| Condom Questions |
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Should you use a condom when you have sexual
intercourse?
Yes, because if you are going to have sex, using a condom is the best
way to protect both partners against becoming infected with a sexually
transmitted disease.
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Are condoms effective against AIDS and other
STD's?
Yes, but only if they are used properly.
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How do I use a condom?
There are lots of important factors to consider when using
condoms. To fully understand them visit our Using Condoms
page.
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How are condoms tested?
There are a range of tests performed by both regulatory
agencies and the condom manufacturers. These include electronic
testing, the water leak test, the air burst test and the
strength test. Visit our Condoms, History, Effectiveness
and Testing page for more information.
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How can I check a condom is safe to
use?
Check that they have not expired, that they carry a standards
approval mark (either FDA, ISO, CE or the British Standard
Kite Mark depending on where you are), and that they have
been properly stored. Visit our Using Condoms
page for more information.
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How often do condoms fail?
Studies have shown that where used properly less than 2
in 100 condoms fails. Visit our Condoms,
History, Effectiveness and Testing page for more
information.
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What are condoms made of?
Condoms are usually made of latex or polyurethane. If possible you should
use a latex condom, as they are slightly more reliable,
and in most countries they are most readily available. To
understand more about these two types of condoms and the
correct lubricant to use with them visit our Using
Condoms page.
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What is the history of the common
condom?
Condom use can be traced back several thousand years and
were once simply strips of linen. Animal intestines have
also provided an alternative to today's more practical latex
and polyurethane varieties. Visit our Condoms,
History, Effectiveness and Testing page for a
complete history
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How can I persuade my partner to use a
condom?
It can be difficult to talk about using condoms, but you shouldn't let
embarrassment become a health risk. The person you are thinking about
having sex with may not agree at first when you say that you want to try
and use a condom when you have sex. These are some excuses that might be
made and some answers that you could try:
| EXCUSE |
ANSWER |
| Don't you trust me? |
Trust isn't the point, people can have
infections without realising it |
| I can't feel a thing when I wear a
condom |
Maybe that way you'll last even longer and
that will make up for it |
| I don't stay hard when I put on a condom |
I'll help you put it on, that will help you
keep it |
| I don't have a condom with me |
I do |
| I'm on the pill, you don't need a condom |
I'd like to use it anyway. It will help to
protect us from infections we may not realise we have. |
| But I love you |
Then you'll help us to protect
ourselves. |
| Just this once |
Once is all it takes |
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How much protection do condoms give against
pregnancy? If a condom breaks what are the risks of
pregnancy?
When used properly ie. the condom doesn't split or burst, they can be
very effective in preventing both pregnancy and STDs. If a condom breaks
and no other from of contraception such as the birth control pill is used
then there is a risk that a woman may become pregnant.
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Is it possible to get different sizes of
condoms?
Condoms are made in different lengths and widths, and different
manufacturers produce varying sizes. There is no standard length for
condoms, though those made from natural rubber will in addition always
stretch if necessary to fit the length of the man's erect penis.
The width of a condom can also vary. Some condoms have a slightly
smaller width to give a "closer" fit, whereas others will be slightly
larger. Condom makers have realised that different lengths and widths are
needed and are increasingly broadening their range of sizes.
The brand names will be different in each country, so you
will need to do your own investigation of different names.
There is no particular best brand of condom.
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Is using 2 condoms better than one in avoiding
pregnancy?
Using two condoms at the same time-either two male condoms or a male
and female condom- is not a good idea as the friction may result in one or
both of the condoms tearing. If you want to take extra precautions against
pregnancy when having sex, and are concerned about the possibility of a
condom breaking it is better to use another form of contraception. For
example, using the birth control pill as well as a condom will ensure that
you both have double protection against pregnancy as well as protection
against STDs.
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If I use a condom I seem to lose my
erection…
It is a good idea to get some condoms before having sex and practise
using them. That way you can get use to the feel of condoms and putting
them on, which should help you feel more relaxed about using when having
sex and less likely to use your erection.
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Can you use a condom under water?
If you are going to use a condom under water it is important that you
put the condom on before you get into the water, Also, if the water
contains chemicals such as chlorine, or additives such as soap, bath oil
or bubble bath then this may affect the latex.
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What is the best way to get
condoms?
It will depend on which country you are in, but in the UK and USA anyone
can buy condoms from chemists and supermarkets. Condoms are often
available from vending machines in public toilets. In some countries
condoms are available free or at low-cost from clinics.
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| Spermicides Questions |
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What are spermicides and how do they
work?
Spermicides are chemical products that inactivate or kill sperm to
prevent pregnancy. They are available in a variety of formats such as a
cream jelly, foam or foaming tablet that is inserted into the vagina
before having sex Some condoms also come lubricated with
spermicide. The most common spermicide is Nonoxynol 9. Recent research
on Nonoxynol 9 has found that it does NOT protect against STDs or HIV as
previously thought. So spermicides should only be used by HIV negative
women who are sure that their partner is HIV negative along with a barrier
method of contraception such as diaphragm or cap. Condoms containing
Nonoxynol 9 are NOT recommended. However it is much safer to use a condom
containing Nonoxynol 9 than no condom at all.
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Where can you get spermicides from? Do you need
a prescription?
Spermicides can be bought over the counter at the chemists or you can
get them from clinics. You do not need a prescription to get them.
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top) How
to Choose and Use Condoms |
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