External (or male) condom
Mode of action:
The condom is a contraceptive method that prevents contact with bodily fluids. Among other things, it prevents spermatozoa (sperm) from entering the vagina.
Advantages
- It is easy to obtain and use a condom;
- It is highly effective if it is used with each sexual relation if it is put on at the start of genital contact, before penetration and if it remains in place until the end of the sexual relation;
- In some cases, the condom can delay ejaculation and make the pleasure last;
- It protects against pregnancies and STBBIs;
- It is possible to vary sensations by using condoms that are textured, lubricated, etc.;
- They are available in different sizes, colors, etc.
Disadvantages
- It can delay ejaculation;
- It can sometimes decrease sexual sensation;
- It can slip during sexual intercourse;
- It can break due to fingernails, teeth, jewelry, massage oil, Vaseline, rough handling, etc.;
- It can cause irritation for people who are allergic to latex, lubricants, or spermicides;
How do I get condoms?
For free
Condoms are available in some public washrooms, planning clinics, screening centers, from school nurses, or from certain organisations. To find out more about where you can get free condoms, please consult the following web site: www.santeestrie.qc.ca/ITSS
With costs
Pharmacies sell condoms. They can cost anywhere from $6.00 to $14.00 for a pack of 12. Latex-free condoms are slightly more expensive.
Instructions for use
The condom is highly effective if it is used in each sexual relation. It must be put on before any kind of genital contact, and it must remain intact and in place until the end of sexual intercourse.
To avoid a pregnancy, it’s important to use the condom before any kind of genital contact to prevent pre-ejaculatory fluid from coming into contact with the vulva or the vagina. Pre-ejaculatory fluid may contain spermatozoa (sperm), and simple rubbing could result in an unplanned pregnancy.
Condoms are for single-use only. Two condoms should not be overlapped, because friction or rubbing could cause them to break.
A few reasons why condoms break
- Vaginal infection creams or tablets can alter the effectiveness of the condom for up to 72 hours after the treatment;
- The expiration date has passed;
- Poor storage;
- Heat sources dry up the condom, causing it to break more quickly (for example, an electric heater, a glove compartment in the car, etc.);
- Friction in pant pockets can damage the condom;
- Vaseline, massage oil, or baby oil must not be used as lubricants because they could be a cause of condom breakage;
- Lack of lubrication: a water-based lubricant can be used (sold in pharmacies) to facilitate penetration;
- Wrong size: avoid using a condom that is too big or too small and could slip inside the vagina;
- Don’t forget to pinch the tip of the condom to make sure there is room for the sperm.
TO AVOID! Do not continue penetration while there is still sperm in the condom.
Steps for using a condom:
- Make sure both partners consent to the sexual relation.
- Check the expiration date and the condition of the wrapper.
- Open the wrapper delicately.
- Pinch the tip of the condom to remove air and unroll the condom to the base of the erect penis.
- During sexual intercourse, check once in a while to make sure the condom is still in place.
- Withdraw the penis immediately after ejaculation and before loss of the erection, holding the condom at the base of the penis to prevent semen from leaking out.
- Make a knot in the condom and dispose of it in a closed garbage bin.
Double protection…
Means using a condom with another contraceptive method to be doubly protected. If the effectiveness of one method is diminished, the other method acts as an extra safety measure.
The condom is the only contraceptive method that protects against both pregnancies and sexually transmitted and/or blood borne infections (STBBIs).
Internal (or feminine) condom
Mode of action:
Advantages
- It protects against pregnancies and STBBIs;
- It protects better than the external condom against certain STBBIs, such as condylomas, herpes, etc.;
- It is effective if used with care.
Disadvantages
- It can be difficult to properly insert;
- It can be noisy during intercourse;
- It is more expensive than the external condom and costs approximately $5.00 each.
How can I get internal condoms?
In pharmacies, they cost approximately $15.00 for a pack of 3.
Instructions for use
Steps for using a condom:
- Make sure both partners consent to the sexual relation.
- Check the expiration date and the condition of the wrapper.
- Open the wrapper delicately.
- Use your thumb and index finger to insert the small ring inside the vagina. The larger ring must remain outside the vagina and cover the labia minora.
- The natural vaginal lubrication, along with the lubricant in the internal condom, allows the sheath to adjust to the vaginal walls.
- During intercourse, check from time to time to make sure the condom is securely in place.
- Before removing the condom, turn and twist the opening firmly to prevent semen from leaking out.
- Tie a knot in the condom and dispose of it in a closed garbage bin.
Oral sex
Protecting yourself during oral sex is important (fellatio, cunnilingus, anilingus) because of the risk of sexually transmitted and/or blood-borne infections (STBBIs).
A flavored condom can be used during fellatio and a sexual dam can be used during cunnilingus or anilingus.
The sexual dam is a latex or polyurethane square that can be purchased in sex shops or made by oneself. To make a sexual dam, a condom can be used. Cut both extremities of the condom, then cut it lengthwise. It can then be placed between the mouth and the genitals. Some people prefer using a non-lubricated condom to make a sexual dam.