Safer Sex for you

For Men:

To get the maximum protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, remember the following things when using condoms:

• Store condoms in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Don't make the common mistake of storing them in a glove compartment, wallet, or purse.
• Don't use a condom if the package is damaged or the rubber material is sticky, brittle, discolored, or otherwise deteriorated. Don't use a condom after the expiration date or more than five years after the manufacturing date.
• Never reuse a condom. Use a new condom with each sexual act that involves contact with the penis.
• Handle a condom carefully to avoid damaging it with fingernails, teeth, or other sharp objects.
• Put on the condom after the penis is erect and before intimate contact. Place the condom on the head of the penis and unroll it all the way to the base. Leave an empty space at the end of the condom to collect semen. Remove any air remaining in the tip by gently pressing the air out toward the base of the penis.
• Ensure adequate lubrication during intercourse. When needed with latex condoms, use only water-based lubricants such as K-Y Jelly or glycerin. Don't use oil-based lubricants such as baby oil, petroleum jelly, massage oil, body lotion, or cooking oil because they can weaken the latex. Oil-based lubricants may be used with polyurethane, however, without damaging the material.
• After ejaculation, hold onto the rim of the condom and carefully withdraw the penis while it is still erect.

For Women
The pouch-shaped Reality female condom enables women to protect themselves against pregnancy and AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.
The female condom is made from polyurethane and, like the male condom, is a nonprescription barrier method of birth control. The device has a closed end that is inserted deep inside the vagina to catch the sperm and an open end that remains outside the body. A female condom should not be used with a male condom because the devices will not stay in place.
Over the course of a year, between 5 percent and 21 percent of women who use the female condom are expected to get pregnant, depending on whether the condom is used correctly with every act of vaginal intercourse. The female condom also provides some level of protection against STDs.
As with other condoms, follow label directions carefully to ensure that the material is not deteriorated or torn.
For More Information:

CDC National AIDS Hotline
1-800-342-AIDS (800-342-2437)
CDC National STDs Hotline
1-800-227-8922
Planned Parenthood Federation of America
1-800-230-7526
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/