So you met a great guy on Match. He could be “the one.” And he’s offered to cook dinner for you tomorrow night. At his place. You’ve been to Trim, g boutique, and you picked up a great bottle of vino….you are prepared for the big night, right? Only if you threw a few Trojans in that clutch. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are real and they are scary. Most STIs transfer through an exchange of bodily fluid during sex – whether it’s oral, vaginal, or anal. Some viruses – like HPV or herpes – can also spread by skin-to-skin contact of infected areas. The best thing a single lady can do is – quite simply – put a rubber on it. Latex condoms prevent the spread of even the tiniest microorganism, and they are a girl’s best friend when it comes to protection.
Just in case you were dozing during the banana demo in sex-ed, here’s a recap of what you missed. And remember, if it’s not on…it’s not on.
1. It might seem sexy to open the package with your teeth, but you need to be careful – especially with teeth or fingernails – not to tear the condom. Use a new condom for each act of intercourse. Even if it’s vaginal and then anal. Or vice-versa. Oh, and make sure the condom hasn’t been in your purse/his wallet since the first season of Lost.
2. Before any genital contact, place the condom on the tip of the erect penis with the rolled side out. Unroll it a little bit to make sure it’s going on the right way.
3. Unroll the condom all the way to the base of the erect penis. It’s okay (and fun!) to use a little lube, just make sure it’s a water-based lubricant like KY or Astroglide.
4. Immediately after ejaculation, hold the rim of the condom and withdraw the penis while it is still erect.
5. Throw away the used condom. Condoms should not be flushed down a toilet unless you want the morning after to really be disgusting.
So, there ya have it. It’s sexy, hot, and smart to be cautious against STIs.
