Condoms

• Condoms are the most effective non-prescription method of birth control.
• When used correctly every single time with intercourse, pregnancy is prevented as much as 97% of the time, or more.
• Besides not having sex, latex condoms are the best way to prevent sexually transmitted infections.
• Store condoms at room temperature in a dark, dry place and use before the expiration date. Avoid storing them in a wallet or car.
• Condom effectiveness increases if used with a spermicide.
• Condoms are not reusable!
• Condoms are easily available at WSTC, other clinics, drug stores, grocery stores, gas stations and vending machines.

• It is very important to put on the condom before the erect penis goes inside a partner. Before ejaculation, there is a small amount of pre-ejaculate fluid (cum) that comes out of the penis. It may contain sperm and any STI bacteria or virus.
• Check the expiration date on the condom package. If the date is past, there is a greater chance of breakage, but if there is no other condom it is better to use it than nothing. Next time be sure to check in advance. Hold the condom up to the light, if possible, to check for holes or tears.
• Pinch the condom tip to leave space for the semen and to prevent an air bubble which may make it easier for the condom to break.
• Put the condom on the tip of the erect (hard) penis and hold it there while the other hand rolls it all the way down to the base of the penis.
• Condoms must be lubricated to prevent breakage. Most are sold pre-lubricated. **Use water based lubricants (water, spermicide, KY jelly) vs. oil based (vaseline, lotion, oils) that weaken latex.
• After ejaculation, hold the condom on at the base of the penis and withdraw from the partner before the penis becomes soft and the condom might fall off. Take the condom off the penis away from the partner so there is no chance of spilling the semen. Tie a knot in the condom or wrap it in a tissue and throw it in the garbage.

Spermicides are another non-prescription and affordable birth control method. They contain chemicals that either kill the sperm or make them inactive so they can’t get through the cervix to the egg.

Spermicides come in several forms :

• Gels
• Creams
• Foam
• Suppositories
• Film squares

Spermicide is only about 80% effective when used alone . But if spermicide is used with condoms, the rate of effectiveness can be as high as 98%. Some people are allergic to one of the two spermicide chemicals—nonoxynol-9 and octoxynol — used in spermicides. If a person is irritated after using one kind of chemicals, he/she should try a product that uses the other one. Some watery discharge with spermicide use is normal. Using a panty liner is recommended, but be sure not to douche. Douching can destroy the effectiveness of the spermicide. Spermicide may be purchased at drug stores, grocery stores, discount stores, and some convenience stores.

• Check the label of the specific spermicide for the exact instructions.
• Generally the gel, cream, foam, suppository or film must melt into a liquid before it becomes effective. The chemical needs to spread around the vagina and cervix.
• For the film and suppository, it is very important to wait at least 10 minutes after the spermicide is placed inside the vagina, before having intercourse. You may need to wait longer.
• Spermicides lose their effectiveness after about 60 minutes, depending on the chemical— check the label to be sure. If that much time passes before sex takes place, put another application of spermicide in the vagina.