Condoms, Dental Dams and Personal Lubrication

No prophylactic can guarantee 100% effectiveness, but Latex condoms, when used properly, are effective against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection.

How To Properly Use a Male Condom

• Note: Never try to re-use a condom.
• Putting on a condom: When penis is erect, and before any sexual contact - Squeeze the tip to remove air... then simply place the condom on the tip and roll down all the way.
• Condom removal: Withdraw penis while it is still erect... Hold on to base of the condom to prevent 'spills'.
• Use only compatible lubricants... Do not use oil-based lubes with a condom (petroleum jelly, cold creams, mineral or vegetable oil).
• Storing Your Condoms: Store at room temperature, temperature extremes can make a condom brittle.

How To Properly Use a Female Condom

Do not use a male condom with a female condom - it does not 'double the protection': When the two condoms rub together, the male condom can be pulled off or the female condom can be pushed in.

• Do not use sticky, damaged, brittle or discolored female condoms.
• Inspect the condom to make sure it is completely lubricated inside and out.
• Insert into the vagina with your fingers... Hold the condom at the closed end and squeeze the inner ring so it becomes long and narrow... Gently insert the inner ring as far into the vagina as possible, pushing the inner ring to the cervix. When properly placed, it will cover the opening of the cervix and line the vaginal walls.
• Add a water-based lubricant onto the penis and/or the inside of the female condom to increase comfort. Use enough lubricant so that the condom stays in place during sex.
• To remove, twist the outer ring and gently pull the condom out to avoid spillage.

Dental Dams

A dental dam is a small latex 'sheet' that acts as a barrier between the genitals and the mouth. With the introduction of different colors, shapes and sizes, manufacturers are adding some exciting changes to what once was sterile translucent-white latex. If used properly, latex dental dams are effective against HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases.

How to use a dental dam:

• Be sure the dam is free of holes or breakage. Avoid using oil-based lubricants, which may cause leaks, and make sure that only one side of the dam comes in contact with the genitals.
• Hold the latex dam over the vulva or anus during oral stimulation, making sure that the dam remains in place.
• Dental Dam Storage: Store at room temperature. Do not use if it appears brittle.

Personal Lubricants

There are many uses for personal lubrication... while they are often used for intercourse, they are also very effective in the treatment of vaginal dryness, which is a very uncomfortable condition that can occur at any time in a woman's life, not just during pregnancy or following childbirth.

Persistent symptoms of vaginal itching, burning or irritation, (or pain) should be brought to the attention of your medical caregiver. Vaginal dryness may also be alleviated by increasing your water intake or with Kegel exercises.

Some personal lubricants should be avoided... Never use cooking or vegetable oils, or a petroleum-based product. These products harbor bacteria and can cause yeast infections.

A water-based personal lubricant is non-irritating and safe to use with latex condoms. Brands like Astroglide, K-Y Jelly, Aqualube, Maintain and Rain Flavored Lubricants are quite popular and easy to obtain.