When you think about protection what comes to mind first? It might be an external condom, but there are many options available and finding the right one for you might seem overwhelming at first, but I promise it's not. You might be wondering, what is the best protection for me? The answer is whatever protection you feel most comfortable using with your partner!
The external condom is the most ubiquitous form of protection, you can find them in nearly every grocery store, pharmacy, and gas station. When used correctly, external condoms are 98% effective at preventing pregnancy, and they’re also effective at preventing the spread of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) (Planned Parenthood, n.d.). Remember to always check the expiration date and packaging of the condom before use, condoms expire and can become less effective (CDC, n.d.). To use an external condom, place the condom on the head of the erect penis, pinch out the air from the tip of the condom, and then roll it down to the base of the penis. External condoms are typically made out of latex, but for those with latex allergies, there are non-latex condoms made of polyurethane. External condoms come in a range of sizes, textures, materials, and even flavors! Be sure to have an open and judgement free conversation with your partner about which type of condom feels and works the best for both of you.
A second form of protection is the internal condom. The internal condom is very similar to the external condom and boasts a 95% effectiveness rate when used correctly (Planned Parenthood, n.d.). The internal condom is used by placing the inner ring in the vagina until it rests against the cervix, the thinner ring on the opposite end of the condom rests outside the vagina, over the vulva (CDC, n.d.). The internal condom can be used in a similar fashion in the anus for anal sex. Make sure to always use a new condom between sexual acts. Similar to external condoms, always make sure to check the packaging and the expiration date, it’s usually found on the side of the packing inside the flap. Internal condoms are not always as prevalent in stores as external condoms, but they’re relatively easy to find online.
A third type of protection is the dental dam. Dental dams are sheets of latex or polyurethane that are used during oral sex by creating a barrier between the mouth of one partner and the vagina or anus of the other partner (CDC, n.d.). Be sure to check the expiration date on dental dams as well and to always use a new dam between each sexual act. If you’re unable to obtain a dental dam, it’s possible to make one out of an internal or external condom. To do so, cut off both ends of the condom, and then make a cut lengthwise to create a sheet, and use just as you would a normal dental dam (CDC, n.d.)!
With all types of protection, it’s important to make sure you're using them correctly, make sure to only use water-based lubes with all of these products, as oil-based lubes can cause degradation and tares in the condoms. Only using one condom at a time is vital; using two condoms at once may seem like it will provide more protection, but the friction caused when two condoms rub against each other is likely to cause tearing in the condom. If a condom does tear during sex, be sure to throw away the condom and use a new one. It may take some trial and error, experimenting, and conversations with your partner but it’s possible to find the perfect protection for you!
REACH offers all of these products and lube in our Safer Sex Kits. If you’re a Binghamton University student you can place an order at this link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1MAElS7GOT_DEAuWjBCSWJGX_q4YPqwL3YMDt68xYnFI/edit! We will deliver it to your BU mailbox if you live on campus or we will ask you to make an appointment to pick up the package at our office if you live off campus! We also have 2 kiosks on campus stocked full of external condoms, internal condoms, dental dams, water based lube, and safe sex reading materials; they’re located outside our office in the basement of health services as well as the ground floor of Old O’Connor. If you’re in the union we also have free external condoms in all the bathrooms including the gender neutral bathroom. Be sure to check out all of our services!
Sources:
Planned Parenthood. (n.d.). What Is the Effectiveness of Condoms? Retrieved March 27, 2021, from https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/condom/how-effective-are-condoms
Center for Disease Control. (n.d.). How to Use a Male Condom | CDC. CDC.Gov. Retrieved March 27, 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/condomeffectiveness/male-condom-use.html
Planned Parenthood. (n.d.-a). How effective are internal condoms? Retrieved March 27, 2021, from https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/internal-condom/how-effective-are-internal-condoms
Center For Disease Control. (n.d.). Condom Fact Sheet for Public Health Personnel | CDC. CDC.Gov. Retrieved March 28, 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/condomeffectiveness/latex.html
Center for Disease Control. (n.d.-a). How to Use a Dental Dam | CDC. CDC.Gov. Retrieved Ma.html
About the Author: Kristen Coletti
Kristen is a junior majoring in Integrative Neuroscience. She joined REACH because she has always had an interest in public health and wants to pursue an MPH and MD after graduation. Some of her favorite public health topics are nutrition and social determinants of health. When she’s not busy with REACH and classes, she’s an avid coffee drinker and loves to make her own lattes at home.