Safer Sex Update

SAFER SEX UPDATE:
Slip & Slide

Big ones, Small ones, Thin ones, Thick ones... finding the right condom can be a daunting task. There are so many brands and types to choose from, how are you supposed to know which one to buy? This guide to help you sort through the differences between the various condoms & dental dams so that you can find the right condom (or dam) for you.

What are Condoms Made From?

Latex - The most popular material used in contemporary condom production, latex is a type of rubber with very small pores that keep sperm and the smaller HIV virus from passing through. Latex is strong but susceptible to breaking when exposed to high friction and excessive pressure. To mitigate these problems a water or silicone-based lubricant should always be used both on the inside and outside of the condom. As well, always hold the reservoir tip with thumb and forefinger when unrolling the condom onto the penis to keep air from getting trapped in the condom.

Animal Membrane - The original condom material. Animal Membrane condoms fell out of favor in the early 80's when AIDS came into the picture. Although Animal Membrane condoms do a good job of keeping the sperm at bay they are far too porous to protect against HIV. Many who are in monogamous relationships still prefer the "natural feel" of Animal Membrane when used for pregnancy prevention.

Polyurethane - The newest material for condom production in the last 60 years is polyurethane. Polyurethane is a type of plastic that is almost twice as strong as latex so they can be made very thin, and have no odor or taste. Polyurethane also retains more heat than latex which helps increase that "oh so good feeling". In clinical trials it had significantly less slippage during intercourse. The main benefit of polyurethane is the relief that it provides for people who suffer from an allergy to latex. Plus, since it is not made from latex you can use oil-based lubricants.

To Lube or Not To Lube

Lubricated -
Lubricated condoms have been around since the 50's. There are two basic types of lubricants used in lubricated condoms: Jelly lubricant and Silicone lubricant. The main differences are Jelly lubricants are water-based and Silicone is, well, silicone-based. Jelly lubricants can feel a bit sticky and the water evaporates quickly (which is why you should always have some extra lube handy). Silicone lubricants do not have any water and last longer.

Spermicide -
Some condoms also have a spermicide mixed in with the lubricant. The most popular spermicide is Nonoxynol-9 (N-9). Be careful, some people report irritation when using spermicidal condoms and can increase the risk of HIV/AIDS infection. It is best to avoid using Condoms or products that contain N-9.

Non-Lubricated -
Many condom users prefer to use the traditional non-lubricated condom and use a bottled sexual lubricant. Make sure that when using latex condoms that you only use Water-Based or Silicon-Based Lubricants. Oil-Based lubricants have shown to severely weaken the latex causing breakage.

All Shapes and Sizes

Shaped (Contoured) -
Some condoms are made to conform to the shape of the man's penis. These condoms range from slightly larger at the head and tapered at the base to a design like the Maxx which provides much more headroom (60mm in diameter at the head) to the very dramatic designs of the Trojan Ultra Pleasure and the LifeStyles Xtra Pleasure. These last two condoms took their cue from the Pleasure Plus condom. They have a unique shape that increases the friction at the head of the penis producing a very nice feeling.

Large & Small - News flash! Not all penises are the same size! Finally condom makers are waking up to this old fact. Although there have been not huge breakthroughs in this area, there are a few condoms that deviate from the (size) norm. At Condom Sense Large and small refer to the diameter of the condom.

Long, Short & More Headroom - You've even got long condoms (for those who are well endowed), short condoms (for those that have stamina) and condoms that are larger at the part that covers the head of the penis. Headroom is great for increasing sensation because when the car starts a rockin' that extra loose latex will move over the nerve endings and produce quite a sensation.

Thick or Extra Strength & Thin - Thicker condoms are made to provide extra-strength protection for those that are a little harder on their condoms. For some types of sex, like anal sex, I would definitely recommend the use of a thicker condom. But just because it is more durable don't forget to "lube up" before use. A couple drops of lube inside and outside the condom will help keep it from breaking. Thinner condoms are designed with feeling and sensitivity in mind. If you want a more natural feeling definitely try a thinner condom. If safety is your concern, remember, the thinner varieties of condoms still have to pass the same breakage tests as the others.

Colors, Flavors & Textures

Colors - Face it. That plain latex color gets boring quickly. If variety is your spice of life than a little color is just what you need to kick your sex life into high gear.

Flavors - Most AIDS workers will agree that to protect yourself from HIV (and STI's) condoms should be worn when engaging in oral sex. To make this a little more pleasurable and try a flavored condom. From Mint to chocolate.

Ribbed & Studded - OK, you have tried the basic condoms and now you want a little something extra. Try something with a little texture! Ribbed condoms look kind of like a flexi-straw or an accordion. They are ribbed on the outside and designed to pleasure the non-condom wearing partner. Other condoms, like the Kimono Sensation, use little bumps on the inside and outside of the condom which means pleasure for both partners.

Dams

Dental Dams - As stated above if you want to be safe and sane use protection when performing oral sex. The dental dam provides vaginal and anal protection when performing oral sex.

USING CONDOMS
is great a the best way to protect your partner an yourself.
Play with them privately and get to know them
so that when the moment arises……
you are prepared, ready and able.

Be sure to have condoms ready for use,
wherever you use them.

Carefully tear open the package.
Be careful not to damage the condom with a fingernail or other sharp object.
Do not unroll the condom before there's a penis to put it on. Do not inflate it.
This will make it unreliable

Squeeze tip of the condom between thumb
and forefinger to expel air.
Put on the condom when the penis is fully erect.

Place a rolled up condom on the penis. If uncut, draw back the foreskin.

Roll the condom down
over the whole length of the penis.
Get rid of air bubbles.

Use extra water-based lube if necessary.
Oil-based lube will break down latex.

Hold the base of the condom,
withdraw while the penis is still stiff.
Use each condom only once.
(Have some extras available!)

Tie up the condom and dispose of it. Do not put it in the toilet.

Though there are many who believe that abstinence is not a part of safer sex, there are many who see abstinence as a way to protect yourself in a sexual situation. If you do not have a condom and water based lube, you can say no at that time. You can also do other safer things until you are prepared to go further.

Data courtesy 10 Percent – Serving the GLBT Boulder County, Colorado

Graphics courtesy Lennox Honneychurch. CHAP Dominica

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