Cornell Health Condoms & Lubricants Live Well to Condoms provide protection against both sexually Learn Well transmitted infections (STI) and pregnancy. Lubricants enhance condom use, as they help Web: prevent condom breakage and can make sexual health.cornell.edu activity more comfortable and pleasurable. There Phone (24/7): are many different kinds of condoms, and cost 607-255-5155 varies from brand to brand. If you have never used condoms, you may want to sample different Fax: brands to find the kind that suit you and your 607-255-0269 partner best. Like condoms, lubricants vary in Appointments: composition and consistency. Experiment to find Monday–Saturday what works best for you and your partner. * Check web for hours, External (sheath) condoms services, providers, Sometimes called “male” condoms, these sheaths and appointment are designed to snugly cover the outside of a information penis. Its tip provides a receptacle to collect Adding lube increases sensation nda also lessens the likelihood of condom breaks 110 Ho Plaza, semen after ejaculation. The sheaths may be made out of latex, polyurethane or animal Ithaca, NY Use condoms before they reach the expiration membrane. They come lubricated and non- 14853-3101 date (check package). Extreme temperatures, lubricated, with spermicide or without, or with a body heat and oil-based lubricants and creams texture or flavor. weaken latex. Do not store condoms in a wallet, Only polyurethane and latex condoms protect pocket or car glove box for more than a few days. * The descriptors against both STIs and pregnancy. (Condoms made Use only water-based or silicone-based lubricants “male” & “female” of animal membrane should be used only for birth with latex condoms. are used by condom control, as they are more porous.) manufacturers. Internal (pouch) condoms * However, people of Sheath condoms come in various sizes, shapes Also called “female” condoms, these pouches, ALL sexes may benefit and colors. All condom brands made in the U.S. made of polyurethane, were designed to line a from either or both have been FDA approved for use in vaginal, vagina in order to prevent pregnancy and sexually designs. oral, and anal penetration. Beware of “novelty” condoms; these may not be FDA approved for transmitted infections (STIs). However, they • Sheath condoms effective protection against pregnancy and STIs. have also proven to provide protection from STIs can be used to when used in anal intercourse. Internal condoms cover a penis or If using condoms to cover a penis: Because STI provide excellent protection, and also offer a sex toys. transmission can occur before penetration and/or second alternative for people unable to use latex ejaculation, a condom should be put on the penis sheath condoms due to allergies or sensitivities. • Pouch condoms as soon as it is erect and before contact with a can be used in the partner’s body. The following steps are important A flexible plastic ring is located at each end of the vagina or anus. to obtain optimum condom effectiveness: pouch. The ring located inside the “closed” end is inserted and holds the condom in place. The ring Consider whether • Open the wrapper carefully; remove condom. your safer sex at the “open” end hangs just outside the entrance • Pinch the tip of the condom to release any air protection needs to to the vagina or anus. and leave room for ejaculate. Air bubbles can include STI protection, result in condoms tearing or falling off. • To use an internal condom, squeeze the inner contraception, or both. ring at the “closed” end of the condom and • With the rolled rim on the outside and the insert it into the vagina or anus. (When used tip pinched, place the condom over the erect vaginally, this ring will cover the cervix.) The penis. On an uncircumcised penis, pull the outer ring should remain outside the body foreskin back first. Unroll the condom all the holding open the entrance to the condom. way down. • To dispose of it after use, twist the outside • After ejaculation, hold the condom at the base ring to prevent semen leakage, and remove. of the penis and carefully withdraw (ensuring Dispose in the trash. (Don’t flush it.) semen does not leak). Used condoms should be tied in a knot and thrown away (not flushed). • Condoms are for one-time use. If you have sex again, use a new condom. • If you have sex again (oral, anal, or vaginal) use a new condom. Condoms should never be reused. over Condom advantages individuals who have never previously Oil-based lubricants (e.g., “Men’s engaged in anal penetration, lubrication Cream,” massage oil, etc.) may be • Condoms protect against STIs and is especially important to assure comfort okay for masturbation, but they are pregnancy. and safety. not recommended for safer sex with • They are easy to use and require very a partner. The oil leaves a coating on little practice to use correctly. Although many condoms come pre- lubricated, it is still advised that you use the rectum or vagina that can lead • Condom reliability is high if used additional lubricant during sex. to bacterial or other infections. Oil- appropriately. based lubes can also break down latex Note: When using a male condom, • They are generally less inexpensive condoms, squares, gloves, diaphragms than other safer sex products. lubricant should not be applied to the and other latex products, thus reducing shaft of the penis directly. Although a their effectiveness. • Condoms are non-prescription and small amount may be placed in the tip of widely available. the condom to increase sensation for the Other considerations • There are generally few side effects. condom wearer, most of the lube should Condoms and lubricants are widely • The female condom provides an be applied to the outside of the condom available for purchase in pharmacies, opportunity for individuals to protect to facilitate the comfort of the receptive grocery stores, convenience stores, and themselves if a partner refuses to use partner during penetration. even in some vending machines. Cornell a male condom. Personal lubricants Health’s pharmacy offers a range of Condom disadvantages products, including water-based and Lubricants are available in three different silicone lubricants, at affordable costs. • Without proper lubrication, condoms categories: can break. The sexual health nurses and clinicians • Water-based with or without glycerine • Condoms with the spermicide non- at Cornell Health can talk with you about oxynol-9 may irritate some people. • Silicone-based any concerns you may have about your • Oil-based (see limitation) need for protection and/or STI testing. • Condoms have a higher failure rate in These consultations are free. To make an preventing pregnancy than methods Water-based are typically considered appointment, call 607-255-5155. such as contraceptive pills. (This is the safest all-purpose lubricants. They largely due to incorrect use.) are generally non-irritating and do not • Some people find the female condom cause latex to deteriorate. Individuals hard to insert and to remove prone to vaginal infections may wish to • Spontaneity may feel interrupted in avoid those lubes containing glycerine, order to facilitate condom use. as they may potentially encourage yeast growth. Examples of water-based lubes • Some men report that the use of with glycerine are KY Jelly and Astroglide. condoms reduces sexual stimulation. Liquid Silk is a water-based lube without Some people may think there is added glycerine. Lubes vary in terms of cost, protection by using an internal AND an consistency and flavor, as well as the external condom together. This is not length of time they remain slippery. the case. You should not use the two Be careful with “warming” products, as condoms at the same time. Friction may they can cause irritation in some people. result in either or both condoms slipping or tearing or the outer ring of the female Silicone-based lubes (e.g., Wet Platinum, condom may be dislodged inside the Eros, ID Millennium) are longer-lasting vagina, denying the proper protection. and safe to use with all condoms (latex or polyurethane) and any latex product Lube is important (dams, gloves, etc). Many people find the texture of silicone-based lube more By reducing friction (skin on skin, latex pleasurable than water-based or oil- on skin, etc.) lubricants add pleasurable based products. Silicone-based lube is a sensations to sexual activity. Reduced good choice for anal intercourse. It can friction helps lessen the likelihood of also be used safely for sex in or around a condom break; it also helps prevent water. However, some people report irritation, chafing, or breakage of the skin. slight irritation from silicone-based lubes Lube is essential for anal intercourse as, if not washed off promptly after vaginal unlike the vagina, the anus has no natural intercourse. lubrication and is not as expansive. For health.cornell.edu 9/19.