Safe Sex

There are two main things to consider when practicing safe sex; pregnancy and disease. Keeping yourself and you partner safe from STD's and unplanned pregnancy is not as difficult as you may think. All it takes is some education and awareness.

The best way to stay safe from STD's or unwanted pregnancy is obviously abstinence, however if you are involved in a sexual relationship, here are some things that will aid in protecting yourself and your partner:

AWARENESS- There are many things you can do to protect yoruself from disease and unwanted pregnancy. As far as pregnancy goes, being aware of your ovulation cycles is very useful yet, it takes time. Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from an ovary. Most healthy women skip it once or twice a year. The signs that you are ovulating in a particular menstrual cycle include:

Menstrual Cycle Length - Cycles should be regular, lasting from 21-35 days. Ovulation, generally, occurs between days 13 and 15. Irregular menstrual cycles can signify possible non-ovulation.

Lower-abdominal discomfort

- Pain on one side of abdomin near date of ovulation. Occurring in the area of the ovaries during ovulation, this pain can vary from a sudden, sharp stab to a few days of soreness. Not all women experience this discomfort. This is generally caused by nerve fibers that stretch as the follicle matures and usually last for one to two days.

PMS-

The ovulating ovary produces progesterone, the cause of most premenstrual symptoms.

Menstrual cramps

Increase in cervical mucus discharge. Mucus before ovulation = thick, cloudy/white, sticky, pasty.
Mucus during (begins 2-3 days prior) ovulation = slippery/slimy, clear, elastic/stretchable.

There are some tests available on the market that you can buy to determine wether or not you are ovulating. 

As far as awarness when it comes to STD's- basically the first and only thing you can do to protect yoruself aside from abstinence is to get tested and have your partner tested. There are many clinics that provide cost effective testing for anyone who is interested. One place always check out is Planned Parenthood.

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CONDOMS are usually a latex sleeve made to fit over the penis or in the case of the female condoms, made to line the inside of the woman. These sleeves protect from pregnancy and disease by providing a barrier from the semen to the genital areas if used correctly. Some condoms are made of other materials if latex is not desired. Check with the manufacturer for more specifics. This website, condomania can also provide useful resources. One thing to note about condoms is that there have been documented discussion on the safety of nonxynol-9, a type of spermicide used widely among major condom companies. Some documentation can be found here, here and here. Hot rod condoms do not produce any condoms containing nonxynol-9, and these condoms are extremely strong. Check out this video clip- pretty impressive. Also you can put them on with ONE hand. Yep thats right- check out this video clip. Pretty cool. Here is the skinny on condom use- straight from the horses mouth (taken from the trojan condoms website):

How to Use Condoms Correctly:
Using a condom is simple – BUT incorrect usage can lead to condom slippage or breakage, which reduces their effectiveness! Take the time to read this section so you know you’re doing everything you can to stay safe!

Before Sex:

Use a new condom for every sexual act. If the penis has a foreskin, pull it back before putting on the condom.

Put the condom on before foreplay and before the penis gets near any body opening (to help avoid exposure to any body fluid that can carry infection.) Always handle condoms gently. Put the condom on as soon as the penis is hard/erect. Be sure the rolled-up ring is on the outside. And leave space at the tip to hold semen when you “cum”.

Squeeze the tip gently so no air is trapped inside. Hold the tip while you unroll the condom...all the way down to the hair. If the condom doesn’t unroll, it’s on wrong. Throw it away and start over with a new one.
Tips For Success:
“Pre-cum” (fluids released from the penis during the early stages of erection) can cause pregnancy or pass on an STD. Put on the condom as soon as the penis is erect!

Be careful opening the condom wrapper. Don’t use your teeth, fingernails, scissors, or other sharp objects. Be careful with jewelry, zippers, belt buckles, etc... that might tear the condom.

Never let a latex condom touch oils in any form–no petroleum jelly, no baby oil, no mineral oil, no vegetable oil, not even talcum/baby powder. Oil causes condoms to deteriorate.

If you want additional lubrication, use a condom-safe, water-based or silicone lubricant on the outside of the condom.

Keep condoms in their packs in a cool, dry place (not in a wallet!). Avoid exposing condoms to direct sunlight or storage for prolonged periods at temperatures above 100° F. Also, always check the dating on the packaging to make sure the condom is still in date.

If a condom feels sticky or stiff or looks damaged in any way, throw it away. Use the spare that you are carrying.

