Barrier Methods

Condom
Who uses it?
How do you use it?
Where do you get it?
How effective are they?
STD Protection
Pros
Cons

The male condom is a thin covering that fits over an erect penis. Condoms are used to help prevent pregnancy and protect from HIV and other STDs when you have vaginal, anal or oral sex. Condoms can be made out of different materials. Condoms come in different textures, colors and sizes. Make sure the condom fits. Some condoms are lubricated, making the condom more slippery and comfortable to use during sex. Only water based lubricants can be used with latex condoms.

People who are looking for no-commitment birth control and want STD protection as much as they want pregnancy prevention.

Before opening the condom make sure to check the Expiration Date. Once you are sure the condom has not expired, open the package with your fingers and take the condom out. Before using a condom, ensure that the condom is right-side up, so that when it is placed on the penis it will roll down correctly. If the penis is uncircumcised, pull back the foreskin before placing the condom on the penis. Then unroll the condom all the way to the base of the penis. After sex, withdraw the penis while holding the rim of the condom at the base of the penis to avoid having any cum (or ejaculate) spill out. Then remove the condom while the penis is still erect.

It is always recommended that you talk to your partner about using a condom in advance. Some important things to note, if during sex the penis becomes exposed to a different site (i.e. moves from anus to vagina) be sure to change the condom. Also, if the condom is placed on the penis upside down and will not unroll, be sure to throw that condom away and open a new one. A condom is only meant to be used once and then thrown away. Do not use 2 condoms at the same time, i.e. female and male condom or 2 male condoms (“double bagging”) as this can cause them to break.

You can buy condoms at most drugstores and supermarkets, and many clinics give them away free of charge. You do not need a prescription to buy condoms, and you do not need ID. People of all ages can easily buy condoms.

Condoms are 85-98% effective. The biggest reason for condom failure is not using a condom correctly each time you have sex.

Yes. Condoms are the ONLY birth control method that prevents STDs and HIV. They can also be used with other hormonal birth control methods for double protection.

Condoms can prevent pregnancy and STDs, including HIV. You don’t have to go to a clinic to get them. Condoms are easy to find in many places; at supermarkets, gas stations, drugstores, local clinics, and in vending machines. Condoms are easy to carry around. Condoms may help an erection last longer.

Condoms can break and slip off 1-2% of the time. To prevent breakage and slippage check for proper placement and size.

Female Condom
How do you use it?
Where do you get it?
How effective are they?
STD Protection
Pros
Cons

The female condom is a thin, but very strong pouch, inserted into the vagina or the anus and can be used by both men and women for safe vaginal and anal sex. It blocks sperm from reaching the egg to prevent pregnancy, and also protects against STDs and HIV. This type of condom is disposable and should be carefully removed and thrown away after use.

The female condom can be inserted into the vagina or anus before having sex. It is a tube-shaped condom with a flexible ring on each end. The inner ring at the closed end is used to insert the condom inside the vagina; however the ring is removable when the female condom is being used in the anus. The outer ring at the open end of the condom remains outside the vagina or anus. The penis is inserted into the open end of the condom. Do not use this condom at the same time as a male condom because the friction from the two materials rubbing together can cause them to break.

You can buy condoms at most drugstores and supermarkets, and many clinics give them away free of charge. You do not need a prescription to buy condoms, and you do not need ID. People of all ages can easily buy condoms.

The female condom is 95% effective for pregnancy protection.

Yes. Condoms are the ONLY birth control method that prevents STDs and HIV. They can also be used with other hormonal birth control methods for double protection.

They help prevent STDs, including HIV. They are easy to find. They are sold in many places; at supermarkets, drugstores, local clinics, and in restroom vending machines. They are easy to carry around, and can be inserted up to 8 hours before having sex.

May cause irritation of the vagina, penis or anus. May reduce feeling during intercourse or slip inside the vagina or anus. Can be noisy. Using extra lubricant can help.

Source: TeenSource.org