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.