Condom Basics
NO Glove NO Love!
Congratulations on Using Condoms! They are the safest protection for people who have sex against both STD and pregnancy. Although they are a popular form of birth control, not everyone knows how to use them correctly.
Condoms are effective 90-95% of the time when used correctly. The use of additional contraceptives (gels, foam, birth control pills) increases protection from pregnancy.
Advantages: Only method that protects against most STD's as well as pregnancy. very easy to get and carry can easily be used with other contraceptives can be put on as part of foreplay are easy to use	Disadvantages: Some people are allergic to latex Condoms can break or spill Some say feeling is reduced

Steps to putting on a Condom

1. Consent to have sex- ensure that you and your partner have reached a mutual decision to have sex and that both of you are in a rational state of mind to consent to the act. -As soon as the penis becomes hard, put on the condom.-
2. Open the Condom- be careful when opening a condom, do not open with scissors or teeth because condoms can tear easily. Carefully tear open at the corner and remove the condom.
3. Ensure the roll is on the outside- positioning so the roll is on the outside ensures that the condom will be put on "right side out."
4. Squeeze the reservoir tip- This is a very important step because it lets the air out of the condom and prevents breakage when the sperm shoots out to over eighty miles per hour!!
   (Sometimes before moving onto the next step squeezing a small amount of lube on the tip of the penis aids getting the condom on, as well as enhances male pleasure)
5. While still holding the tip, roll the condom gently down the penis- (pull back the foreskin before rolling if applicable) Use both hands to complete this step and be sure to smooth out any air bubbles.
6. Lubricate- this reduces friction and enhances pleasure. Too much friction can cause your condom to break. Avoid any oil based lubricants such as Vaseline® or vegetable oils, they can damage condoms. Use instead water-based lubricants such as Astroglide® or KY® jelly.
7. After climax remove the condom- It is important to remove the condom while the penis is still erect because the condom is less likely to slip and spill if the penis is still hard.
8. Dispose of the condom- Use a condom only once and dispose hygienically. Do not flush it down the toilet, they will clog up your toilets.

BUT WHAT IF IT BREAKS?

Remove both penis and condom immediately, then remove the condom and replace it with a fresh one. If necessary you may want to consider emergency contraceptives, which are now available over the counter at most pharmacies. They are also available at the Health Center. For a list of pharmacies in Carlisle that carry the Emergency Contraceptive pills and their prices click here.