As a former AIDS Education and Prevention Instructor with American Red Cross, the following is consistent with the information I was trained to pass on in courses: In short, don't use two condoms at the same time on the same penis. And, don't use a male and female condom together. The concept is that they will rub and break down. The material also indicated that using large amounts of water based lubricants was a good idea. I stopped teaching the material last year, and things may have changed since then, but that would seem unlikely to me.
Peace and Take Good Care, Bryan
PS - Here is a hand-out with a list of FAQ's and the answer in the condom section with two web sites below that for more information:
Frequently Asked Questions: HealthAIDS/HIV Prevention
What is HIV?
What is AIDS?
HIV is NOT transmitted by:
Who is at risk for HIV infection?
Who is eligible for testing at the Washoe County District Health Department?
What are the costs of an HIV test or STD exam at the Health Department?
Where else is HIV testing available in the community?
How can HIV transmission from injection drug use be prevented?
How can sexual transmission of HIV be prevented?
What is the HIV Antibody Test?
What is the window period?
Do condoms provide 100% protection from HIV?
Condoms are not 100% effective at preventing HIV transmission. When used correctly and consistently, condoms are highly effective and reliable in reducing the risk of transmitting HIV and most sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Condoms should be used EVERY TIME during sex when transmission of HIV (or other STDs) is possible. When condoms fail to work properly, it is most often because of improper and/or inconsistent use.
Condoms may not work as well against STDs spread through skin-to-skin touching, like herpes and genital warts, because condoms may not cover the infected areas.
Following these basic rules will reduce the already small chance of condom failure:
- Experiment with different condoms and practice putting them on before intercourse.
- Practice talking with your partner about your desire and intention to use condoms.
- Use latex (rubber) or polyurethane (plastic) condoms. Avoid "natural skin" condoms, which have tiny holes, which may allow HIV and other STDs to be transmitted.
- When using a male condom choose one that fits. Male condoms come in different sizes, shapes, and styles, but most condoms will fit most men.
- Another choice is the Reality condom, which is made of polyurethane and is designed to fit inside the woman`s vagina for vaginal sex, and the anus for anal sex. Use the directions from the manufacturer that come with Reality condoms.
- Open and handle condoms carefully. Never use a condom that is in a damaged package or is past its expiration date. Condoms should be stored loosely in a cool, dry place (not in your wallet or the glove compartment of your car) and kept where you can easily get them if you decide to have sex.
- To reduce friction that can cause breakage, use plenty of water-based lubricant on the outside of the male latex condom and a small amount on the inside at the tip. With the Reality condom use plenty of lubricant on both the inside and outside. Some condoms come with lubricant, but often there is not enough, so additional lubricant is recommended. Never use oil-based lubricants like Vaseline, hand cream, Crisco, or mineral oil with latex condoms. Oil-based lubricants can rapidly break down latex and allow the virus to pass through. Water-based lubricants include K-Y Jelly, Slippery stuff, ForPlay, Astroglide, ID Lubricants and most contraceptive jellies. These can be found in grocery or drug stores next to the condoms.
WARNING: Some lubricants contain nonoxynol 9, which can cause irritation. This irritation may increase the risk of HIV transmission. We do NOT advise the use of nonoxynol 9 or products containing it for STD and HIV prevention!
- The male condom should be put on after erection and before any sexual touch. Remember that pre-cum is also infected with HIV. The Reality condom should go in before sex - it can be inserted up to 8 hours before use.
QUOTE AUTHOR GOES HERENever use the Reality and the male condoms together or two male condoms at the same time.
- Some male condoms have a reservoir tip; some don`t. In either case, the tip of the condom should be squeezed while rolling it down onto the penis in order to leave an airless pocket to collect semen. If the penis is natural and has a foreskin, try pulling back the foreskin before unrolling the condom all the way down to the base of the penis. Some men don`t like to pull back the foreskin because they`ve found that the condom slides off when the foreskin is pulled back. If you have trouble with this, consider keeping the foreskin down before putting on the condom or try using a Reality condom with your partner.
- After intercourse, withdraw the penis while still erect, holding the base of the condom to prevent it from slipping off or spilling semen. Remove the condom and wash the penis with soap and water.
- Use a condom only once and dispose of it in the garbage; do not flush condoms down the toilet. Never reuse a condom.
- Use a condom EVERY TIME during sex when transmission or acquisition of HIV is possible.
What are the symptoms of a new HIV infection?
Is there a cure for HIV and AIDS? http://www.co.washoe.nv.us/health/cchs/hiv.html~color=blue&faq_dept=health&question=620