Condom Sense: Knowing Your Contraceptive Options
Only 54% of college students regularly use condoms during vaginal intercourse. With a sea of (constantly changing) choices and information, it can be hard to know the best way to keep yourself safe when having sex. Below is information on male condoms, birth control pills and abstinence. For information on other forms of contraception, and to compare methods to see which is best for you, visit http://arhp.org/MethodMatch/ or http://www.plannedparenthood.org/all-access/my-method-26542.htm
Condoms (male)
Condoms are likely the easiest form of contraceptive to obtain, as they are offered free of charge in UT's health center. They can also be purchased at local drug stores and supermarkets and do not need a prescription. Condoms (both male and female) are the only form of contraceptive that can prevent pregancy and sexually transmitted infections.
When used correctly, condoms can be up to 97% effective at preventing pregnancy. Unfortunately, with user error, condoms are only actually about 86% effective.
Do you know how to store and use a condom correctly? Check below!
Storage & Safety Check:
-heat and light damage condom latex, so be sure to never store them in places that captures heat (like your car glove box or wallet) or is in constant direct light (like your windowsill)
-check the expiration date on the condom wrapper or box and make sure that date has not passed
-check the packaging and make sure there are no holes or tears
-a new condom must be used every time
How to Properly Put on a Condom:
1. Once the penis is erect, gently open the condom wrapper at the corner, being careful not to rip the condom with fingernails or teeth
2. Pinch the tip of the condom, place the (rolled-up) condom at the tip of the erect penis, and roll the condom down to cover the entire penis
3. If it has a hard time rolling down or begins to roll back up, then you have put the condom on backwards. You should then discard the condom and use a fresh one as semen may have come in contact with the original
*For extra comfort, lubrication is recommended (this also helps prevent condom breakage), but it MUST be a water-based lubricant (such as KY or Liquid Silk); oil based lubricants (hand lotions, etc) cause latex breakage
To Take the Condom Off:
1. The condom should be taken off right after ejaculation (coming), before the penis gets soft. When withdrawing, make sure to hold the condom at the base of the penis to prevent semen from spilling
When used correctly, condoms can be up to 97% effective at preventing pregnancy. Unfortunately, with user error, condoms are only actually about 86% effective.
Do you know how to store and use a condom correctly? Check below!
Storage & Safety Check:
-heat and light damage condom latex, so be sure to never store them in places that captures heat (like your car glove box or wallet) or is in constant direct light (like your windowsill)
-check the expiration date on the condom wrapper or box and make sure that date has not passed
-check the packaging and make sure there are no holes or tears
-a new condom must be used every time
How to Properly Put on a Condom:
1. Once the penis is erect, gently open the condom wrapper at the corner, being careful not to rip the condom with fingernails or teeth
2. Pinch the tip of the condom, place the (rolled-up) condom at the tip of the erect penis, and roll the condom down to cover the entire penis
3. If it has a hard time rolling down or begins to roll back up, then you have put the condom on backwards. You should then discard the condom and use a fresh one as semen may have come in contact with the original
*For extra comfort, lubrication is recommended (this also helps prevent condom breakage), but it MUST be a water-based lubricant (such as KY or Liquid Silk); oil based lubricants (hand lotions, etc) cause latex breakage
To Take the Condom Off:
1. The condom should be taken off right after ejaculation (coming), before the penis gets soft. When withdrawing, make sure to hold the condom at the base of the penis to prevent semen from spilling
Birth Control Pills
"The Pill", an oral medication taken daily, is the most popular form of contraception among women. When taken correctly (at the same time everyday), the pill is 92% effective at preventing pregnancy; it does not, however, prevent against sexually transmitted infections (such as HIV).
A prescription is needed to get oral contraception, but this can be obtained through the UT Health Center after a Well Woman visit. If you should want to get the prescription through another provider, the cost averages $5-$25 a month.
A prescription is needed to get oral contraception, but this can be obtained through the UT Health Center after a Well Woman visit. If you should want to get the prescription through another provider, the cost averages $5-$25 a month.
Abstinence
Contrary to popular belief, not everyone is doing it.
* National College Health Assessment, 2002