condom on the tip of an erect penis with the rolled side out
If the condom does not have a reservoir tip, then pinch the tip enough to leave a half inch space for semen to collect. Holding the tip, unroll the condom all the way to the base of an erect penis.
Keep a Reservoir for the semen collection
After ejaculation and before the penis gets soft, grip the rim of the condom, and carefully withdraw. The gently pull the condom off the penis, making sure that the semen does not spill out.
Wrap the condom in a tissue and throw it in the trash where others will not handle it.
If you feel the condom break at any point during sexual activity, stop immediately, withdraw and remove the broken condom and put on a new condom.
Ensure that adequate lubrication is used during vaginal and anal sex, which might require a water based lubricant. Oil-based lubricants (ie, petroleum jelly, shortening, mineral oil, massage oil, body lotions and cooking oil) should not be used because they can weaken latex, causing breakage. This is the same for non-latex condoms.

When you think of it at somepoint in your lifetime you have had one or the other go wrong. Also, think about using a non-latex condom if you have had the proper STD screening and are with the same partner in a monogamous relationship. The possibility of someone developing a latex allergy or having on is on the rise as well. There are many different types of lube to choose from water and silicone are the most popular. Next week: Choosing a personal lubricant.

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