* At least 55 million Americans have a sexually transmitted infection-that's 1 in 4 adults.
* Oils and most lotions will cause latex to break. Use only water or silicone based lubes with latex.
* You can get a number of infections from unprotected oral sex.
* 1 in 5 newly infected individuals with HIV in the US has a drug resistant strain of the virus.
* Condoms help prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Put on a condom before there is any vaginal, oral or anal contact with the penis.
* Make sure there are no air pockets at the top of the fitted condom. This makes them burst very easily. Squeeze any air out before you have intercourse.
* Never use oil-based lubricants (petroleum jelly or mineral oil) on latex condoms.
* Do not use a condom that is old or brittle.
* Store condoms in a cool, dry place.
* Don't store condoms in wallets, they could get damaged or worn out from the heat of the backside of a person or the pressure from being squished so much
* Condoms can be weakened by exposure to heat or sunlight or by age.
* Always check the expiration date. Condoms should come with an expiration date.
* Always use a condom, going without one puts you and your partner at risk.
* It is strongly recommended not to use more than one condom at a time as they can both tear due to friction between them.
* In order to prevent the transmission of HIV (the virus that causes AIDS), you MUST use a latex condom, NOT a "natural" or animal skin condom. Animal skin condoms have tiny holes that HIV can get through, whereas latex condoms do not.
* Always put the condom on before ANY contact with your partner, not just before ejaculation. There are traces of sperm in the "pre-cum" liquid that comes from the erect penis and this too can cause pregnancy.
* To make it feel even better, put a drop or two of lube or Warming Liquid inside the condom before putting it on and apply a bit to the outside as well (it evaporates like water and doesn't leave a sticky mess).
* Always have condoms available. Put one or two condoms in your school bag, pocket or purse. Keep a few near your bed. If the idea of someone seeing them makes you squeamish, use a condom case.
* If "using a condom would kill the mood" try putting it on in a sexy way, like another bit of foreplay. Unrolling it over the penis can be sensual, even a turn-on itself if you do it right. Don't limit your imagination; perhaps try "cheeking," the action of applying a condom with your mouth. Besides, it can't be nearly the mood killer a crying baby would be.
* If you say things like "I never have used them, and I don't feel the need to start." You probably don't feel the urge to take a big bunch of expensive anti-HIV drugs several times a day either, so use condoms and be safe.
