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Condoms
Condoms
save lives
Condoms
aren't just for preventing pregnancy anymore. Properly used condoms
can save your life by preventing the transmission of the HIV and
other sexually transmitted diseases.
The Centers
for Disease Control and Protection recommend condom use for all
forms of sexual activity including vaginal and anal intercourse
as well as oral sex.
Condoms,
most of which are latex, should be selected with consideration to
size and strength as well as sensitivity and age.
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One
size does NOT fit all
One does
not "fit all." Condom size is extremely important. Experiment
with condom sizes to find one that is right for you.
Condoms
are sold at varying widths and lengths. If a condom is too big,
it can slip off during intercourse. If a condom is too small, it
can be painful.
It is recommended
that a variety of sizes are tried before deciding on the size that
is right for you.
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Burst
index
Consumer
Reports tested a variety of condoms and rated them on a number
of scales, including "burst index." The index was based
on a condom's breakage rate when filled with air. The consumer
watchdog group reported that the Ramses Extra Ribbed Spermicidally
Lubricated condom earned a top score.
The group's
findings also indicated that many condoms advertised as thin to
heighten sensitivity were more likely to break during use.
The average
condom failure rate is 12%, but a degree of that failure is based
on improper condom usage. One report cites a failure rate of only
2% to 3% for couples that use condoms regularly and properly.
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Age
matters
Fresh
condoms are best. As the rubber used in condoms age they are more
likely to break. The shelf life of condoms varies up to five years.
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Condom
extras
Condoms
come with a variety of options including lubrication and spermicide.
However, there is little data available to determine the effectiveness
of the spermicide. Lubrication is a matter of personal choice.
However,
if you decide to use additional lubrication, be sure it is not
petroleum based such as baby oil because such products weaken
the latex from which the condom is made.
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Skins
Nonlatex
condoms are also available. The condoms are made from a pouch found
in the intestine of a lamb.
The "skins"
are said to allow for more sensitivity, and they are reportedly
accepted as effective contraceptives, but the naturally occurring
small holes in the skin can allow microscopic germs to pass through.
In some
tests, a variety of viruses passed through skin condoms including
HIV and herpes.
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Polyurethane
Another
latex alternative is a polyurethane condom. The Food and Drug
Administration has approved the sale of these condoms, but the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not yet recommended
them.
Unlike
latex, however, oil-based lubricants can be used with polyurethane
condoms. (Always check the manufacturer's recommendations.)
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Safe
Sex is Smart Sex
MyHealthyPenis.com
joins the CDC in reminding readers to use condoms to protect themselves
from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) during sexual encounters.
If you have questions about STDs contact the CDC toll-free, confidential
National STD/AIDS Hotline that's designed to assist callers with
these types of concerns. The English service (24 hours a day,
7 days a week) can be reached by calling 1-800-342-2437; Spanish
is 1-800-344-7432 and TTY service for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
is 1-800-243-7889.
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