For first time users, practice with condoms before having sex with your partner. It may seem a bit awkward, but you’ll be better prepared when it comes time for the real thing.
After Sex:

After ejaculation, while the penis is still erect, hold the condom firmly at the base of the penis to keep it from slipping off while withdrawing from your partner. Wrap the condom in a tissue and throw it in the trash. Don’t flush them down the toilet. Afterwards, wash your hands with soap and water or a waterless hand washing product. Never re-use a condom – use a new condom for every new sexual act.
FREE CONDOMS!
For a free sample from Trojan click here- It really is free. You will get one condom in a discreetly packaged envelope, no shipping dues required. Here is another place you can get free condoms but you have to pay 5 dollars for shipping and handling, however, you get 10 Durex condoms- a highly trusted brand. There areother websites which offer promotions from companies they advertise with. When you sign up with them you then take advantage of promotions by their advertisers, and by doing this you receive"points." When you get enough points you can redeem them for condoms. Free but with a catch- Simple though, and worth it if you really do not want to pay for condoms.

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DIAPHRAGMS are round rubber (latex) cups that holds spermicidal jelly or cream against the cervix. Although it functions to a small extent as a physical barrier to the sperm, it does not and cannot fit snugly enough to completely seal off the cervix. Therefore, spermicide is essential for adequate contraception. There are a couple of types and several sizes of diaphragms, so a woman needs to be measured.The diaphragm may be inserted no more than two hours before sexual intercourse. After coating the bowl of the diaphragm with spermicidal cream or jelly, grasp the diaphragm between the thumb and forefinger, pinch the edges together, and insert into the vagina. Push the front rim of the diaphragm up behind the pubic bone. Check to be sure your cervix is covered by the smooth rubber.
Remember to leave the diaphragm in place for at least 6 hours after intercourse and to remove it as soon as possible thereafter. If you have intercourse again before removing the diaphragm, insert an applicator of spermicide into the vagina before each act of intercourse. It is not advisable to use your diaphragm as your birth control method during your menstrual period.
After each use wash the diaphragm with mild soap and warm water, rinse it well, and dry it. Check it for holes by holding it up to a light and stretching the rubber with your fingers. If you find a hole in your diaphragm, call the consulting nurse right away to discuss the risk of pregnancy and emergency contraception. Store the diaphragm in its container in a cool, dry, safe place. Do not use your diaphragm when using any vaginal medication.
Diaphragms are proven to be about 90-96% effective in preventing pregnancy. To increase effectiveness, you may use condoms with your diaphragm. Be sure to have the diaphragm in place before the penis is anywhere near the vagina. Add more spermicide for each successive act of intercourse.

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CERVICAL CAP - The cervical cap is a latex, dome-shaped device that fits snugly over the cervix. The groove on the inside of the cap creates a seal and keeps the cap in place together with support of the vaginal wall. To be fitted for a cap, it is necessary to see a practitioner who is trained in the fitting of the device.
Like the diaphragm, the cap is a barrier which blocks passage of sperm from the vagina through the cervix into the uterus and tubes where they can fertilize the ripened egg. The cap is used with a spermicide. The cap acts as a barrier to sperm and the spermicide chemically kills sperm. The cap fit is critical to contraceptive effectiveness, so it is important to have a proper fit initially and then insert it correctly with every us. It should NOT be left in longer than 48 hours so that the body has a chance to excrete its natural cleansing mucus. A Pap smear is required within sex months prior to fit the cervical cap.

How to use a cervical cap:

Fill cap dome one-third full with spermicide.

Squeeze the rim together with thumb and forefinger and insert into vagina

Push cap deep enough inside so it will stay, then use forefinger and middle finger to complete insertion.

Make sure dome of the cap is pointing outward toward the vaginal opening; grasp it between your fingers and push cap as deep into the vagina as it will go.

Check that the cap is covering the cervix by running your finger around the rim. If you do not feel a “bump” of your cervix, you most likely have it on correctly.

Press on the dome for suction, then twist the cap (like a lid on a jar) to make sure the cervix gets completely covered.

Check the fit by wiggling and tugging firmly on the dome, then by running your finger back around the rim. If you can feel your cervix being pulled and the cap remains in place, it is correct.

Remove by tilting cap to the side then hook your finger under the rim and pull down, off the cervix and out of the vagina.

Leave the cap in at least 8 hours after intercourse.


