Frequently Asked Questions About Condoms

1

Can condoms provide protection from sexually transmitted infections ( STIs ) , including HIV ?

Yes . condoms are very effective in preventing HIV and many other STIs when used correctly every time you have sex . Some STI ’ s are on the surface of the genitals e . g. Human Papillomavirus ( HPV ) , or the sores from genital herpes, can only be prevented when the condom covers the infected areas or sores.

2

Is there a 100% effective way to prevent sexual transmission of HIV and STIs ?

The only 100% effective way to prevent sexual transmission of HIV and STDs is through abstinence ( avoiding all vaginal , anal and oral sex ) . Using a latex male condom or a female condom can greatly reduce the risk of transmission of these infections, but does not entirely eliminate, the risk of HIV and STI transmission . Abstinence is the only method to completely eliminate the possibility of sexual transmission of HIV or STDs .

3

Do birth control methods other than condoms reduce the risk of STIs including HIV ?

No . Only condoms reduce the risk of pregnancy , STIs and HIV ( double protection ) . Birth control pills ( LEVOFEM AND POSTPILL) , contraceptive injections ( SAYANA PRESS) , intrauterine devices ( LYDIA IUDs ) , implants ( JADELLE ) , and any birth control methods other than condoms do not provide protection against STIs and HIV . You should use a condom for STI and HIV prevention along with any other method you use to prevent pregnancy .

4

What is the correct way to use a condom ?

To use a condom correctly follow the below steps :

1 . Store condoms in a cool place , out of direct sunlight . Check the expiration date on the condom pouch or box. Condoms that are past their expiration date may break , so dispose .

2 . Open the package carefully . Teeth , fingernails , jewelleries or scissors can rip the condom .

3 . Put on the condom after the penis is hard . If the penis is not circumcised , pull back the foreskin before putting on the condom .

4 . Pinch the tip of the condom to leave a little space ( about a half inch ) at the top to collect semen . Unroll the condom all the way down the penis . You can add a little bit of water - based lubricant to the outside of the condom but it ’ s not compulsory .

5 . After ejaculation , hold the rim of the condom and pull out the penis while it is still hard , so that no semen spills out.

6 . Use a new condom every time you have vaginal, anal or oral sex .

5

Do sex partners who both have HIV need to use condoms ?

Yes . People who have HIV still need protection from STIs and whenever they want to prevent pregnancy . Condoms also protect against exposure to different types , or strains , of HIV from your partner . Re -infection or superinfection with a new strain of HIV may make the disease progress more quickly and may require the use of medicines different from the ones used to treat the original strain .

6

Are thinner Condoms More likely to break ?

No . Thin condoms of good quality ( like Fiesta Ultra - Thin ) have also being tested to prevent breaking . The thickness of the condom doesn ’ t necessarily correspond to safety , it is more about increasing sensation for both partners . Please make sure to read the condom description and use a quality brand like Fiesta .

7

Can you Use Flavored Condoms for Both Oral and Vaginal Sex ?

Fiesta strawberry and chocolate flavored condoms are intended primarily for vaginal sex . However , if you choose to use them in oral sex , the lubricant is safe if ingested . To avoid transferring infection from mouth to vagina and vice - versa, we recommend if used in oral sex that a new condom be used for vaginal sex .

8

Is It Safe to Use Condoms Underwater or in a Shower ?

There has been no research into the performance of condoms when they are used in or underwater. The risk of slippage , for example , might increase when used in such circumstances . Though the salt in seawater would not have adverse effects on condom materials , there is a strong possibility that the chemicals used in swimming pools ( chlorine and ozone , for example ) would . The presence of bath oils or other substances in the water or applied in the shower may have an adverse effect on the properties of the latex condom material .