Sexual FAQs – Condom Help
CONDOM FAQ Page 2
Q. I read that the AIDS virus is smaller than the pores in a condom. Is this true?
A. No, this is NOT TRUE. Latex condoms are designed to PREVENT the transmission of the HIV virus, or any virus. (HPV, HSV, Hep B). The HIV virus is larger than the pores in condoms.
Lambskin condoms are made from sheep intestines, they are available as a contraceptive, but are not considered effective against STD transmission, not according to the CDC. If you pick up a box of lambskin condoms in a store, you will see it does say that they do NOT protect you from an STD (in the USA, that is).
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Q. Are Two Condoms More Effective Than One?
A. I don’t know, the statistics are not very available, but I really don’t think so.
Update: 2005 – Don’t use two condoms at once, the latex rubbing against each other may cause the latex to tear.
Condoms are a very reliable form of sexually transmitted disease and pregnancy prevention. (Especially when used with a spermicide, like foam or contraceptive jelly). In theory, the effectiveness of a condom alone is about 97 percent. The condom’s actual effectiveness (taking into account human error; like not using them correctly, putting them on the right way, etc. drops the effectiveness rate down to 80 – 90 percent.
This means 10 – 20 couples out of 100 couples who use condoms over a one year period will have an unwanted pregnancy. However, other sources that I have from working in women’s health centers suggest that the condom’s effectiveness – when used correctly is about 98% effective. (The maker’s of the pill would surely argue with that).
Some people think they can make the condom more effective by wearing two condoms. To this date, I have not been able to find any information about this ‘method’ being more effective. I think two may actually increase the risk of breakage from latex friction, but that’s IMHO.
It may also cause some discomfort for both partners. If using two condoms makes you feel less concerned about STD and pregnancy risk, then this might be a better method for you. Yes, Vaseline really does “eat away” at latex. We tried that once at work and sure enough it destroyed the condom. (Hey, we were researching!)
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Q. What do I do when a condom tears? (Yes, this is on another page, but I thought it belonged here too).
A. Good question. This is a very scary thing! First, don’t panic. Here’s what to do to help avoid sexually transmitted diseases and an unwanted pregnancy.
1. Wash immediately. Share the news and hit the shower. “Wash yourself with soap and water,” says James Trussell, Ph.D., expert on emergency contraception at Princeton University. No studies have shown that soap destroys STDs, “but it won’t do any harm, and it might do some good.”
2. Show concern. Gently ask her to (a) inspect herself for condom bits, (b) refrain from douching, as that can push in microbes, and (c) use emergency contraception pills. If taken fewer than 72 hours after intercourse, they can prevent pregnancy. She can get them from her doctor or call Planned Parenthood at 1-800-230-PLAN.
3. Talk about history. Before you even consider having sex with a anyone, you should talk about history — not “World War II” kind of history, but how many sexual partners she has been with, etc. If she is infected, and the condom breaks, your risk for getting a sexually transmitted disease ranges from 50 percent for gonorrhea to 0.2 percent for HIV. Should your condom break, have another chat with her about previous sex partners and diseases. “If you’re concerned about STDs, see your doctor and get tested within a few days,” says Jonathan Zenilman, MD, of the Johns Hopkins University STD Research Group. If you know you were exposed to HIV, ask your doctor about a combination anti-HIV drug treatment. This measure is expensive, controversial and unproven, but it may be your only recourse.
4. Troubleshoot. Did you use an expired condom or an oil-based lubricant? Maybe you nicked the condom with a fingernail while putting it on. Whatever the cause, eliminate it.
A study published in the American Journal of Public Health showed that men who experienced a condom break or slip were twice as likely to do so again. So be careful with condoms, breakage is not common, but it does happen!
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Condom Fact: In the United States every latex condom manufactured is tested electronically for holes before packaging. Condom breakage rates are low in the U.S., no higher than 2 per 100 used. (Data from Trojan Condoms). For more on condoms for men, go to Male Condoms, for information of the female condoms, see Female Condoms…
Condom Use Animation (I think I lost Clarinex™ as a potential sponsor over this. Don’t buy that allergy-over-priced-trash, use generic Benadryl for seasonal allergies). I had to write that! Anyway…
For condoms and lubes at great prices.
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