Risk Reduction
Condoms
I'm just wondering... how much does a condom cost? I've bought a box which has 3 condoms and it costed 3.50 dollars and I thought it was way too expensive. What do you think?
Condoms can be expensive depending on the quantity and where you buy them. Generally, the price per condom goes down when you buy a larger box. "Convenience" locations like corner stores and gas stations also tend to charge more for toiletries, condoms, and even fruit than if you made the same purchases at a drugstore or grocery store. Keep in mind that you can get unlimited free condoms from Youth Clinics.
is there an age restriction of getting free condoms from the youth clinic?
Vancouver Coastal Health’s Youth Clinics are meant for young people between the ages of 13 and 25. You can get free and confidential services at these youth-friendly clinics, including free condoms. If you look under the Need Help section of our website, you will find the location and hours for the Youth Clinics in the Lower Mainland.
Is it okay to use the condoms that are out-dated? What's the disadvantages of using that? I've used it once and nothing seemed to be wrong. I didn't want to use the out-dated ones but then, I usually buy condoms from my high school's boy's washroom but then that one has been broken for a while and I had no choice but to ask someone else to buy it from the girl's washroom, which surprisingly are all out-dated. I don't feel safe using the out-dated condoms but then I don't know where to buy. Is there any free condoms that I can get? I understand that I can get it from the local youth clinic but then I'm shy to do so since having relationship is extremely forbidden in my family.
Expired condoms do not effectively reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy, STIs, and HIV. Latex, the material condoms are made of, breaks down over time. This means that it’s possible that there are tiny wholes, rips, and/or tears in the condom that could allow for body fluid transfer.
It’s great to see that you know about the free condoms at the Youth Clinics. The great thing about these clinics is that they are confidential and anonymous. The staff do not require that you give them your name: people can even use a fake name if they feel more comfortable and they won’t contact your parents.
Is there any ways that I can get free condoms without revealing my face? Because I think having relationship with a girl is extremely forbidden in my family so I don't want to take a risk from being revealed, plus I am very shy to simply walk into youth clinic and ask for condoms....
It looks like you’re in a dilemma here. It sounds like you really want to be responsible about taking care of your sexual health but don’t want anyone to know that you are sexually active. Here at Condomania, we believe that one of the signs of being “ready” is being able to get what you need to take care of yourself. Your questions show that you are on the right path: you’re getting information to make healthy choices!
Many youth and adults feel uncomfortable when getting condoms, visiting the doctor about sexual health concerns, and even talking to their partner about sex. You may feel more comfortable if you keep in mind that most people become sexual at some point in their lives and have to figure out how they are going to take care of themselves. Indeed, the Youth Clinics are meant to make it easier for young people to get the information and help they need to take care of themselves. No one will judge you there or tell your parents.
If you still want to be sexually active and are not able to get condoms yourself, you may want to look at other options. Perhaps your partner or a close friend would be willing to get the condoms.
Can you reuse a condom? Will a balloon work in it's place? And are condoms always affective?
Pregnancy, STIs, and HIV infection are possible consequences of having sex. If you are going to be sexually active, it's important to take steps to protect your health, including using a barrier made for this purpose. Balloons do not offer the same protection as a condom. And, all condoms are not made equal! You need to check the back of the packaging to make sure it says: "If used properly, condoms will prevent pregnancy and the spread of STDs and HIV. This is true even if you do not think you are ovulating or your partner's body is making sperm. When teens are going through puberty, their bodies are not predictable.
Condoms in the hot tub! Are they still affective? Or would the chemicals hurt the condom. And if i ejaculated in the hot tub, could it get to her vagina and make her pregnant??? Thanks!
The chemicals in the hot tub water can weaken and possibly break a condom. Also, if you have sex in any body of water (hot tub, pool, ocean, etc.) there is a chance that water can be forced into your girlfriend's vagina which can damage the inside of her body. By looking at physics or mechanics, it is easier to see why this is. During intercourse, the penis acts like a piston in the engine of a car. The penis is thrusting into a chamber (the vagina). When on dry land, there is a layer of air between the two people (hopefully there is also a condom!). Because the properties of water are different than air, the same action under water can create enough pressure to cause internal damage. Because of these two factors, you have to be very careful when it comes to sex in a hot tub. You may want to save intercourse for dry land, and try other activities such as oral sex or mutual masturbation.
