True or false

The answer is FALSE

Never having had sexual intercourse considerably reduces the risk of contracting a sexually transmissible infection (STI) but some infections are transmitted by skin-to-skin contact or can be transmitted from birth. What’s more, because you’ve already had other sexual partners, there is a risk of getting an STI. Why take risks when it’s so simple to use a condom?

The answer is FALSE

The feeling isn’t the same when you use a condom and when you don’t, but it’s false to think that a condom takes away all feeling. To make intercourse even more pleasant, why not add a drop of water-based lubricant inside the condom, or even try one of the many types of condom that offer new feelings (heat, textures, thinner variety)? Once you’ve found the type that suits you, you won’t even notice the difference any more!

The answer is FALSE

HPV is one STI out of many others. This vaccine protects her as well as you against certain types of HPV but not against other STIs. For your own peace of mind, you’d better not take any chances, and use a condom.

The answer is TRUE

Some STIs are transmitted by oral-genital contact even if many people consider this to be a risk-free sexual practice. So, it’s more prudent to use a non lubricated condom for fellatio. For oral-vaginal or oral-anal intercourse, you can use a square latex sheet or an unrolled condom cut along its length.

The answer is TRUE

The condom provides effective protection against STIs. On the other hand, HPV, herpes and syphilis can cause lesions in areas that aren’t covered by the condom. So, transmission continues to be possible for areas like the thighs, the buttocks, the testicles, etc. Using a condom therefore continues to be the best route to go even if it can’t guarantee total protection.

The answer is FALSE

The pill provides protection from pregnancy but offers none from STIs. The condom is the most effective way to avoid contracting an STI when you have sexual intercourse.

The answer is FALSE

Condoms protect against STIs and are used as contraceptives. They also allow erections to last longer and avoid spilling semen.

The answer is TRUE and FALSE

The first time, it can be intimidating to buy condoms: you’re afraid of meeting someone you know or of the looks you might get. There are more discrete ways of getting condoms, i.e. from the school or CLSC nurse or from another party at the same institution. To find the condom that suits you, the best thing is to buy them yourself. You’ll see that its not so bad...

The answer is FALSE

Putting on a condom only takes a few seconds. Ideally, you should practise before. So, when you’re in an actual situation, it will come naturally. And why not ask your partner for help; it could help you maintain your erection.

The answer is FALSE

It’s always preferable to use a condom. If you forgot it once, it’s still better to start using it again because the risk is still there. A single incident of sexual intercourse unprotected by using a condom is enough to contract an STI.