WHY USE A CONDOM?

When used correctly, condoms provide protection against pregnancy, some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. To be effective, condoms have to be put on correctly and used every time you have sex whether it is vaginal sex, oral sex or anal sex.

WHEN SHOULD YOU USE A CONDOM?

You should use a condom every time you have oral, anal, or vaginal sex. That means you need to plan ahead. Before you have sex...

• talk with your partner(s) about using condoms.
  
• carry condoms with you.

• make the decision to use them.

Using a condom the right way every time you have sex can save your life. When used the right way condoms can prevent pregnancy, many STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) and HIV - the virus that causes AIDS.

It's not just teens who should use condoms, but EVERYONE who has sex and wants to avoid pregnancy and STDs. .

Using a condom might take a little practice. For information and pictures on the right way to put on a condom, follow the to link to How To Use Condoms.

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PROTECTING YOURSELF & YOUR PARTNER

• Using condoms made of LATEX or POLYURETHANE can reduce your risk of becoming infected with HIV/AIDS, STDs, or becoming pregnant.
  
  
• Using condoms made of ANIMAL SKIN can reduce the risk of pregnancy, but may not protect you from STDs and HIV/AIDS.
  
  
• Using a LUBRICATED CONDOM reduces friction during sex and makes the condom less likely to break. If you need additional lubrication, be sure to use a water-based lubricant such as K-Y Jelly©, Astroglide©, Wet© etc. (available at drug stores).
  
  
• DO NOT USE oil-based products such as baby oil, Vaseline© or petroleum jelly, cooking oils, hand creams or lotions with a condom. These can cause a condom to weaken and break.
  
  
• For ORAL SEX, use a flavored condom or a dental dam. Some STDs can be passed through oral sex so it's important to protect yourself.

ALL condoms distributed by the "NO CONDOM? NO WAY!" project reduce the risk of pregnancy, STDs, and HIV/AIDS when used correctly every time you have sex!

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ABOUT STDs

Before deciding to have sex, it's important to know about Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), and how they are spread from person to person.

STDs are caused either by a bacteria, a virus or a parasite. Some STDs are spread through contact with the sexual fluid of an infected person, while others can easily be spread through skin-to-skin contact with infected areas. Its important to know that you can only get a STD by having sexual contact with an infected partner. Two uninfected people who have sex cannot infect each other, but remember, many times people with STDs have no symptoms and don't know they are infected.

Sexual contact includes more than just oral, anal, and vaginal sex. It also includes skin-to-skin contact such as touching, rubbing, and "grinding" of genitals.   Some very common STDs, like Herpes and Genital Warts (HPV), are easily spread this way.

Condoms are most effective at preventing diseases spread by the exchange of sexual fluids. They are, however, much less reliable at preventing diseases that are spread through skin-to-skin contact.

Bacterial and parasitic infections can be cured with medications prescribed by your health care provider. Viral infections cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be treated with medication.

Check out the Signs & Symptoms Chart and links to other websites to learn more about STD's … how they are spread from person to person … if condoms can protect you … and lots of other information.

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