To answer your final question, if you ejaculate into the hot tub (assuming it's not directly into your girlfriend's vagina), any sperm floating in the water should not be able to cause a pregnancy. The sperm in your ejaculate would likely die quickly due to the chemicals used to treat the water and the high temperature of the water. However, why take the risk?! Plus, most likely, all the other people using the hot tub would prefer if you did not ejaculate in the water!
Who invented condoms?
The first record of condom use is with Egyptian men in 1350 BC, who used them to decorate penises and to help protect against infections and pregnancy. There is also evidence of condom use in Europe in 100-200 AD. This evidence is found in cave paintings. These first condoms were made from animals - the stomach lining of sheep or lamb - or from linen. Animal skin condoms are not very effective against preventing pregnancy because they are porous (have very small holes in them). In the 1700s condoms became popularized for protection against pregnancy. In 1943, Goodyear and Hancock invented a process for mass producing rubber products, including condoms. The origin of the word condom is still unknown. One theory is that it was named after its inventor, Condom or Conton, who was at the court of King Charles II. However, the more plausible explanation is that it is derived from the Latin word 'condus' which means receptacle.
Where can I go to get free condoms, in Vancouver?
You can get free condoms at any of the youth clinics listed on this website.
What are the benefits of using a condom and why should I use it?
The benefit of using a condom is mainly that it can protect you from getting an STI and it reduces the risk against unplanned pregnancy. Good deal - two in one. And using protection allows you to feel more comfortable during sex, thereby increasing the pleasure!
Is it a good idea to use two condoms to decrease chances of pregnancy and decrease stimulation to the male?
A common misconception is that wearing two condoms at the same time, or "double bagging," will double your protection. The fact is that wearing two male condoms at the same time can be hazardous because the friction caused by two condoms rubbing together can break down the latex. To be safe, wear one condom at a time and roll it down to the base of the penis.
The guy I've been dating has genital herpes and the location of outbreaks tends to be at the base of his penis or even a little further off. This leads to my question: do you have or know of any type of condom (e.g. one that's flared at the base) that might protect that particular base area?
The female condom is flared at the base and actually covers more of the area surrounding the genitals. It might be good to try. As well, you should avoid intercourse when your boyfriend is having an outbreak... because that is when there is greater change of transmission of infection during an "outbreak." You might want to visit a youth clinic to talk with a nurse to make sure you are keeping yourself safe from contracting herpes.
Can you get a girl pregnant with using a condom?
Condoms, worn correctly and every time, are effective in reducing the risk of pregnancy. However if the condom is not rolled down the penis all the way, or if the top is not squeezed to let the air out, there is the potential for breakage or it slipping off.
If a woman has a genital piercing then would the condom rip upon contact?
This is definitely a possibility if there are any sharp edges that could snag the condoms. According to those who have genital piercings, it is usually not a problem for a guy to wear a condom if he has genital piercings because most genital piercings are rings, which do not puncture condoms. A tip is to put a bit of lube on the inside of the condom. In terms of female genital piercing, they too are mostly rings, and therefore do not have parts that will rip the condom. It's best to ask the piercing professional who pierced you for complete information.
My girlfriend and I just started talking seriously about having sex. She's been using the pill since the summer, and she says we don't need a condom. However, I'm concerned about pregnancy (we're not really worried about STDs since we're both virgins, we're not planning to have other relationships at the same time, and we're gonna go get tested anyway). So my question is the following: what is the increase in protection if we use the combination pill and condom rather than just the pill (i.e. is there a big difference in preventing pregnancy by using the condom and the pill at the same time, or is it almost the same as using the pill?). She says that the difference in protection is not even 1%. Is that true? And another question: I heard it's a lot more enjoyable without a condom (for both of us), is that true?
Congratulations for talking about sex before you and your girlfriend do it! In this case, your girlfriend is correct. If a woman is taking the birth control pill (and doesn't miss taking her pills) she is very unlikely to get pregnant. The pill is 97% effective in preventing pregnancy if it is taken according to instructions. However, if a pill or more is missed the likelihood of pregnancy increases. And it sounds like you're being very smart, for example by getting a medical test. If you get tested and agree to be monogamous (not have other sexual partners), then you are probably fine only using the pill. This is because in your case you and your girlfriend have reduced the risk of STI transmission. Now, do condoms reduce sexual pleasure? That depends on each individual. Some people complain about a decrease in pleasure. However, some people speak of an increase in pleasure because they don't have to worry about getting pregnant or getting an STI. As well, some men who use condoms find the slight decrease in feeling a benefit because it helps them keep their erection longer without ejaculating. This is beneficial because they feel they can better satisfy their partners because they can have intercourse longer. Thanks for your questions and good luck!
