WHY USE CONDOMS?

1 - as a method of birth control

2 - to protect both you and your partner from the spread of HIV infection (leading to AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases (Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Herpes, Genital Warts).

*If you think you might be at risk for a sexually transmitted disease or you know have a sexually transmitted disease, you are at greater risk for HIV infection and should be tested.

*Ask your reproductive health counselor for a list of HIV testing centers in the area.

WHAT ARE MY CHANCES OF BECOMING PREGNANT WHILE USING THE CONDOM?

About 2%, the condom has a failure rate of about 2% in preventing pregnancy when used correctly.

WHY SHOULD I USE FOAM OR SPERMICIDE WITH THE CONDOM?

Foam or spermicide used with a condom is more effective than a condom alone in preventing pregnancy. Foam and spermicide work by killing sperm (cum) and by killing the bacteria that cause HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases.

IF I AM USING ANOTHER FORM OF BIRTH CONTROL (such as the pill, Norplant, diaphragm, or IUD) WHY DO I NEED TO USE A CONDOM AND FOAM?

You should ALWAYS use condom and foam even if you are using another birth control method. If you are using NORPLANT, THE PILL, THE DIAPHRAGM, or an IUD alone, you are not protecting yourself from the spread of HIV infection or Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

WHERE DO I GET CONDOMS AND FOAM?

Condoms and Foam can be purchased at drugstores, pharmacies, grocery stores, and even some gas stations. You do not need a prescription.

WHAT TYPE OF CONDOM AND FOAM SHOULD I USE?

CONDOM - Use latex condoms only. Condoms made out of lamb membrane do not prevent the spread of HIV infection or sexually transmitted diseases. If you use a lubricated condom, use only water based lubricants, not oil based lubricants which can spread sexually transmitted diseases. Never use vaseline as a lubricant.

FOAM - The foam or spermicide that you use should be water based, not oil based. Use foam containing the ingredient nonoxynol-9, which is considered to be effective in killing the bacteria that cause sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV infection. If you experience irritation with the foam, discontinue use and consult your doctor.

HOW DO I USE THE CONDOM AND FOAM?

CONDOM -

1 - Grasp the tip of the condom with thumb and forefinger leaving about a half inch of air tight space at the end of the condom to hold the semen (cum).

2 - Hold the tip of the condom and unroll over the penis, covering as much skin as possible.

3 - When finished with intercourse, hold the rim of the condom securely on the penis and pull out gently.

The penis should be withdrawn from the vagina immediately after ejaculation so the semen does not spill out of the condom and into the vagina or vaginal area. Do not allow penis or condom to touch the vagina or the outer area of the vagina after withdrawal. Wipe the semen up with a tissue and use a new condom for each act of intercourse.

FOAM - The foam must be in the vagina before the intercourse. If more than 30 minutes passes before intercourse, add more foam. Also, add more foam with each act of intercourse. Follow package instructions for shaking and filling applicator. Either partner may gently insert applicator as far as it will go, until it bumps the cervix (opening to uterus). Then press the plunger in as far as possible. Wash applicator with warm water and soap after each use and place the applicator within reach for possible later use.

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