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SafeSexGuide
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CONDOMS
Why you should use one:
When used correctly - and used every time you have sex - latex condoms provide some protection against sexually transmitted diseases, such as herpes, gonorrhea, Chlamydia, trichomoniasis and AIDS. However, condoms are not fool-proof protection against STDs.
Which I should use:
Not all condoms are created equal, and not just when it comes to pleasure. Some rubbers are more effective at preventing the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted disease (STDs), according to testing results from Consumer Reports.
Strength, reliability, price and special features were all evaluated to rate the condoms, which were all inflated until they burst. While all of the condoms passed minimum industry standards, condoms varied in strength and durability.
So which condoms proved fittest? The condoms that received the highest ratings were:
- Durex Extra Sensitive Lubricated Latex
- Durex Performax Lubricated
- LifeStyles Classic Collection Ultra Sensitive Lubricated
- TheyFit Lubricated
- Trojan Extended Pleasure Climax Control Lubricant
- Trojan Non-Lubricated
- Trojan Ultra Pleasure Spermicidal Lubricant
Here are some tips from Consumer Reports for safe and effective condom use:
- Check the expiration date.
- Don’t reuse condoms.
- Store your condoms in a cool, dry place.
- Follow instructions for condom use.
- Don’t use oil-based lubes. Stick to water-based lubricants. Oil-based lubes -- think baby oil and petroleum jelly -- can weaken latex.
- Don’t use lambskin condoms, they're too porous to protect you from disease. If you’re allergic to latex, try a synthetic materials like polyurethane.
- Don't use condoms or lubes containing nonoxynol-9(N-9), because studies have shown that N-9 may actually increase your risk for HIV, and irritate the lining of the anus. However, if your choice is between no condom or a condom containing N-9, use the condom.
How it should feel:
The condom should feel comfortable. Be sure it fits tightly enough so it won't slip off your penis during sex -- though you don't want it to squeeze too tightly either. If regular condoms feel too constrictive, try the wider and longer size large.
Avoiding breakage:
There's always a chance that a perfectly fine condom will break during sex. There are, however, things you can do to help steer clear of trouble. Never use a worn-looking, brittle, stiff condom, or one that has expired or was not properly stored (see the box for storage instructions). Don't carry condoms in your wallet or pant pocket, because your body heat can weaken them. And when you open a condom wrapper, avoid using scissors or your teeth; you don't want to make tiny holes in the latex that could cause the condom to tear.
Unlike a vagina, an anus does not make it's own lubrication -- you must go out and buy it yourself. Remember to use only the water-based kind (an oil-based lube will damage the condom!). Even if you buy a condom that comes with lubrication, you'll want to add more.
Allergies:
Signs of an allergy are redness and irritation on your penis or rectum (if you're the receptive partner). If you notice these signs, try other brands. If you have an allergy to latex, you can try the Avanti brand, which makes condoms from polyurethane. Spermicide has also been known to cause irritation. If you suspect it's causing a problem, switch to a non-spermicidal brand.
Spermicides:
Here's where you get into trouble. It sounds great to use a condom with an added bonus of killing HIV, but in reality most of the spermicide stays in the condom wrapper, and what remains on the condom itself will not give you any meaningful protection. What's worse, spermicide can irritate a receptive partner's rectum, making him or her more susceptible to HIV infection. Remember, don't use spermicides containing N-9 -- this is not recommended for gay and bisexual men.
Piercings:
A condom placed over a pierced penis has an increased chance of breaking. To be on the safe side, stick with the thick brands and avoid the thinner, "extra sensitive" ones. Also, you may find that a large size condom fits you and your piercing more comfortably.
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General Information
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SEXUAL ACTS AND RISKS
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SEXUAL ACTS AND RISKS
Considered Completely Safe:
Mutual masturbation
Today, mutual masturbation is unquestionably the preferred sex act of the health conscious, or if you are unsure of yo...
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CONDOMS
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CONDOMS
Why you should use one:
When used correctly - and used every time you have sex - latex condoms provide some protection against sexually transmitted diseases, such as herpes, gonorrhea,...
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DEPRESSION AND GUILT
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DEPRESSION AND GUILT
Unsafe Sex Among Gay Men Linked to Depression
Homosexual men with long-term, low-grade depression are almost twice as likely to have had unsafe casual sex in the last six mo...
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Sexually Transmitted Diseases
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CHLAMYDIA
CHLAMYDIA
Also known as: NGU, Nongonococcal Urethritis, UU, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Urethritis
How you get it (Exposure):
Unprotected sucking or fucking. It is often a sexually transmitte...
LYMPHOGRANULOMA VENEREUM
LYMPHOGRANULOMA VENEREUM (LGV)
How You Get It (Exposure):
LGV is transmitted in the same way as Chlamydia, through unprotected oral or anal sex or other sexual contact.
Warning Signs (Symptom...
MOLLUSCUM
MOLLUSCUM
How You Get It (Exposure):
Molluscum spreads from one person to another during any close physical skin to skin contact. Though most often the transmition occurs during sex, the virus...
CRABS
CRABS
Also known as: Pediculosis Pubis
How You Get It (Exposure):
Crabs are probably the easiest STD to catch. Usually they pass from one partner's pubic region to another's during close phys...
GENITAL WARTS
GENITAL WARTS
Also known as: Condyloma, Venereal Warts, Anal Warts, Human Papilloma Virus, HPV
How You Get It (Exposure):
The human papillomavirus spreads between sexual partners during clo...
PROSTATITIS
PROSTATITIS
How Do You Get It (Exposure):
When bacteria from your urethra enter the prostate through a duct that connects the two, you can develop prostatitis. Putting unsterile toys or othe...
SCABIES
SCABIES
Also known as: Sarcoptes scabiei
How You Get It (Exposure):
Although the infection can spread between partners during sex, any form of close contact is more than enough for the bug...
GONORRHEA
GONORRHEA
Also known as: GC, "Clap", VD, "Drip", Urethritis, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, PID
How You Get It (Exposure):
Gonorrhea is spread via sexual contact: specifically anal, oral or v...
SYPHILIS
SYPHILIS
Also known as: VD, Louies disease
How You Get It (Exposure):
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the corkscrew shaped bacteria (spirochete) Treponema pallidum. T...
HEPATITIS A
HEPATITIS A
Also known as: Infectious Hepatitis
How You Get It (Exposure):
Hepatitis A passes between people via a "fecal/oral" route. Rimming an infected partner can give you the virus, ...
HEPATITIS B
HEPATITIS B
How You Get It (Exposure):
Hepatitis B virus can be found in an infected individual’s blood, semen and other bodily fluids. You are contagious before you know you are sick and for ...
HERPES
HERPES
Also known as: Cold Sores, Herpes Simplex, Genital Herpes, Oral Herpes
How You Get It (Exposure):
Herpes is spread between partners during sex. There are rare cases described in med...
HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS
How You Get It (Exposure):
HIV is present in four major body fluids. They are:
- VAGINAL
- SEMEN
- BLOOD
- BREAST MILK
HIV transmission is not possible without...
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