I was wondering.. what is the success rate of a condom actually protecting you during sex?
It's a bit tricky question to give you an exact answer because the success rate depends whether you're using the condom the correct way and using one every time genitals come into contact. Condom companies say that condoms are 97% effective. This means that if used PROPERLY and REGULARLY, condoms are a very effective way to protect you and the person you're having sex from unwanted pregnancy and most sexually transmitted infections. Keep in mind that even with condom use, it is possible to catch STIs that are transmitted through skin-to-skin contact like genital warts.
While the success rate of condoms is very impressive, it is still up to the people having sex to be responsible for protecting their emotional and physical health. We recommend that people take care of their sexual health by using condoms and taking other steps. These include getting to know your partner, getting tested for STIs together, making your decisions about sex when you're not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, finding our more about how to take care of your sexual health, communicating with your partner, etc.
ive been wanting to ask u but.. i recently had sex and the condom didn't rip and im a little worried maybe some how i could have got her pregnant and also i had sex another time and my penis hurts sometimes and im scared that i have something so if u can answer my question that would be a great help thanks.
Excellent work! It's great to hear that you are aware of the possible outcomes of sex and are taking steps to protect your healthy as well as your partner's! By using a condom properly, you can prevent pregnancy and STDs. As both of these things can be scary, even when using condoms properly, many people worry about whether they really worked.
When used properly, condoms are about 99% effective in preventing pregnancy and the spread of STDs. The best way to put your mind at ease is to know that you are doing everything possible to help the condom do its job! So, check the expiry date, feel the package for an air pocket (to make sure there are no holes), rip the package carefully, check on your finger to see that the condom will roll down before putting it on your penis, and have extra condoms ready in case of mistakes.
Sometimes we are not able to take care of our bodies on our own. When things - such as your penis - hurt, it could be a sign of an infection or an injury. It's best to visit a doctor or a Youth Clinic to get a medical opinion and tests, if necessary. Bringing some answers with you will help the doctors/nurses do their job. You may want to think about things like: when did it start hurting? How long has it been hurting for? What does the pain feel like? Our website lists Youth Clinics in the Lower Mainland. You can get a confidential and anonymous examinations and tests at these locations.
Thank you very very much for all of the info! Finally, somebody with some answers! You will be happy to know that I am extremely careful when it comes to everything sexual. I am not prone to having unprotected sex because I am paranoid about ruining my life this early at the age of 20. I am allergic to latex however and my experience with non-latex condoms have been horrible. The first three times I ever had sex, the condom broke! It freaked me out and turned me off for a while. I can use latex condoms if I clean very carefully afterwards and put up with a bit of oversensitivity. I have at least never had a latex condom break. I have been advised not to go on the pill, because of my migraines and family history, etc.
Sounds like you have some added challenges to taking care of your sexual health! Have you tried the female condom? It's made of polyurethane, which is a very strong plastic that conducts heat better than latex. You can also get male condoms made of polyurethane at specialty stores like Womyn's Ware. Polyurethane condoms are more expensive than latex condoms. However, people under 23 years can get female condoms free of charge at Youth Clinics. If these options don't work for you, you may find it useful to discuss alternatives for reducing your risk of pregnancy, STIs, and HIV with someone at your local Youth Clinic or Options For Sexual Health Clinic.
umm... my friend and I were wondering where we can get condoms... were too embarassed to go buy them, and we dont have a sex ed program at our school where we can get them HELP... we dont nessecarily want to use them just incase u know?
We think it's great you've asked this question and are looking for ways to take care of your health! Here at Condomania, we think it's best for people to learn about and get comfortable with sexual health issues way before they decide to become sexually active. That way, people have the information they need to take care of their health and make decisions that they are comfortable with. Also, whatever you do with condoms is your own business, so don't worry about what others think! It's definitely important to even see what a condom is like and to look over the instructions before you become sexually active!
There's lots of places you can get FREE condoms and sexual health information in most cities. Are there any youth clinics, Planned Parenthood clinics, or HIV/AIDS organizations in your area? They usually have a jar of condoms on their front counter and you just go in, grab some, and go! (Nobody will look at you funny or ask questions). And, it's even better if you can go in with your friend! These are also great places to get more information or find answers to your question; the staff are very friendly and extremely knowledgeable about sexually-related topics.
