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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