The Complete Idiot's Guide to Amazing Sex
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As you can see, condoms are quite simple to use, and can even be fun to use once you get accustomed to them. And you should use them, because besides being a method of birth control, they are the only way to stay protected against sexually transmitted diseases and the HIV virus.
Her Condom
Not nearly as well known as its male counterpart, the female condom is a tube made of polyurethane plastic with two rings to anchor it in place. The smaller ring fits inside the vagina over the cervix (the same way a diaphragm does) and the larger one hangs outside the vagina. Because it protects the tissues of the labia as well as the vagina, the female condom provides broader coverage against STDs than the male condom. The female condom cannot be used in combination with a regular condom for men!
Advantages: Available without a prescription in drugstores and supermarkets; offers women a new way to protect themselves against STDs without depending on male partners to use condoms; can be used when one of the partners is allergic to latex or spermicide; can be inserted ahead of time or just before intercourse.
Disadvantages: May slip around during sex; may irritate the vagina or penis; the outer ring may slip into the vagina during intercourse; may be difficult to insert.
Vaginal Spermicides
Foam, jelly, cream, film, or suppositories inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix can prevent Pregnancy because they contain a spermicide. Spermicides are chemicals that kill sperm.
Advantages: Spermicides are usually 80 percent effective when used alone and 98 percent effective when used along with condoms. Can be purchased without a prescription in drug stores.
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Disadvantages: Possible allergic reactions to the chemicals and spermicides; spermicides must be inserted no more than 30 minutes prior to intercourse and a repeated application is required before the next act.
Diaphragms and Cervical Caps
The diaphragm looks like a small rubber saucer (and makes a dandy hat for your pet rabbit should you opt for abstinence instead). It measures between 2 and 4 inches across. It is prescribed and fitted by a doctor.
It is inserted before each time you have intercourse. To use, apply spermicidal cream or jelly to the side of the diaphragm that will face the cervix, fold the diaphragm in half, and insert into the vagina. Once inside, the rim of the diaphragm will unfold and make a seal against the vaginal walls, completely covering the cervix and blocking sperm from entering the uterus. You must be refitted by a doctor to see if you need a different sized diaphragm following a Pregnancy or a weight change—gained or lost—of 10 pounds or more.
The cervical cap, though smaller and thimble-shaped, is similar to the diaphragm in many ways. It is also prescribed only by a doctor. Once inserted into the vagina, it fits snugly over the cervix. Both the diaphragm and the cervical cap must be used in conjunction with spermicides. The rubber barrier alone is not enough protection.
Advantages: You can insert a diaphragm up to 6 hours before intercourse and insert a cervical cap up to 48 hours before intercourse; when used with condoms, both are good protectors against STDs.
Disadvantages: Both the diaphragm and cervical cap must be individually fitted by a health-care professional; you must leave the diaphragm in for 6 hours after intercourse and the cervical cap in for 8 hours after intercourse; more spermicide must be inserted into the vagina, using a plastic applicator, each successive time you have intercourse; possible allergies to latex or spermicides may make some women more prone to urinary tract infections; neither the diaphragm nor the cervical cap can be used during menstruation.
More Methods for Consideration
The following methods are not hanging on the wall behind the cashier at the drugstore like condoms. But for some people, these methods may be useful o
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