Condoms and Dental Dams

Latex condoms are the only contraceptives that prevent transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including HIV.* Used during vaginal, anal, or oral sex, these condoms are a highly effective defense against any STD that is transmitted through body fluids (such as HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis), and they reduce the risk of skin-to-skin transmission of STDs (such as genital herpes and syphilis) to the extent that they cover the affected area. For condoms to be effective, users must have the skills and knowledge to use them correctly and consistently.

Dental dams are small sheets of latex that are placed over the vulva or anus during oral sex to prevent STD transmission. Originally designed for dental work, they are now sometimes available for purchase where condoms are sold. A dam can also be made from a condom by cutting off the rim and tip to form a tube, then making one lengthwise cut to form a rectangle.

*	Polyurethane condoms may be used if one partner has a latex allergy, however they have a higher breakage/slipping rate than latex [1].

Youth and Condom Use

For selected statistics on adolescents' use of condoms visit Demographics: Sexual Health.

Condoms are the most popular birth control method among sexually active teens, and condom use is increasing in this age group [2]. Popularity does not necessarily translate to correct and consistent use, however. Adolescents are more likely than adults to experience condom failures, especially if they have not had formal education on how to use condoms [3].

Like adults, adolescents are more likely to use condoms in a casual relationship or hookup than in a relationship characterized by love and trust [4].

What a youth believes about a partner's attitude toward condoms will influence condom use. Communication between partners is key:

• When youth believe their partners disapprove of condoms, they are less likely to use them; when youth believe their partners approve of condoms, condom use is more likely [2].
   
• In one survey, 83% of young men said they would "gladly" wear a condom if their partners asked them to [5].
   
• The ability to communicate the desire to use condoms influences condom use [2].

Interventions that can positively affect the use of condoms include sex education with condom demonstrations and practice, sex education that helps youth learn to talk with a partner about condoms, interventions that help parents talk to their children about sex and condoms, clinic-based interventions, and condom availability programs. Success may also come from efforts to change perceptions and norms so that couples see condoms as an enjoyable, expected part of sex that does not detract from the sexual experience.

Resources for Educators

PrACTice Matters: The Case for Condom Education

Despite the need -- and widespread support for sex education -- condom demonstrations are often treated as controversial. This article makes the case for condom demonstrations and practice as part of a larger sexual health program. ACT for Youth.

Article

Formatted for Screen Readers

Condomology

This comprehensive site includes videos, slideshows, charts, and text covering condom basics, statistics, facts and myths, and more. American Sexual Health Association.

Website

Frequently Asked Questions about Condoms

Basic information about male and female condoms is presented in a user-friendly way. NYS Department of Health.

Web Page

Condom Effectiveness

Condom effectiveness relative to specific STDs is discussed. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Web Page

Emergency Contraception Website

When discussing condoms, educators may also want to raise awareness about emergency contraception (EC), useful for some couples when a condom breaks. EC comes in two basic forms: 1) EC pills, which must be taken within 3-5 days of unprotected sex, and 2) insertion of a copper IUD within five days. The Emergency Contraception Website provides a wealth of information, including regulation status, news, and frequently asked questions. Office of Population Research at Princeton University.

What is EC?

EC in the News

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Resources for Youth

Condom

Answers questions youth ask about condoms, including benefits and disadvantages. Planned Parenthood.

Web Pages

Condoms

This section of the ACT Youth Network site covers the basics, how to use male condoms, female condoms, and what to do if the condom breaks. ACT for Youth.

Web Pages

Keeping Safe and Healthy

This section helps youth consider sexual decision-making, and provides information on safer sex, including dental dams for oral sex. ACT for Youth.

Web Pages

It's Your (Sex) Life

This site includes information about condoms and safer sex as well as LGBTQ FAQs "powered by Planned Parenthood." MTV.

Website

Sex, Etc.

Written by and for teens, these articles cover many aspects of condom use. Rutgers University.

Articles

Emergency Contraception Basics

Concisely describes the types of EC pills available and links to an EC locator to help women obtain EC pills. Princeton University.

Web Page

References

[1]	Williams, R. L., & Fortenberry, J. D. (2011). Update on adolescent condom use. Current Opinion in Obstetrics & Gynecology, 23(5), 350-354.
[2]	American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Adolescence. (2013). Policy statement: Condom use by adolescents. Pediatrics, 132(5), 973-981.
[3]	Graham, C. A., Crosby, R. A., Sanders, S. A., & Yarber, W. L. (2005). Assessment of condom use in men and women. Annual Review of Sex Research, 16, 20-52.
[4]	Feldstein Ewing, S. W., & Bryan, A. D. (2015). A question of love and trust? The role of relationship factors in adolescent sexual decision making. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 36(8), 628-634.
[5]	National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. (2010). That's what he said. Retrieved from thenationalcampaign.org/sites/default/files/resource-primary-download/thatswhathesaid.pdf.