Cover Up!

Are Condoms for You?

By Shel Franco

Condoms. They've almost become a political cause for the younger generation. Student governments press administrators to provide free condoms on school property. Popular teen hangouts display condom dispensers on restroom walls.

Over the years, jokes about hiding your face at the local pharmacy and stashing condoms in a wallet have permeated every generation. The truth is, condoms are anything but a joke.

"Never leave home without one. [They are] the best way to protect against STDs, especially HIV, gonorrhea and chlamydia," says Dr. Susan Dantoni, M.D., an obstetrician and gynecologist in Geneva, N.Y.

And while adults in monogamous, committed relationships might not be interested in STD prevention, they may like to know that condoms aren't too shabby in the pregnancy prevention department, either.

According to the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, only three out of 100 condom-using couples will become pregnant when the condom is used perfectly. If you worry about the pressure of being perfect, take heart. Planned Parenthood adds that even with imperfect use, only 14 out of 100 condom-using couples will become pregnant. Dr. Dantoni adds that condoms are even more effective when used with spermicidal jellies.

Condoms work as a barrier method. The ejaculated semen is held inside the rubber sheath, preventing any sperm from entering the vagina. Condoms are placed onto the penis just before intercourse, and they are removed immediately following ejaculation.

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• Cover Up! Are Condoms For You?
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