Disease (STI) Prevention: Barriers & Lube

Some of the best and easiest protection against sexually transmissible infections is through consistent use of latex (condoms or squares). Proper lubrication will ensure safety and reduce the likelihood of the condom breaking while increasing the pleasure factor. Check out the safer sex supplies available at Gannett's Pharmacy at your next visit.

The male condom

The female condom

Using a male condom effectively

Latex squares

Latex gloves

The male condom (non-prescription)*

For disease prevention, use latex or polyurethane condoms (animal membrane condoms do not protect against disease). Condoms are most effective when used with a lubricant to prevent breakage. Condoms also provide good protection against unplanned pregnancy.

Male condoms come in many varieties, sizes and colors. Some are lubricated, some flavored and some come with spermicide (usually designated by the ingredient non-oxynol-9).

Some individuals have a reaction, either to latex or to the spermicide ingredient found on some condoms (non-oxynol-9). These reactions can cause skin breakage, and may make you more susceptible to disease. If you (or your partner) experience any itching, redness or burning after condom use, you may want to try a different brand. Polyurethane condoms are a good alternative to latex, or be sure you purchase lubricated condoms without spermicide.

Some "novelty" condoms are sold in stores and through magazines but are not intended as a protection against disease. Be sure to read the manufacturers warning carefully.

All of the condoms sold at Gannett can be used for disease or contraceptive protection.

The female condom (non-prescription)

The "female condom" is a polyurethane sheath made of thin, transparent, soft plastic that is inserted into the vagina. It has two rings: one at the closed end to help with insertion, and one that sits outside the vagina or anus at the open end. Use of a lubricant is recommended for comfort and to prevent breakage.

The female condom is a good alternative for individuals who are allergic to latex, or for people whose partners do not want to wear a male condom. The female condom provides good protection for women because of the additional coverage of the external genitalia.

Using a male condom effectively

1. Open the condom package carefully without ripping the condom inside. Avoid using fingernails, teeth, or other sharp objects to open the package. (It helps to always keep a few extra condoms on hand in case you accidentally tear the one you are using.)

2. Look at the condom to determine which side will properly roll down the penis before actually putting it on the tip of the penis. Unroll the condom a bit to make sure the condom is being unrolled in the right direction. The rolled ring should be on the outside. Then pinch the tip of the condom with one hand, and unroll it down to the base of the erect penis with the other (or a partner can help). If the penis is uncircumcised, pull the foreskin back before putting on the condom.

If the condom does not unroll easily, it is on upside-down and should be discarded. Start with a new condom. 

3. Use lubricant. For latex condoms, use only water-based lubricants like KY jelly, astroglide. Avoid oil-based lubricants like massage oils, petroleum jelly, body lotions, or baby oil. The oil can damage latex condoms and cause them to break. You can use any lubricant with polyurethane condoms. Try putting  a drop of lube inside the tip of the condom to increase pleasure.

4. When finished, carefully remove the condom with the ejaculate and fluids, tie the end in a knot so there is no fluid leakage, and dispose of it in the garbage (not down the toilet). There may still be sperm or disease-transmitting fluids on the flaccid penis so wash the genitals, before close contact or more intimacy. 

5. Never reuse a condom.

Latex Squares (non-prescription)*

Sometimes called "dental dams" (because dentists use them during procedures), these square latex sheets are primarily used during oral intercourse on a woman or anal/oral intercourse. It is helpful to mark a small "x" on one side so you can be sure you know which side has contact with the mouth, and which side has contact with other parts of your partner's body. Latex squares come in colors and flavors. Like condoms, they can only be used once.

Latex gloves (non-prescription)*

Latex gloves on the hands can provide additional protection and may be of particular appeal if partners use fingers for penetration, fondling or when partners may have cuts or sores on their hands and want to be protected from further infection

*While latex signficiantly reduces diesease transmission, condoms and other latex items do not always protect completely. It is possible for disease transmission to occur if sores or viruses live on parts of the body that are not covered by the latex (such as upper thighs, lower abdomen). Certain infections (human papilloma virus, herpes) are passed by skin-to-skin contact. In some cases, viral shedding occurs without symptoms and the viruses can be transmitted unknowingly to a partner even before protection is used.