WHY ABC Part II

2011 Patrick

Correct and Consistent Condom Use

KEY MESSAGE

Correct, consistent condom use substantially reduces, but cannot fully eliminate, the risk of pregnancy, and contracting HIV/AIDS and other STIs.

OBJECTIVE
To understand both the facts and the myths about condoms, to know how to use a condom correctly, and to have the life skills necessary to put the information into practice.

WORD PLAY ON CONDOMS

What is a condom?
Its a protective sheath usually made from latex or polyurethane pouch, worn on the penis or inserted into the vagina. It is a mechanical barrier used to stop the exchange of body fluids between genital organs. organs. There are ONLY two types of condoms: Male condoms. Female condoms

Male condom
A male condom is a thin, loose-fitting and flexible looseplastic tube worn on top of the penis It Serves as a physical barrier to sperms from entering vagina.

Female condom
A female condom is a thin, loose-fitting and looseflexible plastic tube worn inside the vagina.

MYTHS

WHAT MYTHS HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT CONDOMS?

Reasons Why People Use Condoms

Condoms are the only contraceptive that help prevent both pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (including HIV) and unintended pregnancies when used correctly and consistently. DUAL PROTECTION Condoms are available in various shapes, colours, flavours, textures and sizes - to increase the fun of making love with condoms. Condoms are widely available in pharmacies, supermarkets and convenience stores, hall dispensers. You don't need a prescription or have to visit a doctor. Condoms make sex less messy. Condoms are user friendly. With a little practice, they can also add confidence to the enjoyment of sex. Condoms are only needed when you are having sex unlike some other contraceptives which require you to take or have them all of the time.

Common Myths about Condom Use

Condoms are 100% effective in eliminating the risk of eliminating pregnancy and contracting an STI. Are not at all effective in reducing risk. Condoms promote sex and people who use them are promiscuous. Free government condoms are less effective than purchased ones.

Facts about Condoms

Correct, consistent condom use substantially reduces but cannot fully eliminate the risk of pregnancy, and HIV and STI transmission during sexual intercourse. Only abstinence effectively eliminates the risk of pregnancy, and contracting HIV or other STIs. Condoms are more effective at preventing pregnancy than HIV and STI transmission. Dual contraception use also helps to decrease the risk of pregnancy.

...Facts about Condoms

For HIV transmission, the estimated risk reduction provided by male condoms during vaginal sex is about 80-87%. Estimates of condom effectiveness during anal sex are lower due to higher breakage rates (Davis and Weller 275; Hearst 40). For transmission of other STIs, the risk reduction provided by male condoms varies with the infectiousness of the organism. In general, condoms reduce but do not eliminate the risk of transmission. Risk reduction estimates for Gonorrhea range from 50-75%, for chlamydia are about 50%. For syphilis, trichomoniasis and other infections a reduction in risk has been reported (Holmes 455-456).

Steps for Using A Male Condom

1. Check the expiry date on the condom wrapper - Condoms have a printed expiry date and batch number. Do not use out of date condoms for sexual contacts, using them for practicing applying condoms alone especially by less experienced users is advised. 2. Gently apply pressure to the condom wrapper to make sure it has a slight pillow-like quality to it, indicating air inside and pillowproper and unbroken sealing. Otherwise air may have escaped from tear or punctures and the condom itself may be damaged as well. 3. Exercising caution, open the foil (or plastic) wrapper along one side. Be careful not to damage the condom with sharp objects.

Steps for Using A Male Condom

4. If the condom is sticky or brittle, discard it and use another one. 5. Press firmly together the tip of the condom to expel air that may be trapped inside the condom. Air pockets can cause the condom to burst. This tip is there to contain the discharge in ejaculation. Hold the condom by the tip. 6. Ensure that the penis is fully erect a condom may fall off the penis which is only partially erect.

Steps for Using A Male Condom

7. In case of an uncircumcised penis, retract the foreskin before applying the condom. 8. Check that the condom is in the right direction to unroll down the penis and before unrolling put it on the tip of the penis. If you accidentally try to put it on the wrong way, discard it and start over with a new condom. Touching the wrong side of the condom with the penis can transfer bodily fluids, defeating its purpose. 9. Unroll the condom over the shaft of the penis. Unroll it all the way. If it does not unroll, it is on the wrong way and way. you must start over with a new condom.

Steps for Using A Male Condom

10. Make sure the condom isn't loose or at risk of coming off. 11. It may be essential to lubricate the outside of the condom to keep it from breaking, especially if lubrication was used on the inside. 12. Do not allow the penis to go flaccid at any time while wearing or putting on the condom, or you will have to discard the condom.

Steps for Using a Female Condom

Open the Female condom package carefully; tear at the notch on the top right of the package. Do not use scissors or a knife to open.

The outer ring covers the area around the opening of the vagina. The inner ring is used for insertion and to help hold the sheath in place during intercourse.

While holding the Female condom at the closed end, grasp the flexible inner ring and squeeze it with the thumb and second or middle finger so it becomes long and narrow

Steps for Using a Female Condom

Choose a position that is comfortable for insertion of the Female Condom squat, raise one leg, sit or lie down

Gently insert the inner ring of the female condom into the vagina. Feel the inner ring go up and move into place.