Recent studies have confirmed the results of theoretical effectiveness of the cap to be similar to that of the diaphragm. Pregnancies are due largely to faulty techniques (i.e. incorrect placement, inconsistent use.) For those women who have not been pregnant who use the cap correctly and every time, the cap can be 91% effective. User surveys place the typical effectiveness rate of the cap at 82%. The cap is less effective for women who have had one or more vaginal deliveries.

Some advantage of using the cervical cap are:

Can be left in up to 48 hours allowing spontaneous protected sex

Uses less spermicide than the diaphragm and is smaller and less noticeable to partner

Can often be worn when a diaphragm doesn’t fit well

Good alternative for women who cannot use the diaphragm due to poor vaginal muscle tone and/or a history of chronic bladder infections

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Dental Dams - A dental dam (or oral dam) is a very thin, rectangular, "satin-like" piece of latex. It gets its name from the protective shield dentists use during oral surgery. It is designed to help reduce the risk of transmission of various sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. It is used as a barrier during oral sex performed on the anus or vagina. Dental dams are not 100% effective in reducing all sexually transmitted illnesses from vaginal and anal secretions. However, they may reduce your risk.

While the thought of using a sheet of latex during oral sex may seem a little weird, dental dams are easy to use and don't decrease sensation during oral sex adn are very easy to use.

Before you use the dam, rinse it off with warm water and dry it with a soft towel.

Make sure the dam is free of holes or tiny breaks by holding it up to the light or running warm water over it.

The dental dam is placed against the vagina during vaginal-oral sex. It can also be placed against the anus during anal-oral sex. A water-based lubricant may be applied to the vulva (or anal area) prior to the placement of the dental dam. Any other product or oil may actually degrade the dam, so make sure that the lubricant is indeed water-based.

When using the dental dam, make sure that only one side of the dental dam comes into contact with the genital area. If you turn it over and lick the other side, you are exposing yourself to whatever germs may be stuck to the dental dam. You may want to make a mark on one side so that you do not get confused. Remember not to reuse dental dams. Doing so increases the chance that it will break. Never use the same dental dam if switching from vaginal-oral sex to anal-oral sex (or vice-versa).

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BIRTH CONTROL PILL Please see your doctor who can tell you more about the pill. Everyone has a differnt need and reaction to the pill and its better to ask question to someone who knows your body and what might be acceptable for you. The birth control pill is a daily pill that contains the hormones estrogen and progesterone that prevent pregnancy (also called the Pill). Most birth control pills contain the combination of the hormones estrogen and progesterone to prevent ovulation (the release of an egg during the monthly cycle). If a woman doesn't ovulate she cannot get pregnant because there is no egg to be fertilized. One type of birth control pill, known as the Minipill, contains only the hormone progesterone. Although progesterone alone may prevent ovulation, this may not occur reliably every month. The Minipill also works by thickening the mucous around the cervix, which prevents the sperm from entering the uterus. It also affects the lining of the uterus so if the egg is fertilized it cannot attach to the wall of the uterus.

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FEMALE CONDOMS are a polyurethane sheath or pouch about 6.5 inches in length. It is worn by a woman during sex. It entirely lines the vagina and it helps to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including HIV. At each end of the condom there is a flexible ring. At the closed end of the sheath, the flexible ring is inserted into the vagina to hold the female condom in place. At the other open end of the sheath, the ring stays outside the vulva at the entrance to the vagina. This ring acts as a guide during penetration and it also stops the sheath bunching up inside the vagina. There is silicone-based lubricant on the inside of the condom, but additional lubrication can be used. The condom does not contain spermicide. The female should not be used at the same time as a latex male condom because the friction between the two condoms may cause the condoms to break. It is available in many countries, at least in limited quantities, throughout the world. The female condom carries various brand names in different countries including, FC Female Condom, Reality, Femidom, Dominique, Femy, Myfemy, Protectiv' and Care.

How do you Use the Female Condom?

Open the package carefully. Choose a position that is comfortable for insertion- squat, raise one leg, sit or lie down. Make sure the condom is lubricated enough. Make sure the inner ring is at the bottom closed end of the sheath, and hold the sheath with the open end hanging down.

Squeeze the inner ring with thumb and middle finger (so it becomes long and narrow), and then insert the inner ring and sheath into the vaginal opening. Gently insert the inner ring into the vagina and feel it go up. Place the index finger inside of the condom and push the inner ring as far as it will go. Make sure the condom is inserted straight, and is not twisted inside the vagina. The outer ring should remain on the outside of the vagina. The penis should be guided into the condom in order to ensure that the penis does not slip into the vagina outside the condom. Use enough lubricant so that the condom stays in place during sex.

