Condoms are the ONLY form of contraception that prevents unwanted pregnancies and provide protection against Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STIs).
They are cheap and readily available at convenience stores (7-11, NTUC, Cold Storage) and all pharmacies.
They come in a range of colours, flavours and sizes to suit your every need and desire.
Condoms do not have any medical side-effects.
Are condoms really effective? If used properly, a condom is very effective at reducing the risk of being infected with HIV during sexual intercourse.
Using a condom also provides protection against other sexually transmitted diseases, and protection against pregnancy.
In the laboratory, latex condoms are very effective at blocking transmission of HIV because the pores in latex condoms are too small to allow the virus to pass through.
However, outside of the laboratory condoms are less effective because people do not always use condoms properly.
This page is dedicated to guiding you to use a condom.
FAQ
Is there an age limit to buying condoms? No there is not. Anyone can buy condoms. Do not feel uncomfortable doing something that could save your life!
Do condoms have an expiry date? Yes. All condoms have expiry dates. Always do a quick check at the store to make sure the condoms are not expired. Always also check them before you use them. Expired condoms maybe not effectively prevent pregnancies or diseases.
Whose responsibility is it to have a condom? As long as you are sexually active, it is your responsibility whether you are male or female. Not all sexual encounters are planned, whether or not you are in a loving, monogamous relationship, so it is best to always have a condom ready.
How do I convince my partner to use a condom during sex, if he or she does not want to? Always establish your expectations before getting into an intimate relationship. But we understand that sometimes it is difficult to convince people to do things they do not want to.
So here are some ways you can try and convince your partner when they come up with excuses to not use condoms.
Excuse
Answer
Don’t you trust me?
Trust isn’t the point. You might not even know you have an infection and you could pass it to me.
It won’t feel good if we use a condom.
Using a condom would make me feel better and more relaxed and if I am more relaxed I will enjoy myself more and so will you.
I don’t have a condom with me at the moment.
I do.
I’m on the pill, we don’t need a condom.
Pills only prevent pregnancies. If we use a condom, we’ll also be safe from STIs.
Putting on a condom will spoil the mood.
Not if we do it together or if I help you put it on.
Don’t you love me?
I love you enough to want us to be together longer, and for that, we have to be careful.
How about we do it just this once?
Once is all it takes for something bad to happen.
When do I use a condom? You need to use a new condom every time you have sexual intercourse.
Never use the same condom twice.
How do you use a condom? (Finally!)
When and how do you take off the condom? Pull out before the penis softens, and hold the condom against the base of the penis while you pull out, so that the semen doesn't spill. Condom should be disposed properly for example wrapping it in a tissue and throwing it away. It's not good to flush condoms down the toilet - they're bad for the environment.
Don't risk it. Make condom use your position on sex.
Are you ready for the bump that can come with the hump?
He tell you "Baby, I love you." But when you become pregnant with his baby, will you still be his baby?
Statistics show that teenage pregnancy figures have risen from 731 in 2003 to 838 in 2006. In a short span of 3 years, there has already been a worrying 14.6% increase. Thus, this message within serve as a warning to teenage girls out there who are so besotted with promises of love that they give up their virginity and expose themselves to the dangers of contracting sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy. The important value that teenagers can take away is that true love does not equate sex. If sexual intercourses had taken place, the next ideal step the couple should work on is secondary abstinence. The discipline instilled will go a long way in ensuring unfortunate events like pregnancy and STIs from interfering with your future. You have a choice!
You might start to develop rashes, genital discharge or itch around your pubic area. These symptoms will not necessarily go away by themselves. Genital warts for example will persist and continue to grow slowly until appropriate medical attention is given to them.
Not all sexually transmitted infections are life threatening. Most STIs have related conditions that can be managed with medications and professional monitoring. Gonorrhea can be treated fully if it is detected and treated in the early stages.
Even HIV infection, an incurable condition, can has its progression slowed with medications. Patients can often be returned to good health after treatment.
Don't wait before it's too late. Take a stand against STIs. Get yourself checked regularly and seek treatment early for a higher chance of recovery.
Disclaimer: Information provided may be inaccurate. Please refer to the relevant health authority for verification. Copyleft (ɔ) 2009. NM4880C - Communication for Social Change. All wrongs reserved.