What is the deal with the female condom? And can you use it for anal sex too
A female condom looks quite different from the kind that goes on a penis. It is made of a material called polyurethane that is less stretchy than latex (the material that male condom is commonly made from). It has two parts: 1) a ring that can be removed and 2) a tube that's closed at one end and has a ring at the other. The tube part is about 17 cm long with a diameter of about 7 cm. The ring goes inside the tube at the closed end. You squeeze this inner ring so it's flat and then use your fingers to place it inside your vagina. The inner ring will fit around your cervix and hold the condom in place during vaginal intercourse. The female condom can also be used for anal intercourse; just remove the inner ring before inserting it. If you want to learn more about the female condom, visit this website: www.femalehealth.com.
Many people think that the only time semen (cum) comes out of a penis is during ejaculation. This is not true. When a man gets aroused, a tiny amount of semen comes to the tip of his penis to provide lubrication; this is called pre-ejaculate or pre-cum. There is enough sperm in pre-cum to cause pregnancy. And, if the person has a STI or HIV, it is possible to get infected through pre-cum. Anytime two genitals are in contact, you should use a barrier such as the male or female condom.
Yes, you can use it for anal sex, too. Just toss the ring and insert into the anus using your fingers or place it over your partner’s penis as you would a regular condom.
Why does the condom have a little space at the top?
The tip of the condom holds semen that comes out of the penis during male ejaculation. When putting the condom on, it is important to squeeze this tip, so that any air is removed from the condom. Air in the condom can lead to breakage.
Why does the guy use the condom? And I heard that when a guy uses the condom they are not enjoying it. Why are they not enjoying?
Male condoms are made to fit on the man's penis. However, there are some condoms that are made for women, and they fit in the woman's vagina.
Some men and women think that wearing a condom takes away some of the sensation they feel during intercourse. Others feel that wearing a condom is useful because it can help prevent the person wearing the condom from having an orgasm too soon.
Many people like the trade off: a little less sensation is okay because they lessen their risk of contracting an STD or getting pregnant, and this helps them relax. Still others feel that there is no difference in feeling between wearing a condom or not.
If somebody's partner thinks that sex is not as good with a condom, then both partners need to talk about it. Remember that sex is a full body experience... sex does not just happen where the condom is! There are many different body parts that partners can touch during sexual intercourse. Sex is more than physical; emotions and feelings add to making sex enjoyable!
Lubricant
I heard some lubricants could eat away the condom material. Which is the best lube to use with condoms?
Yes, it is true that oil-based lubricants will break down latex rubber and make the condom virtually useless. With latex condoms you need to wear WATER-based lubricants. There are also lubricants that contain silicone which are safe to use with latex condoms. These products are available in drug stores or other specialty stores. Never use oil or petroleum products (such as Vaseline) with a latex condom. Female condoms or male condoms made from polyurethane are made from different materials and you can use water, silicone or oil based lubricants with these condoms. It is a personal preference which product is best. Some people like the new silicone lubricants because they remain slick for longer and even in water! It's best to try different kinds and see which you and your partner prefer.
How is lubricant applied on a condom? And without lubricant is sex still slimy? If so, why?
Lubricant is a substance that makes things slippery so they can glide easier and avoid friction. Water-based lubricant can be used to make sexual intercourse more enjoyable and to reduce the amount of friction on the condom. It can increase the pleasure of both partners. When choosing a lubricant, you want to make sure it is meant for internal use. You may also want to avoid lubricants made with sugars as they can cause yeast infections in some women.
When using the male condom, some people like to add lubricant to the inside of the condom by putting a dab on tip of the penis or in the tip before rolling it on. This increase the sensations experienced by the man wearing the condom. Then, you can also put some lubricant on the outside of the male condom once it's on or on the opening to the vagina or anus. This will make the penis slide more easily into the vagina or anus. If you are using a female condom, you can put more lubricant on the outside and inside of the condom before inserting it.
Our bodies are pretty darn smart. When it comes to sex, the body knows that things are most comfortable with some lubrication. So, as people become aroused, their body begins to excrete natural lubricants: a bit of pre-cum will come to the tip of their penis and the vagina will begin to moisten itself with vaginal fluid. Everyone's body is different and this affects how much natural lubricant is released. The condom is used as a barrier so that these natural fluids do not come into contact with your partner's body. Many people like to use extra water-based lubricant to make things slippery enough for smooth penetration, especially when using a condom.
For masturbation, is any kind of lubricate needed?
This is a personal choice and depends on what feels right for you. Some people like to use lubricant while masturbating and others don't. It's best to use a water-based lubricant that's meant for sexual activities as these products are meant to be used on genitalia. This is especially important for girls and women as oil-based lubricants can trap bacteria and cause infections inside the vagina.
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