If the condom slips during intercourse, or if it enters the vagina, then you should stop immediately and take the female condom out. Then insert a new one and add extra lubricant to the opening of the sheath or on the penis.

To remove the condom, twist the outer ring gently and then pull the condom out keeping the sperm inside. Wrap the condom in the package or in tissue and throw it away. Do not put it into the toilet. The female condom should not be reused.

Benefits of using the femal condom:

Opportunity for women to share the responsibility for the condoms with their partners

A woman can use the female condom if her partner refuses to use the male condom

The polyurethane, the material the female condom is made of, is less likely to cause an allergic reaction than a male latex condom.

The female condom is also stronger, so it tears less often. (40% stronger than latex).

The female condom will protect against most STDs and pregnancy if used correctly

It can be inserted up to 8 hours before intercourse so it does not interfere with the moment

The polyurethane is thin and conducts heat well so sensation is preserved

Female condom can be used with oil-based lubricants

No special storage requirements are needed because polyurethane is not affected by changes in temperature and dampness.

The expiration date for female condoms is 5 years from the date of manufacture.

SOURCES-UNAIDS & WHO (2000) 'The Female Condom: a Guide for Planning and Programming' - WHO (2002) The safety and feasibility of female condom reuse: Report of a WHO consultation', Geneva, January 28-29

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Intrauterine Device & Intrauterine System Intrauterine device (IUD) - also known as a Coil - is a small plastic and copper device, usually shaped like a 'T', that is fitted into a woman's uterus by a doctor using a simple procedure. It works by preventing an egg from settling in the womb. An IUD can stay in place for five years - sometimes for 10. It can also be used as an emergency method of contraception within five days of unprotected intercourse. The doctor who fits the device should show the woman how to check it by feeling for the threads. Something to consider is that it offers no protection from sexually transmitted infections/HIV/AIDS. There is a higher risk of infection for women with more than one partner. It may cause heavier, more painful periods. This device is used by 139 million women worldwide (13%). Effectiveness: 98%-99%. Some Intrauterine devices are made using a flexible row of copper beads (this type of device is usually called aGynefix) instead of a rigid frame. It is attached to the uterus wall by a fine nylon thread, which makes it less likely to be expelled by the body. Unlike the ordinary IUD, it does not cause heavier, more painful periods. An intrauterine system (IUS) is a small plastic device that works like an IUD but that also contains the hormone progestogen, making periods lighter and less painful.

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Implants are relatively new contraceptive methods which involves implants being inserted in the skin of a woman’s inner arm under a local anesthetic in a simple, almost pain free procedure. These implants release a continuous low dosage of a synthetic hormone into the bloodstream inhibiting ovulation and thickening the cervical mucous. It causes changes in the lining of the uterus that interfere with the ability of fertilized eggs to implant in the uterus. One such implant called "Norplant" is one of the most effective methods of birth control available to women today and is effective for five years, but may be removed earlier if desired. "Contraceptive Research, Introduction, and Use: Lessons from Norplant" by Polly F. Harrison is a book that can be useful for any woman with, or considering Norplant or other hormonal implants. 

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Injections -

Birth control injections (also called "the shot") are hormones injected into the arm, buttock or thigh to prevent pregnancy. Two types are currently available in the United States: Lunelle (the monthly injection) contains the hormones estrogen and progestin, and Depo-Provera (the 12-week injection) contains the hormone progestin. Injections do not protect you from HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases.

How well it works: Very effective in preventing pregnancy, with effectiveness rates as high as 99 percent for the monthly injection and 99.7 percent for the 12-week injection.

Pros:
• Very effective at providing continuous pregnancy prevention during the month (Lunelle) or 12-week period (Depo-Provera) following the injection.
• Can help to regulate menstruation and reduce bleeding and cramps.
• The 12-week injection is safe to use while breastfeeding.

Cons:
• Does not protect you from HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
• May be inconvenient to get injections on time every month (Lunelle) or every three months (Depo-Provera).
• Side effects may include irregular menstrual bleeding, weight gain, mood changes, acne or headaches.
• The monthly injection is not recommended for women over age 35 who smoke.
• The 12-week shot is not recommended for women who may want to get pregnant within a year.