Condoms are the most effectively proven way to protect yourself and your partner from contracting an STI. With a little bit of creativity, condoms can easily be incorporated into anyone’s bedroom activities, and not having to worry about unplanned pregnancy or becoming infected will certainly make sex that much more enjoyable!

Many people not only wonder exactly how to wear a condom, but also how long they last and how well they work. Each instance of intercourse should involve a new condom – never reuse a condom. If correctly applied, condoms work incredibly well to prevent both the spread of disease and unwanted pregnancy. If a condom fails, it is usually because it was not put on correctly.

Your box of condoms should be put in a cool, dry place – which means that it is best not to keep condoms in a wallet. Always check the expiration date before using a condom, and look to see if the condom’s individual packaging has been torn. Check the actual condom for signs of wear and tear that would make the condom brittle, sticky or discolored.

Only put a condom on after the penis is erect, and do so before it comes into contact with another person. The foreskin of an uncircumcised penis must be pulled back before the condom goes on.

Apply the condom by pinching the tip of the condom between your fingers, then placing the condom over the erect penis. Gently unroll the condom until it reaches the base of the penis, making sure the condom is right-side out. Make sure there are no air bubbles that may cause breakage beneath the unrolled condom. By squeezing the tip of the condom, you allow space for the ejaculation to gather. Without this space the condom is more likely to break.

After ejaculation, immediately withdraw the penis and remove the condom while it is still erect. Hold the base of the condom and slowly withdraw the penis from the condom, ensuring that no semen escapes. It is best to tie the condom off to prevent the semen from spilling, and to immediately throw the condom in the waste basket.

Never use the same condom for both anal and vaginal intercourse, and never use one that has been used by another person. Again, a new condom should be used for each instance of intercourse.

NB: No method of contraception guarantees 100% protection.

Indian actress Neha Dhupia had to be persuaded to throw a goody bag full of condoms and contraceptive pills at a college crowd, but did so after realising that it was not only a great way to promote her new film (Raat Gayi Baat Gayi) but that it also conveyed a positive message.

The Economic Times quoted Dhupia as saying: “We had gone to the Mood Indigo festival at IIT [Indian Institute of Technology] in Mumbai and I was asked to throw this goody bag. I said ‘No! I’m not throwing it.’ But my producer insisted that ‘You must because it’s got everything to do with the film.’”

The actress gave in, realising that the efforts conveyed an important message. The film’s producers were attempting to market the movie about a one night stand by giving away the proper tools for such an activity, the most essential of which were the free condom samples.
“There was a message in all this,” continued Dhupia, “- that if you have a hangover or if you are having a very drunk night – you must have contraceptives, protection, or antacid pills like Disprin. Everything was there in the bag. The message was – take it and go party. The bags had everything except cash to buy the alcohol.”

The 29-year-old joined the experience, saying that the students’ reception of her was a pleasant surprise: “The way the students reacted to me was so beautiful. It was the first time I ever went up to the stage and sang. I sang like a rock star or at least I thought I was. They just grabbed the bags. If I had thrown the wire of the mike, they would have grabbed it. Actually, initially I was hesitant about throwing it, but I learnt how to laugh with it.”

NB: No method of contraception guarantees 100% protection

A new government campaign in Australia that urges young people to get tested for STIs also encourages that same demographic not to be ashamed at ever having contracted a sexually transmitted infection. The campaign, which began appearing on the radio, internet, magazines and billboards on Sunday, January 3, was inspired by a rise in the number of such infections.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the Australian federal government reported a “worrying rise” in the rate of new cases of chlamydia, syphilis and the HIV virus that causes AIDS.

“STIs are spreading fast – always use a condom,” is the message conveyed throughout the campaign and aimed at young people. The adverts also encourage those who have been taking part in unprotected sex to see a doctor in order to be tested for STIs.
A statement from Health Minister Nicola Roxon said in part: “The New Year and holiday period is the season of parties and celebration – it’s important to be aware of the risks of unprotected sex.”

Roxon said that research taken before the first phase of the campaign began in May and June of last year showed that many Australians were not up to par on the benefits of using condoms. In addition to urging that young people use condoms, the campaign also urges people not to feel shame at having contracted an STI.

Roxon said this was because such shame “can prevent them seeking help and treatment. If left untreated, STIs can have serious, lasting health implications.”

The campaign will also work to target Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youths residing in more remote communities.

NB: No method of contraception guarantees 100% protection

Obviously condoms serve as a birth control option, but unlike many other contraceptives using condoms is also an exceedingly simple method of protecting against both pregnancy and STI infection.

It is widely agreed that those who are sexually active should have easy access to condoms in order to protect their health.
Condoms are time tested and proven to be highly effective in protecting against the HIV virus that causes AIDS. Research shows that condoms also protect users from contracting Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis and Trichomoniasis. Using a condom has also proven to lower the rate of contraction of HPV-associated cervical cancer.

Although sexual abstinence is the only way to completely guarantee remaining absolutely safe from STI infection, condoms offer what is by far the best protection for those who have decided to become sexually active.

Condoms are highly accessible, inexpensive, and are low on side effects. Mates offer an improved condom Skyn for those with latex allergies made of polyisoprene.

These contraceptives work to capture the semen ejaculated from the penis during and after intercourse, which inhibits pregnancy as it prevents sperm from entering the vagina. By hindering the exchange of body fluids, condoms work just as well in preventing the spread of infection.

How well do condoms work at preventing HIV infection? The International Planned Parenthood Federation estimates that condoms are 80 to 95 per cent effective when both applied correctly and used during every instance of sex.

In order to ensure partners are getting the most protection out of their condoms, a new condom should be worn in every instance of sex.

NB: No method of contraception guarantees 100% protection