Using condoms is an easy, affordable way to protect yourself and your partner against unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Having safe sex means taking responsibility for your sexual and reproductive health, by educating yourself about the benefits of condoms and other contraceptives.

Condom Week 2019

February 7-14 is Condom Week, an initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the benefits of condoms. Armed with this information, you can make smart choices about how to protect your sexual health. Here are a few useful facts about the types of condoms available on the market:

Using Male Condoms

A male condom is a sheath made of very thin latex or polyurethane, which is designed to fit over a man’s erect penis just before intercourse. Wearing a condom creates a very thin, lightweight physical barrier that prevents the transfer of bodily fluids between sexual partners.

Latex condoms tend to be more reliable and readily available in most countries. However, polyurethane condoms are recommended for people who have an allergic reaction to latex (although this is quite a rare allergy, and only a small percentage of people will need to worry about it).

Important to note: Latex condoms can only be used with water-based lubricants. Oil-based lubricants like petroleum jelly or cold cream will break down the latex and make your condom unsafe to use.

Polyurethane condoms are thinner than latex condoms, so some people might prefer them for the increased sensitivity they offer. They are a bit more expensive than latex condoms though, and are also slightly less flexible. This means they may require more lubrication for safe use. Polyurethane condoms can be used with both oil-based and water-based lubricants.

Some condoms are pre-lubricated with a silicone substance, and some with a water-based lubricant. This lubrication is designed to make the condom easier to put on, and more comfortable to use. Lubrication can also help to prevent the condom from breaking.

If you use a condom correctly, the likelihood of a breakage is very small.

Facts about Female Condoms

The female condom is not as widely used as the male condom, but it has plenty of benefits. Firstly, it covers a wider area and offers more protection against pregnancy and STIs. It’s designed to fit inside the vagina, and also covers the vulva.

Another advantage of the female condom is that it can be inserted up to eight hours before intercourse. Some couples might prefer this, as it means they can enjoy sex spontaneously without the interruption of putting on a male condom.

Good to know: Female condoms aren’t made with latex like most male condoms are. Instead, they are made with polyurethane or nitrile. That means they’re safe for people who are allergic to latex. Female condoms can also be safely used with either water-based or oil-based lubricants.

Keep in mind that female condoms are also more expensive than male condoms, and have been shown to be 95% effective, whereas male condoms are 98% effective.

The female condom is a valuable option for women who want an alternative form of protection, especially if their partner is unwilling to use a male condom. (However, if you have a partner who is refusing to practise safe sex, this person may not be the right partner for you.)

Protect Yourself and Your Partners

Everyone has the right to safety, respect and protection in their sexual relationships. Take the necessary steps to protect yourself, and show respect to your sexual partners by openly discussing the best contraceptive options for both of you.

Be smart about your sexual health:

• Recognise the signs and symptoms of STIs
• Seek medical help at the first sign of STI symptoms
• Know your HIV status
• Get tested for HIV regularly
• Encourage your partner to be tested and/or treated for STIs
• Be faithful to your partner
• Use condoms correctly and consistently
• Communicate your health status (including HIV status) to your healthcare providers, to ensure you receive appropriate care

If you want to know more about the advantages of condoms, or need more advice on safe sex, you can contact our Employee Wellness Programme (EWP), which is available 24 hours a day.

 

 

Sources

Female Condoms – The Pros & Cons of Internal Condoms. Retrieved from: https://helloclue.com/articles/sex/internal-condoms-101

Contraception – Condoms for Women. Retrieved from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/contraception-condoms-for-women

Condom Week. Retrieved from:
http://www.kznhealth.gov.za/sti10.htm