The ins and outs of safe sex

Not only is it extremely important to know where to find condoms and other forms of birth control, it is vital to know how to use them properly.  This article will explain, in graphic detail, how to correctly use condoms as well as a few other things.  The first to be discussed will be the latex condom.  Ejaculate, aka, "cum" is expelled from the male body at approximately 25 miles per hour; men and women need to realize that a condom is meant to "catch" semen coming out at the speed of a slow moving Ford Focus and take the proper precautions.  Let's do this in steps:

1. Check the expiration date.  Condoms are like milk and eggs: you never want to use them past their expiration date.
2. Use your fingers to push the condom down and carefully tear the package open.
3. Make sure that you're putting the condom on the "right" way.  They only roll on one way.  If you attempt to put it on and do it the wrong way, you must throw it away.  You've gotten pre-ejaculate, aka "pre-cum" on the outside and defeated the purpose of wearing it. 
4. Pinch the tip!!!!  This is where the speed of the ejaculate comes into play.  You must pinch the reservoir tip to give the semen a place to go.  If there is air in the tip, the semen will push it out at 25 mph and the condom will most likely break.
5. Change the condom for each separate act of vaginal, anal, or oral sex. 
6. When you are finished, throw the condom in the trash, not the toilet.  Unless you want the condoms to clog the toilet, back it up and cause a "condom flood," throw them in the trash. 

A side note: if you plan to use lubrication, use water based lube. It will say "water-based" right on the packaging.  If it is not water based, it will dissolve the latex, leading to a broken condom.  A list of Unacceptable lubrication: Vaseline, shampoo, lotion, cooking oil (you're not making chicken), chocolate syrup, and basically anything else that does not say "water-based" on the package.  The only exception is silicone based lubrication.  This is excellent lubrication for any type of birth control, it's just more expensive. 

There are three other types of condoms that will be discussed.  First, flavored condoms; these are perfect for oral sex, although they can be used for vaginal and anal sex as well.  Second are "plus-sized" condoms for the man who is blessed with a larger than average penis.  These should not be used by men who only think they have a large penis but actually do not.  This can lead to missing condoms lost inside of their partners.  The Third is the polyisoprene condom.  This is the condom that should only be used by someone with a latex allergy; they're not as reliable as latex condoms.

Female condoms are up next.  They're not made of latex, which has its pros and cons.  They're not as pliable as latex condoms, but you're not restricted to using water based lubrication.  They're also a nice comeback to the man who tries to talk you out of using a latex condom or for someone who's allergic to latex.  They can be used for both vaginal and anal sex, which is great for gay men as well as women. 

Now for "dental dams;" these are usually flavored sheets of latex to be placed over the vulva, aka external vaginal area, or the anal area.  They are used as protection for both cunnilingus and "rimming" and are ideal for those who suffer from genital herpes or genital warts.  To make using these more pleasurable, put water based lubrication on the side of the dam that will be touching the skin and go to town.

Now for the really important information: where to get these safe sex tools.  The Pride Center gives out free and unlimited latex condoms, lubrication, female condoms, flavored condoms, dental dams, large condoms, and polyisoprene condoms.  They're located at 2508 E. Bijou Colorado Springs, CO 80909 (719)471-4429. www.yourpridecenter.org  At Fort Carson you can contact Preventive Medicine at 2059 Magrath (719)526-2939.

The most important part of safe sex is having something on you when you need it, but beware.  Keeping these safe sex tools in your wallet, your car, or anywhere else that will expose them to extreme temperatures will affect the latex.  Keep them next to your bed, or somewhere else where the temperature is stable and they are easily accessible.  Sex can be both fun and safe, if you do things the right way.