Internal and external condoms are the only way to prevent STI transmission during penetrative sex, says Kecia Gaither, MD, who’s double board certified in OB-GYN and maternal fetal medicine, and director of perinatal services at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln.
And finger cots and gloves are the only way to protect against STI transmission during vaginal, anal, or penile hand hanky-panky.
Both internal and external condoms can help reduce the risk of pregnancy...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
External condoms
“External condoms are 98 to 99 percent effective when used perfectly,” Gaither says.
Key phrase here: When used perfectly.
But humans aren’t perfect. So external condoms are only about 85 percent effective IRL.
So, what does perfect use look like, exactly? Pleasure-positive sex educator Reba Corrine Thomas, CEO of Sexpert Consultants, explains:
Don’t double bag.
Check the expiration date.
Put it on before any genital contact occurs.
Leave 1 to 2 centimeters of space for the ejaculate to go.
Use with lube.
Avoid oil-based lubes, arousal oils, or massage oils that degrade latex.
Pull out if the wearer starts to lose their erection.
Use a new condom every single time.
Thomas calls out that lube is way more important than you realize.
“Friction is the main thing that can cause condoms to break or rip,” she explains. Lube reduces this friction.
Internal condoms
Internal condoms can be up to 95 percent effective.
Here’s how to use an internal condom correctly:
Check the expiration date.
Leave the ring inside the condom in.
Place it inside the vagina before any skin-to-skin contact occurs.
Only use one internal condom. Don’t use an internal condom and an external condom.
Make sure it’s not twisted.
Hold it in place while the penis or dildo enters the vagina.
If there’s semen inside the condom, twist the outer ring before removal.
Use a new condom each time.
