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Choosing a contraception thats right for u





s e x u a l i t y a n d u . c a
F e m a l e c o n d o m
How does it work?
Placed in the vagina before intercourse
Lines the vagina completely, preventing direct contact between the penis and the
vagina and preventing the exchange of body fluids
Sperm is trapped in the condom, which is thrown away
after intercourse
A new condom should be used for each repeated
act of intercourse

Failure rate: 210 per 1000 women per year
What is it?
Soft, disposable, polyurethane sheath
Available in drugstores without a prescription





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What are the advantages?

1. Available widely without a prescription
2. No daily contraceptive routine or continued use required
3. Woman remains in charge of placement and use
4. Protects against some STIs
F e m a l e c o n d o m





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What are the disadvantages?

1. Must be available at time of intercourse
2. Requires proper insertion technique
3. Flexible inner ring may cause discomfort for some
4. More expensive than the male condom and not available in all stores
5. Makes a noise during intercourse
6. May slip or break during intercourse
7. May be considered messy by some
F e m a l e c o n d o m





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How does it work?
Fits over the erect penis
Acts as a physical barrier preventing direct genital
contact and the exchange of genital fluids, so the
sperm does not enter the uterus and fertilize
the egg
A new condom is used for each repeated act
of intercourse

Failure rate: 150 per 1000 women per year
What is it?
A soft disposable sheath
Available in various shapes, sizes, thicknesses,
colours and flavours
Most are latex, but non-latex condoms are also
available in polyurethane, silicone, and lambskin
M a l e b a r r i e r m e t h o d s
Male Condom





s e x u a l i t y a n d u . c a
What are the advantages?

1. Available widely without a prescription
2. Inexpensive
3. Latex condoms protect against STIs
4. Allows the male partner to assume some responsibility for birth control
5. Both partners can participate in their use
6. May help the wearer avoid premature ejaculation
M a l e b a r r i e r m e t h o d s





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What are the disadvantages?

1. Must be available at time of intercourse
2. May slip or break during intercourse
3. Must be stored and handled properly
4. People with latex allergies cannot use latex condoms, but may be able
to use non-latex condoms
5. May reduce sensitivity for either partner
6. May interfere with the maintenance of an erection
7. May reduce spontaneity
8. Lambskin condoms do not protect against STIs
M a l e b a r r i e r m e t h o d s





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S T I p r e v e n t i o n
Dental dams and gloves
A dental dam is a small piece of latex similar to the material used for latex
condoms.
It can be used during oral sex. The dental dam is stretched across a
womans vagina to prevent the exchange of bodily fluids.
It can also be used in other activities where a barrier is desired.
Latex surgical gloves can also be used in activities where a barrier is
desired.

General tips
When using latex dental dams, gloves, or condoms, apply only water-
based lubricants. They are available at drugstores.
Use new dental dams, gloves, or condoms for each partner.
Do not re-use latex barriers or turn them over and use the other side.





s e x u a l i t y a n d u . c a
S T I p r e v e n t i o n

Cutting a condom to make a dental dam

When a dental dam is not available, a latex condom can be cut to create
a latex barrier.
1. Unroll a new condom.
2. Using scissors, cut off both ends of the condom, removing the
closed tip and the round loop at the base.
3. Cut the condom lengthwise so that it opens up into a rectangle.

If you are going to use the barrier for oral sex, you may wish to select a
condom without spermicide or lubrication. A flavoured condom may be
a good choice.

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s e x u a l i t y a n d u . c a
S T I p r e v e n t i o n
Method STI protection
Oral contraceptives no
Transdermal patch no
Vaginal Ring no
Injectable contraceptive no
Intrauterine system (IUS) no
Intrauterine device (IUD) no
Female sterilization no
Female condom yes*
Diaphragm and cervical cap limited
Sponge and spermicides limited
Male condom yes with latex condoms*
Male sterilization no
* Remember that no method of protection from STIs is perfect. Some STIs can be
passed through skin-to-skin contact.