Talking to your kids about sex can be daunting, no matter how
close you are. But discussing issues like abstinence,
sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
, and birth control can help lower teens' risk of an
unintended pregnancy
or contracting an STD.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) supports sex education
that includes information about both abstinence and birth control.
Research has shown that this information doesn't increase
kids' level of sexual activity, but actually promotes and
increases the proper use of birth control methods among sexually
active teens.
How and when you discuss sex and birth control is up to you.
Providing the facts is vital, but it's also wise to tell your
kids where you stand. Remember, by approaching these issues like
any other health topics, not as something dirty or embarrassing,
you increase the odds that your kids will feel comfortable coming
to you with any questions and problems. As awkward as it might
feel, answer questions honestly. And if you don't know the
answers, it's OK to say so, then find out and get back to your
kids.
If you have questions about how to talk with your son or daughter
about sex, consider consulting your doctor. Lots of parents find
this tough to tackle, and a doctor may offer some helpful
perspective.
What Are Condoms?
Condoms are considered a barrier method of contraception. There
are male condoms and female condoms. A male condom is a thin latex
(a type of rubber) sheath that is worn on the penis. A female
condom is a polyurethane sheath with a flexible ring at either end.
One end is closed and inserted into the vagina; the other end is
open and the ring sits outside the opening of the vagina. The male
condom is far more widely used and is sometimes called a
"rubber" or "prophylactic."
How Do Condoms Work?
Condoms work by keeping semen (the fluid that contains sperm)
from entering the vagina. The male condom is placed on the penis
when it becomes erect. It is unrolled all the way to the base of
the penis while holding the tip of the condom to leave some extra
room at the end. This creates a space for semen after ejaculation
and makes it less likely that the condom will break.
After the male ejaculates, he should hold the condom at the base
of the penis as he pulls out of the vagina. He must do this while
the penis is still erect to prevent the condom from slipping off
when he gets soft. If this happens, sperm could enter the
vagina.
The female condom is inserted into the vagina using the
closed-end ring. The other ring creates the open end of the condom.
The sheath then lines the walls of the vagina, creating a barrier
between the sperm and the cervix. The female condom can be inserted
up to 8 hours prior to intercourse. It should be removed
immediately after sex.
The male and female condoms should not be used at the same time
because they can get stuck together and cause one or the other to
slip during intercourse, making them ineffective.
A used condom should be thrown in the garbage, not down the
toilet. Once a condom is used, it cannot be reused. A new condom
should be used each time a couple has sex and it must be used from
start to finish each time to protect against pregnancy and STDs.
It's important to never use oil-based lubricants (such as
mineral oil, petroleum jelly, or baby oil) with condoms because
they can break down the rubber.
And a condom that seems dry, sticky, or stiff when it comes out
of the package, or is past its expiration date, should be thrown
away and a new one used instead. It's wise to have several
condoms on hand in case there's a problem with one. It's
best to store unused condoms in a cool, dry place.
How Well do Condoms Work?
Over the course of a year, 15 out of 100 typical couples who
rely on male condoms alone to prevent pregnancy will have an
accidental pregnancy. The use of the female condom is a little less
reliable and 21 out of 100 couples will have an unintended
pregnancy. Of course, these are average figures and the chance of
getting pregnant depends on whether the method is used correctly
every time. In fact, studies show that although it's possible
for condoms to break or slip during intercourse, the most common
reason that condoms "fail" is that the couple didn't
use one at all.
Experts used to think that using spermicide with a condom would
decrease the pregnancy rate as well as help fight against STDs.
However, more recent information indicates that this is not
necessarily true and that spermicide does not help make condoms
more effective.
Protection Against STDs
Most male condoms are made of latex. Those made of lambskin may
offer less protection against some STDs, including
HIV/AIDS
, so use of latex condoms is recommended. For people who may have
an allergic skin reaction to latex, both male and female condoms
made of polyurethane are available.
When properly used, latex and plastic condoms are effective
against most STDs. Condoms do not protect against infections spread
from sores on the skin not covered by a condom (such as the base of
the penis or scrotum). Couples having sex must always use condoms
to protect against STDs even when using another method of birth
control.
Abstinence (not having sex) is the only method that always
prevents pregnancy and STDs.
Possible Side Effects
Most men and women have no problems using condoms. The side
effects that can occasionally occur include:
- allergy to latex condoms
- irritation of the penis or the vagina from spermicides or
lubricants that some condoms are treated with
Who Uses Condoms?
Couples who are responsible enough to stop and put a condom on
each time before sex and people who want protection against STDs
use condoms. Because condoms are the only method of birth control
currently available for men, they allow the male to take
responsibility for birth control and STD protection. Condoms are
also a good choice for people who do not have a lot of money to
spend on birth control.
Where are Condoms Available?
Condoms are available without a prescription and are sold in
drugstores, supermarkets, and even vending machines. (In some
stores, they're in the "Family Planning" aisle.)
Condoms come in different sizes, textures, and colors.
How Much Do They Cost?
Condoms are the least expensive and most available method of
birth control - other than abstinence, of course. Male condoms cost
about $0.50 to $1 each and are less expensive when they are bought
in boxes that contain several condoms. In addition, many health
centers and family planning clinics (such as Planned Parenthood)
and some schools distribute them free of charge. Female condoms are
a little more expensive and cost about $2 to $3 per condom.
Reviewed by:
Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: January 2007
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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