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- $Unique_ID{BRK00107}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{How to Use Condoms}
- $Subject{condoms safe sex Community Social lifestyle lifestyles condom sexual
- penis sheaths semen birth control latex prophylactic prophylactics
- prophylaxis}
- $Volume{Q-23}
- $Log{
- Types of Birth Control*0002001.scf}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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- How to Use Condoms
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- QUESTION: I'm too embarrassed to ask my doctor, but all this talk about
- condoms has me baffled. How do you use them?
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-
- ANSWER: This question, in one form or another, is a most frequent one in my
- mail. Despite the enormous importance of preventive measures to control the
- spread of sexually transmitted diseases, particularly AIDS, information of the
- type sought here seems difficult to obtain. In the interest of the health of
- those who need this information, and trusting that it is understood that the
- information is medical in nature and implies no moral judgements, I shall
- answer it as precisely as possible.
- Condoms, sheaths of very thin rubber that fit closely onto the penis and
- prevent the escape of semen, are an old and reasonably effective form of birth
- control. More important, in these days, latex condoms are effective in
- reducing the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS.
- There are two types of condoms, latex or rubber condoms and natural
- condoms made of sheep gut. Only the latex type has been shown to stop the
- transmission of the AIDS virus. In order to be effective as either birth
- control or disease protection, a new condom must be used each and every time
- you have sex, no ifs, ands, or buts.
- A condom comes rolled up. It is placed on the head of the erect penis
- leaving a bit of space at the tip to catch the semen, and then unrolled down
- the shaft all the way to the base. A condom must be in place before
- intercourse. After intercourse, the male partner must withdraw carefully to
- avoid dislodging the condom, after which it may be removed and disposed of.
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists estimates that
- condoms cost about $30 a year and are 90% effective at preventing pregnancy.
- Most failures are due to forgetting to use a condom or tearing it while
- putting it on. Additionally, they are almost universally recommended as a
- means of promoting "safe sex", and preventing the spread of sexually
- transmitted diseases.
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-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
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-