Getting the Facts… the Male Condom EvaTimauraMariah

What Is It? A male condom helps protect partners from pregnancy and STIs, including HIV/AIDS. A male condom is shaped like a penis and is usually made of latex. A male condom helps protect partners from pregnancy and STIs, including HIV/AIDS. A male condom is shaped like a penis and is usually made of latex. It works by providing a barrier between partners so that bodily fluids, like semen, blood, and saliva, are not shared; allowing for better prevention of STIs. It works by providing a barrier between partners so that bodily fluids, like semen, blood, and saliva, are not shared; allowing for better prevention of STIs. Male condoms are currently the only effective and reversible form of birth control for men. Male condoms are currently the only effective and reversible form of birth control for men. Male condoms are Male condoms are a barrier method. a barrier method. 85% – 98% effective 85% – 98% effective

How to Use… Are only effective when used right before sex Male condoms can be awkward to use at first; it may be helpful to practice beforehand The male condom is placed on a man's erect penis With one hand, squeeze a half-inch of the tip to remove air and leave room for semen With your other hand, you can unroll the condom to the base of the penis helps to prevent it from slipping during sex The band of latex at the open end of a male condom helps to prevent it from slipping during sex

After ejaculation, remove penis from the vagina before losing the erection Hold condom on the penis during withdrawal to prevent sperm from leaking Throw away condom and use another if you continue sex DO NOT REUSE A CONDOM!!!! DO NOT REUSE A CONDOM!!!! DO NOT use two condoms at the same time; this includes using a male and female condom simultaneously

To Prevent Failure Most common causes of failure are slipping and breakage Most common causes of failure are slipping and breakage To prevent slipping, make sure the rim stays near the base of the penis during intercourse, especially at the end when the penis is withdrawn Breakage can be prevented by keeping the condom well lubricated as dryness increases friction which can cause tearing

Care Oil-based lubricants, like Vaseline or edible oils, weaken male condoms (recommended are Astroglide, Liquid Silk or KY Liquid) Oil-based lubricants, like Vaseline or edible oils, weaken male condoms (recommended are Astroglide, Liquid Silk or KY Liquid) Store in cool dry places to avoid microscopic holes Store in cool dry places to avoid microscopic holes Most can be kept in the package for 2-3 years (2 yrs. for those w/ spermicide); check expiration date prior to use Most can be kept in the package for 2-3 years (2 yrs. for those w/ spermicide); check expiration date prior to use

Disadvantages Must be readily available Must be readily available Can interrupt foreplay Can interrupt foreplay Can break or leak Can break or leak Possible allergic reaction Possible allergic reaction Decreased sensation for some people Decreased sensation for some people

Advantages Prevents the spread of STIs, including HIV and AIDS. Birth control for men. Available without a prescription. No hormonal side effects. Use can be part of foreplay. Easy to use. Does not affect future fertility. May decrease women's risk for developing pre- cancerous cells on the cervix.

SOURCES!!!!! (weren’t expecting so much color, huh?) us/support/topic.asp?hwid=zm us/support/topic.asp?hwid=zm2456