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For this method of birth control to work best, you and your partner must be very careful to use
both the foam and a new condom together, each time you have sex.
Where can I get foam and condoms?
Foam and condoms are fairly inexpensive and easy to get. You can buy
contraceptive foam almost anywhere that tampons and sanitary napkins are sold. Condoms
(rubbers) are often sold at drug stores and in vending machines in restrooms.
There are many brands and kinds of foam and condoms. They are all good. Just be sure
that the condom you choose is made of latex and that any lubricants you use during sex
are water-based and not oil-based. When buying a foam or jelly, be sure to purchase one
that says "contraceptive" on the package. Persons allergic to latex may try Avanti condoms, which are made from polyurathane (plastic).
(Warning: these condoms may break more
easily than latex condoms.)
How do we use foam and condoms?
Learning to use foam and condoms is easy. Just follow these steps:
You must insert the foam into your vagina immediately before sex. Make sure you have the
foam already inside your vagina before your partner's penis gets close to your vagina.
To insert the foam, remove the canister of foam and the plastic applicator from the
package. Shake the canister of foam about 30 times.
Attach the open end of the applicator to the aerosol top of the foam canister and push
down until the clear part of the applicator is full. This should take about 2 seconds.
Separate the full applicator from the canister and get into a comfortable position: lie
on your back, sit on a toilet, or stand with one foot resting on a chair or bed. Hold the
full applicator in one hand and gently guide it into your vagina with your other hand.
Slowly push the plunger back into the applicator until the plunger can't go any farther.
When your partner's penis is erect, either you or he should put the condom on the penis.
Carefully rip open one end of the condom package. Don't unroll the condom now; instead,
place it on the head (or tip) of the penis so that it will easily unroll down over his
penis. (It's easy to mistakenly try to start unrolling the condom inside out, so check
first to make sure it's correct.) Leave about 1/4 inch of room at the tip and squeeze the
air out of the top to form an empty nipple for the sperm to collect in. (Some rubbers have
a nipple built in.) Never use Vaseline or mineral oil as a lubricant with a latex condom.
Condoms can be bought pre-lubricated. Or, use K-Y jelly, saliva, or foam as a lubricant.
After your partner ejaculates, his penis should immediately be withdrawn from inside of
your vagina. BE CAREFUL THAT NOTHING SPILLS OUT of the condom. It's a good idea to grasp
the rolled end of the condom as the penis is withdrawn.
If you have sex again soon after, use another applicator full of foam and a new condom.
Rinse the foam applicator in warm water with mild soap, if necessary.
Throw out the used condom.
Foam and latex condoms also provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
Can I use an old condom?
Condoms can only be used once. You should use a new condom each time you have
sex. Unopened condoms that are stored in a cool dry place can last for up to five years
after they have been made. (Look for the manufacturer's date on the package.) However, if
the condom looks damaged or old--or if you do not know how old it is--you should use a new one.
Keep a fresh store of condoms on hand so that you will always be prepared. Do not store
condoms in hot places such as the glove compartment of your car or in your wallet.
How effective are foam and condoms?
When used together and properly, foam and condoms are about 97 percent
effective in preventing pregnancy.
Can I use a condom made out of an animal skin?
Condoms made from animal skins, such as "lambskin" condoms, are made
from sheep intestines. These condoms can be used to prevent pregnancy but they may not
protect you or your partner from sexually transmitted diseases.
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