#1: Condoms are a great favorite with teens for a couple of simple reasons:

• they’re cheap and you don’t need a prescription to buy;
• no side effects (unless you’re allergic to latex);
• allowed for spontaneous sex, prevent unwanted pregnancy,
• protects against STDs and HIV infection and most importantly, you can carry them anywhere at your discretion.

#2: Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, are highly effective in preventing transmission of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

• Using a latex condom to prevent transmission of HIV is more than 10,000 times safer than not using a condom.

  FAST FACT: 45% of teenage women who practice contraception use condoms, either alone (19%) or with another method (25%).

FAST FACT: Condom use is especially common among teens, 20–24-year-olds, childless women and never-married women.

#3: Condoms can protect against the transmission of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis, and may protect against genital herpes and syphilis.

#4: Condoms (male and female) are the only type of birth control that offers STD protection.

#5: Condoms come in a variety of shapes. Most have a reservoir tip although some do have a plain tip. Condoms may be regular shaped (w/ straight sides), form fit (indented below the head of the penis), or they may be flared (wider over the head of the penis).

#6: Ribbed condoms are textured w/ ribs or bumps, which can increase sensation for both partners. Condoms also come in a variety of colors.

• It's up to you which shape you choose. All of the differences in shape are designed to suit different personal preferences and enhance pleasure. It is important to communicate with your partner to be sure that you are using condoms that satisfy both of you.

#7: Some condoms are flavored to make oral sex more enjoyable. They are also safe to use for penetrative sex as long as they have been tested and approved.

#8: Condoms work by keeping sperm and other fluids out of the vagina.

#9: When used without any errors each and every time, condoms are 98%

effective. With typical use (not used perfectly), condoms are only 85% effective.

Quick Tip: 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. 

#10: Condoms manufactured from lambskin, also known as “natural skin,” or “natural membrane,” are made from the intestinal lining of lambs. While these condoms can prevent pregnancy, they contain small pores that may permit passage of some STDs, including HIV, the hepatitis B virus, and the herpes simplex virus.

The female condom is a non-prescription, pre-lubrciated, pouch-like device that lines the walls of the vagina. It is made of polyurethane and has a soft ring at each end. The ring at the closed end is used to put the condom against the cervix and helps to hold it in place. The open end of the condom stays outside of the vagina and is held in place by the outer ring. The female condom acts as  a barrier to prevent the sperm and egg from joining. It can be inserted up to 6 hours prior to sex so it does not decrease spontaneity. This method of birth control is b/w 79-95% effective and a new condom must be used every time a person has intercourse. The female condom also protects against many STIs.

click to see female condom

                 Advantages:        

• Easy to buy in drugstores, supermarkets, etc.
• Can be used by people with latex allergies.
• External ring may stimulate clitoris.
• Allow for women’s control over reducing the risks of STIs.

Disadvantages:

• May be difficult to insert and has been reported as being noisy during intercourse.
• Must be comfortable touching body.
• Costlier than male condoms.

A diaphragm is a round piece of thin rubber attached to a round rim. The muscles of the vagina hold it in place. A cervical cap is a small piece of rubber with a hard rim and soft, domed top. It stays in place by suction over the cervix (the opening to the uterus at the top of the vagina). Either method can be inserted up to 6 hours before intercourse, and must not be removed until at least 6 hours after ejaculation. It is recommended that both of these methods be used with spermicidal jelly. Both methods block sperm from entering the uterus and fertilizing the egg. Diaphragms and cervical caps come in different sizes. In order to ensure a correct fit, a woman must consult her doctor to get a prescription. The diaphragm is 81-95% effective and the cervical cap is 82-94% effective. These methods do not protect against STIs.

Click to see where cervical cap is placed

Click to see where diaphgram is placed

Advantages:

• No major health concerns are related to using either methods.
• Can be used during breast feeding.
• Only needs to be replaced every 6-12 months or after losing or graining more than 10 pounds or after a vaginal birth.

Disadvantages

• Some people are allergic to the diaphragm or cervical cap and/or the spermicide that is recommended with these methods.
• Some women are more likely to have bladder infections when they use a diaphgram.
• Although rare, women can get Toxic Shock Syndrome from leaving either the diaphragm or cervical cap in for long periods of time.

Spermicides are chemicals that either kill sperm or leaves them inactive.  The chemical that is used in spermicides is called nonoyxynol-9 and it comes in many forms including: foam, cream, gel, film and suppositories.  It is recommend that spermicides be used in conjunction with other forms of birth control to decrease the chances of pregnancy.  When used alone spermicides are 79% effective.  Spermicides do not offer protection against sexually transmitted infections.  Using the spermicide nonoxynol-9 many times a day, by people at risk for HIV, may irritate tissue and increase the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

Advantages

• Minimal side effects.
• Available in drugstores, supermarkets, etc.
• Certain types of spermicides can add extra lubrication for intercourse.

Disadvantages

• The perfume or nonoxynol-9 used in spermicides might cause itching, swelling, or burning in some people.
• Some people do not like the taste of spermicides.