Pillow Talk: Proper use means more protection

Public service announcements and sporadic sex education health classes have left many people with a false sense of security when it comes to condom use.

The truth is, as a method of avoiding unwanted pregnancies and STDs, rubbers do not always work very well. Of course, when choosing between going bare and wrapping it up, you should always go with the condom.

According to the Mississippi State Department of Health, nearly one in five of all babies born in Forrest County have a teenage mother. Typical condom use is only 85 to 89 percent successful in preventing pregnancies. If it were used every time perfectly, it would shoot to being 98 percent effective.

It sounds good, but it still means two out of 100 women would still find themselves pregnant in spite of all their efforts to prevent it.

Okay, so why do condoms fail when "everyone knows how to use them." Well, funny you should ask. People don't use condoms every single time. Two out of three times doesn't pack much of a punch. Also, there's slippage and breakage, which I suspect many of you already know about.

So, a proper-fitting condom is very important. But first, let's go through a short a-b-c of condoms.

There are three types of male condoms: latex, vinyl and natural (lambskin) condoms. All types of condoms have their pros and cons; vinyl doesn't fit as snuggly as the others, so slippage may occur - here one second, gone the next. However, if you're allergic to latex, this is your best bet. Vinyl condoms are also said to offer greater sensation, but some men have experienced up to a 10 percent breakage rate.

Latex condoms often contain spermacide, not enough to kill all the sperm, but enough to be irritating, and irritated skin down there increases your risk of HIV and other STDs. Natural condoms are an effective barrier to sperm, but they have tiny pores that will allow viruses like herpes, hepatitis and HIV to pass through to the other person. Latex and vinyl condoms are the best at preventing pregnancy and STDs. Use them properly, and enjoy having fun finding the right fit.

Foreplay is not just another "F word." Condoms can be an integral part of foreplay. Foreplay also allows women's bodies to generate natural lubrication. This helps prevent rips and tears as well as increasing sensitivity for everybody. Tiny rips and tears increase the possibility of both men and women getting STDs. Add a drop of lube to the inside tip of the condom before putting it on. Check the condom for fit and remove any air bubbles, then coat the outside with more lubricant - all in the name of foreplay. NASA, we are ready for launch.

Using condoms can be romantic fun, and any partner who doesn't care about protecting your health isn't worth it.

One added benefit for women is a lower occurrence of abnormal Pap smears with consistent (every single time) condom use. For men, condoms help reduce the likelihood of premature ejaculation.

Almost as many women as men now buy and carry condoms. When you buy condoms, you are reinforcing that you are a responsible person who understands your sexuality as a normal and healthy part of your life.

This is a column of opinion written by Printz Opinions Staff Writer Glory Fink. Comments about this column can be sent to printz@usm.edu.