Sexually Transmitted Infections

Condoms

If you're going to have sex, there really is only one way to protect yourself from contracting an STI, and that's by practicing safe sex. And it can't just be safe sex some of the time, or even most of the time...it really has to be every time. The best and easiest way to protect yourself from STIs is to use either a male condom or a female condom. You can also use dental dams and condoms for protection during oral sex.

 

How male condoms work

Interactive Demo

Try our interactive Demo: How to put on a condom

The condom fits over an erect penis and collects semen after a guy ejaculates. This way, sperm never enter a girl's vagina.

The Good: Latex condoms will keep you protected against most STIs. They're cheap, easy to buy (check out your nearest drugstore), and small enough to carry around. They're pretty easy to use, too, but don't forget, the penis must be erect before you can put it on.

The Not-So-Good: Unfortunately, condoms aren't 100% foolproof. Nothing is. Condoms are really good protection, but the sad truth is that it's impossible to have sex that is 100% safe. Condoms (or any other method) won't completely protect you from STIs like Herpes or HPV. Or, the condom could break when you open the package, especially if you have long nails. They can also break during sex if they're not put on correctly or you forget to remove the air from its tip, so make sure to read the instructions in the box. Or they can leak if they're not taken off correctly, so make sure the penis is still erect when you take it off.

The Great: Male condoms are really easy to get. You can buy a box at the drugstore or you can grab them for free at your nearest family planning clinic. They come in all types of sizes and varieties, so experiment to find out which ones you like the best.

Learn more about Male Condoms

 

Raising the Subject of Condoms (For Girls)

Protecting yourself and your partner from STIs is a shared responsibility, so girls need to know how to raise the subject of condoms. Even if you're really shy, STIs and pregnancy are way too big of a deal not to bring up the subject.

If you think you might be having sex in the near future, it's a good idea to pick up some condoms to have around just in case he doesn't. And you should talk about using them before you start sex, not as you're rounding third base. It could be something you discuss right before things start to heat up, or you could talk about it casually, when sex isn't even an option. The point is, when the time for sex comes, you should know where you both stand. Otherwise, you could get caught up in the heat of the moment, and do something you'll regret.

And yes, there are ways to raise the subject without sounding like a traffic cop. Maybe use a little humour to lighten the discussion. For instance:

• "So, how about we get the condom talk over with now, so we can enjoy ourselves later?"
• "I know it's awkward, but we need to talk about condoms. Are you feeling as embarrassed as I am?"
• "And now for a really romantic question: Your condom...or mine?"

Usually, your partner will be just as interested in avoiding disease and pregnancy. Still, there's a chance that he might say:

• "Sex with a condom does nothing for me."
  You can say: "Let's see if we can do something about that."
• "Don't you trust me? It's not like I've been sleeping around or anything."
  You can say: "Even so, you or I may be carrying STIs without knowing it. I'm concerned about protecting both of us."
• "This discussion is so predictable. I was hoping you'd be different."
  You can say: "Sorry about the yawn factor, but sex without condoms is not an option for me right now."

One of the big things to make clear is that sex without a condom makes you worried about yourself and about him. Tell him that you just wouldn't be able to relax or enjoy sex without a condom - and let him know that if you can enjoy sex more, there's a good chance he will too.

If the discussion turns into an argument or a battle of wills, suggest a nonsexual activity like watching a movie. You can bring up the subject again some other time - or you can just wait until you find a partner who's more sexually responsible.

Sometimes you may not have enough warning to bring up the subject ahead of time. In this case, you may want to just produce a condom and say something like, "Here, let's use this." It doesn't have to sound like an order, but make it clear that it's not up for negotiation.

Last Modified: March 26, 2007