STD, Safer Sex and You

Sexually transmitted diseases are now more commonly called sexually transmitted infections (STI). Why? The word infection includes those cases with symptoms as well as those without.

Did you know

• The highest rates and increases of STIs in Canada are in people between the ages of 15 and 24.
• For gonorrhea, there has been major increases in men beyond youth into their 30s.

Only abstinence or a truly monogamous relationship between two uninfected partners can ensure the avoidance of sexually transmitted infections.

Why use a condom?

Condoms were originally sold as a birth control method. However, today more than ever, condoms are a vitally important way to save your life and protect your health. Condoms used consistently and correctly provide protection against getting or spreading an STIs - including HIV (the virus that causes AIDS).

Some STIs are easily cured, some are life long, treatable but not cured, and some if left untreated could lead to infertility, cervical cancer or even death. These infections are spread through vaginal, oral or anal sex.

How do condoms work?

A condom acts as a barrier or wall to keep blood, semen or vaginal fluids from passing from one person to the other during sex. These fluids can carry the "bugs" that cause STI. Used as birth control method, the condom prevent sperm (carried in the semen) from fertilizing the ovum (egg).

Where do I get condoms?

Condoms are free at many public health clinics. Condoms are also available from vending machines in washrooms, drug stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, on-line and in condom shops without a prescription. Wherever you get your condoms - make sure that their expiry date hasn't already passed.

How do I choose a condom?

Read the condom packaging to find out if the condom offers you the protection you need (protection against STI and pregnancy). After that, it's a personal preference. Condoms are made of different materials, sizes, shapes, colours and textures. They come in dry or lubricated form, with or without spermicide and with or without a reservoir-tip. If the condom is too loose, it could slip - too tight and it could tear. You may need to try several kinds of condoms until you find those that are best for you.

Male condoms

The latex condom reduces the risk of most STIs including HIV and helps to protect against unintended pregnancy. Available research on condom effectiveness indicates that the latex male condom is highly effective in preventing HIV transmission in both men and women who have vaginal intercourse.

Polyurethane male condom is similar to the latex condom and protects against pregnancy and STIs. The polyurethane condom can be used by people who are allergic to latex.

Natural membrane condoms (sheepskin or lambskin condoms) are not recommended for protection against STIs since certain bacteria and viruses can pass through the small pores in the material.

Female condoms are available without a prescription where male condoms are sold. In Canada, the female condom is a strong, soft, clear sheath made of polyurethane. It is placed inside the vagina before sex and protects against pregnancy and STI (including HIV).

Novelty items are products that look like condoms but there is no disease or pregnancy prevention claim on their label. They should not be used for protection against pregnancy or STI including HIV

How should I store condoms?

Condoms should be stored at room temperature away from sunlight. Extreme heat harms condoms, so if you keep them in a purse, wallet or glove compartment replace them after a few weeks.

Should I use a lubricant with a condom?

It's up to you whether or not you use lubricant. But a word of caution - condoms made of latex should not be used with oil-based products such as: petroleum jelly/Vaseline, baby oil, mineral oil, vegetable oil or hand cream. These products can weaken the condom and can lead to breakage. Water-based lubricants sold near the condom displays at pharmacies are safe to use with all types of condoms.

Should spermicides be used with a condom?

Most spermicides contain a chemical called nonoxynol-9 which destroys sperm and helps to prevent unintended pregnancies. Recent data indicate that nonoxynol-9 does not reduce the risk of HIV transmission and it may in fact actually increase the risk of HIV infection by irritating the genital area (penis or vagina). Products that could include nonoxynol-9 are: certain condoms, vaginal foams, contraceptive gels, contraceptive sponges, contraceptive film, suppositories and some water-based lubricants. Check the label.

How effective are male condoms in preventing pregnancy?

Used perfectly, the chance of getting pregnant during the first year of use is 3%. However, for this contraceptive method to work this well, the condom must be used every time and used correctly. Failure rates can be over 10% because the condom wasn't stored or used properly.

How do I use a condom? (this includes oral and anal sexual practices)

For an illustration of how to use a condom click here or see the condom package insert. A male or female condom (without spermicide) can provide protection against catching an STI during oral sex. In this case, the male condom can be used to cover the penis and either type of condom cut lengthwise can be used like a dental dam to cover the genital area in females. Anal sex is the riskiest sexual activity.

What if the condom broke or I had unprotected sex?

Visit your doctor or public health care clinic for private and free health information and services to discuss your needs.

• emergency contraceptive pills (most effective if taken within 72 hours) to prevent an unintended pregnancy

• STI and HIV screening and treatment

How can I convince my partner to use a condom?

• easy to get, relatively inexpensive, discreet to carry
• great variety available to make the method more fun and heighten pleasure
• condom can be part of sexual foreplay and both partners can participate
• condoms protect against HIV, other STIs and unintended pregnancy
• used with lubricant sensitivity is increased
• men gain greater ejaculatory control
• protects against infertility (some STI may lead to infertility)
• if not worried about STI and pregnancy, sex is less worrisome and therefore more pleasurable

For more sexual health information and services, visit a doctor or health clinic. Hot link here to STI Helpline phone numbers near you.

• Division of Sexual Health Promotion and STD Prevention and Control - Sexual Health Info Centre
• What you need to know about Sexually Transmitted Diseases - Health Canada
• Nonoxynol-9 and the Risk of HIV Transmission, HIV/AIDS Epi Update - May 2004
• Safer Sex, Birth Control, STI, Condoms. The Canadian Health Network
• Emergency contraception, Canadian Paediatric Society
• Si t'es pas fait en bois... moi, j'suis en latex! - Santé et services sociaux Québec