We Gotta Talk about Contraception... How to be a PRO at PROtection
Male Condoms...
Significantly lower risk of STI’s.
Can still get STI’s, particularly herpes/HPV (see: skin contact)
We know that over time, people can become lax about condom usage, we shouldn't do that. At all.
Condom TIPS
Wear one EVERY TIME
Make sure the condom is intact
Check expiry date
Both latex or polyurethane are OK, but non-latex condoms do have higher breakage rates.
Store these bad boys in a cool, dry place
Use water or silicone-based lubricant. Avoid oil-based lubricants, olive oil, or vaseline.
Don’t reuse a condom more than once or multiple ones at the same time (we know you know this but we just have to say it out loud).
Female Condoms...
This is known as an internal condom. Think: a pouch with lubrication, and a ring on both sides. One to stay in the vagina and another on the outside to keep from slipping in.
Particularly useful if you want to be in control of your sexual health and not rely on a male condom
These do take a bit of practice to be inserted correctly
Can be inserted up to 8 hours before sex
Primarily made by polyurethane or nitrile, so appropriate for those allergic to latex (just double-check the packaging to be sure if you are allergic)
Do not reuse, check for expiry and status of tears/defects, store in a cool, dry place.
Note: this does have a higher failure rate than the male condom in preventing pregnancy.
Dental Dams...
Both latex or polyurethane sheets used as a barrier between two partners
Check expiry date
Make sure there are no tears or defects in sheet
Put on before oral sex and do not remove until the sexual act is complete
Use water or silicone-based lubricant. Avoid oil-based lubricants, olive oil, or vaseline.
Do not reuse or stretch sheet
PRO tip: you can make a dental dam by cutting the top off a condom and cutting the side of the condom vertically.