NATUROPATHY AT HOME
CONDOMS

Condoms are a safe, inexpensive and effective way to prevent pregnancy and to prevent many sexually transmitted diseases
(STDs). Condoms are the only reversible effective male method besides withdrawal. They are the best method of
contraception that also minimizes the risk of STDs. It is important, however, to use a condom correctly.

HOW TO USE A CONDOM
  1. Open the package carefully. Fingernails and rough handling can damage the condom.
  2. Put the condom on when the penis is erect, before insertion. You or your partner can do this.
  3. Pinch the tip of the condom to squeeze out air and make room for semen. Air bubbles can reduce sensitivity and
    increase the chance of breakage.
  4. Keep holding the tip of the condom (pull back foreskin if uncircumcised), and unroll the condom all the way over the
    erect penis.
  5. Use only water-based lubricants for intercourse. Oil-based lubricants such as petroleum jelly (Vaseline) can
    damage the condom.
  6. Immediately after ejaculation, hold onto the base of the condom and pull out (of the vagina, mouth or anus) while the
    penis is still erect. This prevents semen from spilling out or the condom from slipping off.
  7. Use each condom only once.
  8. Dispose of condoms in the garbage, not the toilet.

GENERAL INFORMATION
  • The condom should be in place before any intimate genital-to-genital or oral-genital contact or penetration. Semen
    or pre-ejaculate can leak out of the penis before orgasm, which can cause pregnancy or STDs including HIV/AIDS.
    Note that vaginal secretions, blood (including menstrual blood), and feces can also transmit some STDs.
  • Do not unroll the condom before putting it on.
  • Use a new condom for every act of vaginal or anal sex. STD transmission is possible, although less likely, with oral
    sex (mouth-penis), and condoms can be used to reduce this risk.
  • Do not use a condom if the package is damaged or if the latex is discolored, brittle, gummy, or obviously damaged.
  • Latex condoms are available with and without lubrication (which may include Nonoxynol-9, a spermicide). The
    lubrication in lubricated condoms is often adequate for vaginal intercourse, but additional lubrication is needed for
    anal intercourse.
  • Before unrolling the condom over the penis, a dab of water-based lubricant or spermicide placed inside the tip of the
    condom will increase sensation, and may help prevent the condom from breaking. In order to prevent breakage,
    lubrication on the outside of the condom is always necessary for anal intercourse, and may be necessary for vaginal
    intercourse. Air bubbles inside a condom decrease sensitivity and increase the chance of breakage.
  • Latex condoms are very sensitive to oils, so lubricants must not include any oil. Petroleum jelly (Vaseline), vegetable
    oil, shortening, and hand lotions all contain oil, which will cause latex condoms to break. Products marketed as
    sexual lubricants will say they are safe with latex condoms, or that they are not to be used with latex condoms. KY
    (and similar products) is available at drug stores. Other options are available at specialty stores. Some brand
    names are Astroglide, Wet, Probe.
  • It is important that hands, etc. also be free of anything containing fats and oils, including massage oils, chocolate
    syrup, whipped cream, or other things used in sexual play.
  • Putting a condom on can be made a part of sex play. Using a condom may prevent premature ejaculation in some
    men.
  • If genital irritation occurs in either partner, changing brands may eliminate the problem. Some people are sensitive
    to Nonoxynol-9, and a condom without spermicide may work better. If the irritation persists, or if it is severe, consult a
    health care provider. Spermicides with Nonoxynol-9 may have some anti viral effect.
  • Many people find that there are big differences between different brands. If you dislike something about condoms,
    shop around. You may find the problem is with a particular brand that you’re using.
  • Natural membrane condoms (“skins”, “lambskin”) do not protect against the transmission of certain viruses,
    especially HIV and hepatitis. Latex condoms must be used for disease prevention. “Lambskin” condoms are,
    however, effective for preventing pregnancy.
  • No condom will protect against pregnancy or against transmission of HIV 100% of the time. Used correctly, condoms
    have a theoretical effectiveness against pregnancy of 98%, but in actual use the number is closer to 90% due to error
    in their use. Protection from HIV would be comparable.
  • Properly stored condoms will be good for 2-5 years from date of manufacture (usually stamped on the box). Store
    away from light unless they are packaged in foil, and always store away from heat (sunlight, glove compartment,
    wallet).

TYPES OF CONDOMS

Latex
  • Made from natural or synthetic rubber. Choices include:
  • Lubricated or unlubricated
  • With or without spermicide
  • Reservoir or plain tip
  • Smell, medium or large
  • Textured or smooth
  • Colored or plain
  • Thin, thick, or normal
  • Most people find the colored and lubricated the most objectionable tasting. Spermicide is particularly nasty tasting.
  • The lubrication on condoms is inadequate for anal sex. Textured and thicker condoms are stronger, and so are
    probably better for anal sex.

Lambskin or natural skin
  • Made from lamb intestine (cecum)
  • Some people prefer their sensation. They are said to conduct heat similarly to human skin.
  • They are effective in preventing pregnancy, but they do not stop the transmission of HIV or other sexually transmitted
    diseases.
  • They are more expensive than latex condoms.

Polyurethane condoms
  • Brand names are Avanti, Trojan Supra, and others.
  • A good choice for people who are allergic to latex.
  • These can be used with oil-based lubricants.
  • These are said to be completely tasteless.
  • Polypropylene is stronger than latex and so condoms can be made thinner for greater sensitivity.
  • Expensive.

Female condoms
  • Brand name “Reality”.
  • Made of polyurethane.
  • These condoms need lots of lubrication. Some brands come with extra lubrication.
  • Expensive.

WHERE TO GET THEM
  • Drugstores
  • Specialty stores
  • The Rubber Tree 4427 Burke Ave. N., Seattle 98103 (in Wallingford at 45th and Burke). Non-profit, sponsored
    by Zero Population Growth. Non-intimidating, candid and knowledgeable staff. They have sample bottles of
    lubricants.
  • Rubber Rainbow Condom Company 1515 1st Ave. (in Pike Place Market area).
  • Mail Order
  • ZPG-Seattle/The Rubber Tree. Address above or 206-633-4750.
  • Internet
  • Hospitals
  • Harborview Medical Center (STD Clinic on third floor), 325 Ninth Ave., Seattle, WA. 206-223-3590. Condoms
    and dental dams are free. Anonymous STD testing and medications available free of charge to those who
    qualify.
  • Public health clinics, AIDS service organizations, Planned Parenthood, some doctor’s offices will usually have
    condoms, dental dams, and maybe lubricants available for free.

Resources
1.        Harborview Medical Center (STD Clinic on third floor) 325 Ninth Ave., Seattle, WA 206-223-3590.
2.        Public health clinics
3.        AIDS Service Organizations
4.        Planned Parenthood
VITAL STREAM NATUROPATHY
VITAL STREAM NATUROPATHY
Credits to Bastyr University for content included in 'Naturopathy At Home' TM  topics
Visit our online store ...