There is a wide variety of woman`s diseases and problems that can be prevented with a help of contraception. Your sexual health is the first guarantor of your happy healthy life. Our gynecologist will tell you about the ways of woman`s contraception and choose the best variant for you according to your needs and features.
Condoms are the most effective way to reduce your risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) during sex. Used properly, condoms can prevent your partner's body fluids (blood, semen or vaginal fluids) from entering your body and vice versa. They may also help prevent contact with infectious lesions, such as herpes sores or warts. Condoms should be used each and every time you have vaginal, anal or oral sex. Each condom should be used once only.
Choosing and caring for condoms
Always use condoms that meet Australian and international standards:
Make sure the use-by date on the packet is current.
Keep condoms in a cool, dry place. (Do not store them in the glove box of your car.) Properly stored, condoms have a life of about five years.
Putting the condom on properly
When using condoms:
Open the packet carefully (do not use your teeth). Make sure not to snag the condom with rings or fingernails.
Check which way the condom unrolls but do not unroll it.
Squeeze the teat on the end of the condom to expel air and make room for the semen.
Place the condom against the tip of the penis and gently unroll it down to the base of the penis.
The condom should be placed on the erect penis before it comes into contact with the vagina or anus. If you don't get the condom on properly the first time, throw it away and start again.
Water based lubricants help prevent condom breakage
Water based lubricants make intercourse more comfortable and help reduce friction, which can lead to condom breakage. Water based lube should be used for all anal sex. Examples of water based lubricants include:
Wet Stuff
KY
Lubafax
L' Gel
Glyde
Silk.
Never use oil based lubricants
Oil based lubricants - such as baby oil, vaseline and petroleum jelly - can cause the condom to perish and break. If condoms break during sex, you could be at risk of pregnancy or contracting an STI.
Withdraw the penis immediately after ejaculation
Hold the rim of the condom to prevent spillage while withdrawing the penis. Slip the condom off carefully, wrap it in paper and put it in the bin. Do not flush the condom down the toilet.
Condoms, dental dams and oral sex
STIs can be transmitted during oral sex .To reduce your risk of contracting an STI, use condoms for oral sex. You can also use dental dams, which are squares of ultra-thin latex that can be placed over the vulva or anal area during sex. Another option is to cut an unrolled condom from the edge to its tip to make a latex barrier. You can buy flavoured condoms and dental dams.
What to do if the condom breaks
If the condom breaks, you may need to speak to your doctor about:
A check-up for STIs
Emergency contraception (commonly known as the morning after pill), if condoms are your only form of contraception. The morning after pill is also available from chemists.
Other safe sex strategies
Strategies to decrease your risk of contracting an STI include:
Have an STI check-up before having sex with a new partner or soon after having unprotected sex with a new partner. If you have caught an infection, early treatment may prevent complications.
Consider having fewer partners if you have sex with more than one person.
During oral sex, do not get semen or blood in your mouth.
Avoid oral sex if you have mouth ulcers or bleeding gums. Do not brush your teeth immediately before oral sex.
Do not give your partner oral sex during an outbreak of cold sores.
Have sex without making contact with the sexual fluids. Safer sex also includes kissing, mutual masturbation and sensuous touching.
When is unprotected sex possible?
Have an STI check-up if you are in a stable relationship and you and your partner have no other sexual partners. If your results are negative, ask your doctor if it is okay to have unprotected sex. You may consider unprotected sex with a regular partner after:
Both of you are fully tested for STIs and get an all-clear
You and your partner do not have sex with anyone else
You are using some other form of contraception (if required).
Where to get help
Melbourne Sexual Health Centre Tel. (03) 9347 0244 or 1800 032 017; TTY (03) 9347 8619
Your doctor
Things to remember
Condoms are the most effective way to reduce your risk of contracting an STI.
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