using condoms - some do's and dont's

· Do use latex condoms.
· Don't store condoms in the glove compartment of the car or in your wallet or purse.
· Don't use them after the expiry date.
· Don't open them with your teeth.
· Do put the condom on after the penis gets hard.
· Do put a few drops of water-based lubricant like KY inside the tip of the condom.
· Do squeeze the tip of the condom to leave some extra space and roll the rest down the shaft of the penis.

Avoid doing things which cause condoms to break such as:
· Tearing the condom when opening the foil.
· Using oil based lubricant such as vaseline, baby oil or suntan oil.Not expelling air from the condom.
· Using out of date or mistreated condoms.
· If the penis is intact - has a foreskin - put the condom on with the foreskin pushed back. Once the shaft is covered, push the foreskin forward (toward the tip). This lets the foreskin move without breaking the condom.
· Do put more water-based lubricant (KY) on the outside of the condom. Lubricants make sex more comfortable and enjoyable, reducing friction on the rubber and making breakages less likely. Some lubricants contain nonoxynol 9 which provides extra protection against sexually transmitted infections. However, for some people, nonoxynol 9 causes irritation.
· Do hold the base of the condom and pull out after you come, and throw the condom away.
· Don't re-use condoms. Use a new condom every time you have sex.
· Always use condoms with a BSI Kitemark or the new European CE standard mark for condoms.

Always check the expiry date on the packet or on the condom foil.

There is also a risk of passing the HIV virus or infections during oral sex without a condom, or whilst fingering, fisting, or using toys not covered with a condom (if they are shared)

Anal tissues are very delicate.
This means that both sexual infections and the HIV virus are absorbed more easily through these tissues, even if they are not torn during intercourse, so the risk of passing infection or HIV is much greater.

This is especially important for those not in monogamous relationships, and those not sure that their partners are completely monogamous.

lesbians & safer sex

Safer sex practices can be something that lesbians have not thought about. It is important to remember, however, that lesbians can and do take part in high risk practices and can become infected both with sexually transmitted infections, and with HIV. This happens through the exchange of bodily fluids - vaginal or menstrual blood.

assessing your risk

· mutual masturbation There is little or no risk of infection unless you use your vaginal fluid to lubricate your partner, or your partner has any cuts or abrasions in her vagina.
· oral sex There is little risk of infection during vaginal/oral or anal/oral contact, unless either woman has sores on her mouth or is having a period.
· penetration There is little risk of infection during vaginal or anal penetration by the fingers. However it is advisable to use rubber gloves when fisting.
· using toys This is safe as long as they are not shared; if they are, reduce the risk by using a condom over vibrator or dildo. Change the condom each time it moves between you.
Barriers such as dams can help to prevent the exchange of body fluids, and therefore offer more protection.

Current data from : http://www.takecare.co.uk

Sexually Transmitted Diseases - Causes, prevention and detection coming soon!!

[Good Practices]

[Nitty Gritty]

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