AIDS and HIV Prevention Using Condoms

Condoms are widely used to protect one from contracting HIV/AIDS and other STDs during sexual intercourse. Its level of effectiveness depends on whether it is being used correctly. Latex condoms are able to block transmission of the HIV virus effectively because the pores in latex are too small to provide a path of transmission for the virus. There are two types of condoms: the male condom, which is a barrier sheath that fits over the shaft of the penis and closes at the end over the tip of the male. The female condom, which is also known as a vaginal sheath, fits inside a woman’s vagina. When you use a condom there are different steps to be followed in order to avoid the contraction of diseases from your partner.

Men are advised to wear the condom when they are ready for sex. The condom is rolled over the erect penis. After use, it is recommended that the user remove the condom while the penis is still hard. In order to avoid contact with any fluid from your partner’s body, one is advised not to use a condom twice.

It is important to check the expiry or manufacture date of a condom before using it to make sure that it is safe to use, and the condom’s package should be checked for wear or damage as well. Condoms are affected by both heat and light, so they must be stored in a manner that will minimize exposure. You should also avoid those that have not been poorly stored. If the condom feels sticky or dry, it may be a result of damaged packaging and the condom should not be used.

When opening the condom package, tear it open from one corner making sure the condom does not get torn as well. Once the condom has been put on the erect penis, a reservoir tip should remain. In order to ensure there is a reservoir tip, pinch the tip of the condom as it is put on so that approximately a half inch remains to collect semen. If the man is not circumcised, the foreskin of the penis must be pulled back before rolling the condom on in order to ensure a snug fit. Roll it all over to the base of the penis and smooth out any pockets of air, which can make the condom burst putting you at a risk of contracting a venereal disease form your partner.

It you want to use a lubricant, use a water-based lubricant since such lubricants can cause latex to deteriorate. The condom should be taken off before the penis softens. Grip it firmly against the base of the penis as it is slide off in order to prevent semen from spilling out. It’s not a good idea to flush them down the toilet as they can fill with water and cause a clog. After wrapping them in a tissue they should be disposed off well as they’re bad for the environment.

Most people find it hard talking about the use of condoms but you should not let your embarrassment translate into a health risk. Your partner should also know the importance of using a condom when having sex by discussing some reasons why you have to use it like the fact that they have no known medical side-effects, unlike some other methods. Condoms also make sex less messy.

If a condom should happen to break during intercourse, you should pull it out immediately, discard it, and replace it with a new one. You should check it from time to time while having sex, making sure that it hasn’t slipped or broken.