This Valentine’s Day love with caution.
The month of February is “National Condom Month.” The fight against HIV/AIDS in particular and other sexually transmitted infections has been a major priority for this sub-Region, including the Turks and Caicos Islands. This month, especially, we invite sexually active persons to take charge of their sexual health and to be true to themselves.
Proper use of condoms, both male and female, are currently the ONLY available and MOST effective method of preventing HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. It also protects against unintended pregnancies. The search for new preventative technologies such as, HIV vaccines and microbicides continues to make progress, but CONDOMS will remain the PRIMARY preventative tool for many years to come.
In addition to the male condom, the female condom is a powerful tool for triple protection. It is a technology currently available that enables men and women to prevent themselves simultaneously from unintended pregnancy, HIV and other STIs.
Access to and use of the female condom gives women more control over their bodies and reproductive health.
It offers a life-saving option and helps reduce unprotected sexual activity.
Here are some tips for using male and female condoms:
- ever use two condoms together, whether that’s two male condoms or a female and a male condom. They will rub against each other, and this friction can weaken them and make them more likely to break or fail.
- se a new condom every time you have sex.
- eat can damage condoms, so store them somewhere cool and dry.
- heck the expiry date on the packaging, as condoms don’t last forever and may be past the point at which they are effective for use.
- uy condoms before going on holiday to avoid problems with language and trying to find somewhere to buy them.
- se plenty of water-based lubricant, such as K-Y Jelly (available in pharmacies), especially for anal sex.
- o not use body lotions, moisturizers, massage oil, body oil, lipstick or any other oil-based product (such as petroleum jelly, or Vaseline) with latex or polyisoprene condoms. This is because they can weaken the condom, making it less effective.
- rap used condoms in a tissue or piece of paper and put them in a trash bin. Do not flush used condoms down the toilet.
Using a condom during oral sex can help protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including those that affect the mouth or throat such as herpes gonorrhea and chlamydia. Try using flavored condoms for variety.
Getting use to condoms can take a little practice, but it doesn’t take long before condoms start to feel like an essential part of your sex life. Use a new condom for every act of intercourse.
If your penis is uncircumcised, pull the foreskin back before putting on the condom
Put the condom on after your penis is erect and before any contact is made between your penis and any part of your partner’s body. In the case of the female condom, a female can lie on her side to insert or stand with one leg on a chair.
The female condom can be worn up to 8 hours.
To use the male condom pinch the tip of the condom and leave half an inch and roll to the base of the condom.
Finally, remember that use of drugs and excessive alcohol is not a good idea. It can impair your judgment and cause you to engage in risky sexual behavior and forget to use a condom.
During this special month of LOVE, remember to use a condom every time- LOVE WITH CAUTION.
For additional information regarding prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, contact the HIV Prevention Unit at 338-2772, Grand Turk or 338-4941, Providenciales.
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