Condoms- a Safe Way to Birth Control

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Condoms- a Safe Way to Birth Control

Condoms- a Safe Way to Birth Control

Why do I need to use a condom?

Condoms are the only form of protection, which can both help to stop the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as HIV and prevent pregnancy.

Choosing the right condom

A number of different types of condom are now available. What is generally called a condom is the 'male' condom, a sheath or covering which fits over a man's penis, and which is closed at one end. There is also now a female condom, or vaginal sheath, which is used by a woman to fit inside her vagina.

What are condoms made of?

Condoms are usually made of latex or polyurethane. If possible, you should use a latex condom, as they are slightly more reliable, and in most countries, they are most readily available. Latex condoms can only be used with water-based lubricants, not oil based lubricants such as Vaseline or cold cream as they break down the latex. A small number of people have an allergic reaction to latex and can use polyurethane condoms instead.

Polyurethane condoms are made out a type of plastic. They are thinner than latex condoms, and so they increase sensitivity and are more agreeable in feel and appearance to some users. They are more expensive than latex condoms and slightly less flexible so more lubrication may be needed. However both oil and water based lubricants can be used with them.

It is not clear whether latex or polyurethane condoms are stronger - there are studies suggesting that either is less likely to break. With both types however, the likelihood of breakages is very small if used correctly.

The lubrication on condoms also varies. Some condoms are not lubricated at all, some are lubricated with a silicone substance, and some condoms have a water-based lubricant. The lubrication on condoms aims to make the condom easier to put on and more comfortable to use. It can also help prevent condom breakage.

For more information, visit: http://www.BirthControlInfoCenter.com

In The News:

'Sexuality education' for 5-year-olds is 'not about sex at all', NZ Planned ... - Lifesite

Lifesite

'Sexuality education' for 5-year-olds is 'not about sex at all', NZ Planned ...
Lifesite
AUCKLAND, New Zealand, November 7, 2013 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The New Zealand Family Planning Association is trying to save face after public backlash over the Association's plan to release a sexuality resource for children aged 5 to 8 later this month.
If College Students Can't Say What 'Consent' Is, Then We...The New Republic

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Texas School District Sex Education Compares Non-Virgins To Chewed Gum - Huffington Post

Texas School District Sex Education Compares Non-Virgins To Chewed Gum
Huffington Post
Sexual health advocate Katie Gustainis Vela recently obtained what appears to be an instructional worksheet meant for teachers who lecture on sex ed. Vela tweeted a photo of the worksheet -- which likens people who have premarital sex to pieces of ...

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UPDATED:Commentators accuse PEI government of sexualizing children - Journal Pioneer

UPDATED:Commentators accuse PEI government of sexualizing children
Journal Pioneer
CHARLOTTETOWN – Prince Edward Island's new parental guide to childhood sexual behaviour is being decried by some commentators as a “destructive” document that promotes pedophilia. Children's Sexual Behaviors: A Parent's Guide ... In a follow-up ...

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UF not responsible for drop in sexual health rankings - The Independent Florida Alligator

UF not responsible for drop in sexual health rankings
The Independent Florida Alligator
“Stanger-Hall and Hall discovered that the states with the lowest teen pregnancy rates institute 'abstinence-plus' sex education, ensuring that abstinence and information about sexual health and contraceptives are both covered,” PolicyMic stated.

Quality sex education vital for combatting rape culture - Scoop.co.nz (press release)

Quality sex education vital for combatting rape culture
Scoop.co.nz (press release)
To address this issue, Ms Walker has created a sex education programme called GET A GRIP teenz which aims to assist parents and schools to partner together to talk about sex in a healthy way and address abusive sexual behaviour head on, helping ...

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Katie Fitzpatrick: Quality sex education vital for schools - New Zealand Herald

Katie Fitzpatrick: Quality sex education vital for schools
New Zealand Herald
Again, as Rebecca Kamm noted, sexual assault rates go down as social awareness of these issues goes up. Sexuality classes, as part of health education, are currently given very little curriculum time in secondary and intermediate schools. While it is a ...

Condoms- a Safe Way to Birth Control

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