Place, the index finger on the inside of the Female condom, and push the inner ring up as far as it will go. Be sure the sheath is not twisted. The outer ring should remain on the outside of the vagina.

Steps for Using a Female Condom

The female condom is now in place and ready for use with your partner.

When you are ready, gently guide your partners penis into the condom's opening with your hand to make sure that it enters properly be sure that the penis is not entering on the side, between the sheath and the vaginal wall.

condom, To remove the Female condom, twist the outer ring and gently pull the condom out. Wrap the used Female condom in the package or in tissue, and throw it in the garbage. Do not put it into the toilet.

Common Mistakes/ Failures with Condoms

Beginning the sexual act before putting on a condom. Taking the condom off before finishing the sex act. It is possible to damage a condom when opening the package. Condoms should be used prior to their expiration date. Condoms can break or slip during a sex act.
To prevent a condom from breaking, make sure there is enough lubrication from natural secretions or a water-based lubricant. Dryness watercreates more friction and can tear a condom. To keep a condom from slipping off, make sure the rim stays near the base of the penis during intercourse. If it however breaks, women may consider taking Plan Bmergency Contraception (the 'Morning After' Pill) to prevent pregnancy.

Condom Race

Dos and DONTs with Condoms

DO NOT use oil-based lubricants with the condoms oil Vaseline or edible oils, weaken male condoms and make them less effective.

DO NOT use two condoms at once.

Male condoms and female condoms should not be used at the same time Placing two male condoms on a penis can raise the chance of tearing

After sex play, throw away the condom. DO NOT REUSE it. Do not use the same condom if you engage in both vaginal and anal intercourse.. intercourse.. Store condoms in cool, dry places.
Exposure to heat, such as a back-pocket wallet or a hot glove backcompartment can create microscopic holes.

ADVANTAGES/DISDVANTAGES OF CONDOM USE

Advantages of the Male Condoms

Prevents the spread of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV and AIDS. Birth control for men. Available without a prescription. No hormonal side effects. Use can be part of sex play. Easy to use. Does not affect future fertility. May decrease women's risk for developing pre-cancerous cells on the precervix.

Advantages of the Female Condoms

Prevents the spread of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV and AIDS. Protects the vagina and vulva. Does not reduce a male partner's stimulation. Available without a prescription. No hormonal side effects. Can be used by people with latex sensitivities. Prelubricated and can be used with oil and water-based lubricants. waterCan be inserted before sex play begins even eight hours before.. Insertion can be part of sex fore play. Erection not necessary to keep condom in place. Does not affect future fertility

Disadvantages of the Male Condoms

Must be readily available. Can interrupt sex play. Can break or leak. Possible allergic reaction. Decreased sensation for some people.

Disadvantages of the Female Condoms

Noticeable during sex. Sometimes difficult to insert or use. Does not contain spermicide. Can break or leak. About three times more expensive than male condoms

Side Effects
If you or your partner experiences genital burning or itching, it may be a sign of an allergy to either the condom or spermicide used. If you used a latex condom, try using condoms without latex. You can also try a spermicide with different chemicals than the one you used. If your spermicide contains nonoxynol-9, try one nonoxynolwithout.

Persuading your Partner

Excuse Don't you trust me? It does not feel as good with a condom I don't stay hard when I put on a condom I don't have a condom with me Putting it on interrupts everything I will pull out in time I'm on the pill, you don't need a condom Answer Trust isn't the point, people can have infections without realizing it I'll feel more relaxed, If I am more relaxed, I can make it feel better for you. I'll help you put it on, that will help you keep it hard. I do Not if I help put it on Women can get pregnant and get STDs from pre-ejaculate preI'd like to use it anyway. It will help to protect us from infections we may not realize we have.

Tips that can help you to feel more confident and relaxed about using condoms.

Keep condoms handy at all times. If things start getting steamy - you'll be ready. It's not a good idea to find yourself having to rush out at the crucial moment to buy condoms - at the height of the passion you may not want to. If you feel that condoms interrupt your passion then try introducing condoms into your lovemaking. It can be really sexy if your partner helps you put it on or you do it together.

 When you buy condoms, don't get embarrassed. If anything, be proud. It shows that you are responsible and confident and when the time comes it will all be worthwhile. It can be more fun to go shopping for condoms with your partner or friend.

 Talk with your partner about using a condom before having sex. It removes anxiety and embarrassment. Knowing where you both stand before the passion starts will make you a lot more confident that you both agree and are happy about using a condom. If you are new to condoms, the best way to learn how to use them is to practice putting them on by yourself or your partner. It does not take long to become a master.

KEY MESSAGE

Correct, consistent condom use substantially reduces, but cannot fully eliminate, the risk of pregnancy, and contracting HIV/AIDS and other STIs.

Thank You
I Choose Life Africa Ufungamano House, 3rd Floor Off Statehouse/ Mamlaka Road P.O. Box 5166 00100 Nairobi Kenya Tel: + 254 (02) 2730913/4/5 Fax: + 254 (02) 2730914 Website: www.ichooselife.or.ke