Adapted by JFCS from an article prepared by the editors of Medical Aspects of Human Sexuality in collaboration with Reed Adams, PhD, Emanuel Fliegelman, DO, and Alan Grieco, PhD.
Sexual Abstinence is the only sure way to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS. If you do decide to have sex, correct use of a condom will help you to protect yourself and your partner against these risks. This guide tells you how to use a condom for maximum protection.
How to Buy Condoms
Do buy a supply of latex, reservoir (nipple)-end, lubricated type condoms. They?re available in different colors, textures, and sometimes in two different sizes. A good quality condom is the most important feature for safer sex.
Do check expiration date on outer package.
Do check name of lubricant: it should contain nonoxynol-9, which provides a chemical barrier against sexually transmitted diseases.
Do store in a cool, dry place.
Do carry a condom with you at all times.
Don?t buy condoms made of any material other than latex. (Only latex prevents passage of harmful germs.)
Don?t buy old (outdated) condoms.
Don?t store condoms in hot places. Heat can damage the condom.
Don?t carry in hip wallet for long periods of time--this shortens shelf life.
Don?t be shy about buying condoms--10% are sold to women.
How to Put the Condom On
Do remove rolled condom from package.
Do roll condom down on penis as soon as it is hard, before you start to make love (foreplay).
Do leave 1/4 to 1/2 inch extra space at tip of condom to catch the ejaculate if the condom has no nipple.
Don?t unroll condom; instead, carefully roll on all the way toward the base of the penis.
Don?t put condom on only when you feel you are ready to enter your partner--it may be too late. Drops of semen may ooze from the uncovered penis before ejaculation, and may infect or impregnate your partner.
Don?t twist, bite or prick condom with a pin--this will damage it and allow fluid to lead out, possibly infecting your partner.
How to Take the Condom Off
Do hold the condom at the rim; remove soon after ejaculation.
Do keep used condom away from partner?s genitals and other areas of the body as well.
Don?t let penis go soft inside partner.
Don?t tug to pull condom off--it may tear.
Don?t allow semen to spill on your hands or body. Wash hands or body parts if contact occurs. Wrap condom in tissue and dispose of safely.
Don?t allow semen to come in contact with a skin break, cut or open wound.
Special Points to Remember
If you buy unlubricated condoms, you may need to buy a lubricant. Use only water-soluble lubricants such as spermicidal jelly or water.
Don?t use oil-based lubricants such as a petroleum jelly or vegetable oil with latex condoms, since they can damage the condoms.
Never use a condom more than once.
Correct use of condoms increases comfort, and promotes a sense of security in having safer sex.
(Translated by Kevin J. Gardner, AESOP Center, 1997.)
The JFCS AIDS Project is partially funded by the Newhouse Fund of the Jewish Community Endowment Fund of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties.
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