Male Condom – Pulse

Home Test

You can buy a pregnancy test at the drugstore. Follow the instructions on the insert. Pee on the strip or dip the strip in urine (in a cup) and look for the colored lines, symbols, or word that will tell you if you are pregnant. Remember, if you have unprotected sex today, you won’t be able find out if you are pregnant for a few weeks.
Get on some super effective birth control like an IUD or implant, and you can stop worrying about pregnancy until you are ready.

Blood Test

Blood tests are conducted at a clinic and can tell you if you are pregnant and how far along you are. Remember, if you have unprotected sex today, you won’t be able to find out if you are pregnant for a few weeks. Get on some super effective birth control like an IUD or implant, and you can stop worrying about pregnancy until you are ready.

Pill

There are many types of pills to choose from. The pills have hormones that stop ovulation. Taken every day at the same time, they are very effective at preventing a pregnancy. If you miss a day, take the pill as soon as possible, plus the pill for that day. But if you miss more than two, start a new pack. Always use a backup method, like the condom, if you forget to take a pill.

Use it in combination with your favorite condom and stay clear of STIs as well.

Did You Know?

There are many types of pills to choose from. The pills have hormones that stop ovulation. Taken every day at the same time, they are very effective at preventing a pregnancy. If you miss a day, take the pill as soon as possible, plus the pill for that day. But if you miss more than two, start a new pack. Always use a backup method, like the condom, if you forget to take a pill.
Use it in combination with your favorite condom and stay clear of STIs as well.

The Dependent
Woman: I thought you were bringing a condom.

Man: This is the responsibility of both of us. You need to bring your condoms as much as I need to bring mine.

The Pleasure Seeker
Man: Look I ain’t putting that thing on my dick baby. I can’t feel nothing with that thing on. Nope, just ain’t going to do it.

Woman: Being protected turns ME on! We can try an ultra-sensitive or ultra-thin type of condom to keep sensation high. Beside if you don’t use one, you won’t feel a thing because I won’t have sex.

The Pull-outer
Man: I will just pull out before I cum.

Woman: It’s hard to time this perfectly, especially if we’re both excited. The pre-cum can get me pregnant or transmit STIs.

The Averter
Man: Birth control is your responsibility, not mine.

Woman: Sex involves the two of us, from the protection to the pleasure. So man up and get one.

The Confident
Woman: We don’t need a condom, I’m on birth control.

Man: Babies are not the only thing we need to worry about.

The Non-Starter
Man: Yo listen. We did it before without one. Come on baby!

Woman: I know we have, and it’s a risk we took. It’s never too late to start being safe.

The Lover
Man: I love you, I thought you loved me too.

Woman: I do love you. And If you love me, you’ll love me feeling safe and protected. If you love me, you won’t make me prove it by doing something I don’t want to.

The Trustworthy
Woman: You know me, you know that I am not sleeping around.

Man: I hate them as much as you do. Let’s get tested and I’ll throw the box away.

The Loner
Man: But you are already using birth control. We don’t need a condom.

Woman: I use birth control as a way to prevent pregnancy. But condoms protect from STIs. Until we both get tested we don’t really know if we have an STI. So we need double protection.

The Gambler
Man: Baby listen. Just this once. I promise nothing is going to happen. The odds are like a billion to one. Just give me a hug.
Woman: I could get pregnant any time I have sex. So if you don’t want to use a condom now, there won’t be a next time.

The Giant
Man: I’m too big to fit in a condom.

Woman: First, the condom is supposed to be tight. Also there are larger sizes for every man. The standard size fits most men.

The Guilt Tripper
Man: Yo it’s like what? You don’t trust me. I trust you. Why don’t you trust me? That ain’t cool. Come on now. You my girl right?

Woman: Wearing a condom isn’t about trust, it’s about our health. Some STIs have no symptoms and may be spread without you even knowing you have it.

The Jealous
Woman: Why are you pulling a condom? Are you cheating on me?

Man: I am not cheating on you and I know you are not cheating on me, but we have not gotten tested in a while and besides I can’t have a baby right now.

The Denier
Man: Yo… for real for real… I ain’t wearing no glove… so.

Woman: Okay. For real for real there’s no way you can get me to have unprotected sex. No glove no love.

The Idler
Man: But I don’t have one on me. I have to go all the way to the store to get it.

Woman: We could still do something else instead. I bet you the next time you won’t forget to get one though.

The Show Stopper
Man: Stopping to put on a condom ruins the moment.

Woman: Not if I do it. I know a special way to put it on that you will love.

Shot

The shot is simple—given once every 3 months, it is highly effective in preventing pregnancy. It contains hormones that stop ovulation and stop sperm from moving toward an egg.

Use it in combination with your favorite condom and stay clear of STIs as well.

Did You Know?

One simple shot carries a big punch. The shot takes just a few minutes for 3 whole months of protection. It’s that easy!
If you don’t have easy access to a clinic, consider another method that lasts longer.

Ring

This is a small, flexible ring you insert by yourself into your vagina. Use one for 3 weeks, take it out, and be ring-free for 1 week. The ring works by giving off hormones to stop ovulation.

Use it in combination with your favorite condom and stay clear of STIs as well.

Did You Know?

The ring works just like the pill, but you don’t have to remember to use it every day.
If the ring falls out, just wash it under cool water and put it back in. But make sure to do so within 3 hours! If it’s out for more than 3 hours, insert it but use a backup method like a condom for the rest of the month.
Afraid of forgetting to put a new ring in? We can help. Select Don’t Forget below.

Patch

The patch is a small, beige square you stick on your skin each week. It releases a hormone that stops ovulation. You can stick the patch a lot of places on your body for privacy—upper arm, butt, stomach—just not your breasts!

Use it in combination with your favorite condom and stay clear of STIs as well.

Did You Know?

If the patch peels off, put a new one on. Always ask for a replacement patch prescription, and have an extra one on hand.
If the patch falls off for more than one day, put a new one on and use a backup birth control method.
If you think you might forget to put a new patch on, we can help. Select Don’t Forget below.

Yes
No

IUD

This T-shaped device is inserted in your uterus by a doctor or nurse. It stops sperm that is moving toward an egg dead in its tracks! Some IUDs have hormones to stop you from ovulating. It’s got you covered for 3–10 years depending on the type of IUD.

Use it in combination with your favorite condom and stay clear of STIs as well.

Did You Know?

IUDs are one of the most effective forms of birth control. Get one, and forget about it! Can’t see it, can’t help but love it!

UTI

What is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?

A UTI occurs when bacteria enters and infects the urinary tract. UTIs can affect several parts of the urinary tract, but the most common type of UTI is a bladder infection.

What are the symptoms?

You may feel pain or burning while urinating, frequent urination, feeling the need to urinate even when your bladder is empty, low fever, cloudy or bloody urine, and pressure or cramping in the groin or lower abdomen.

How do I get tested?

Physical exam and/or urine test.

How do I get treated?

Antibiotics. You will also need to drink plenty of water to help the bacteria clear from your body.

What if I don't treat it?

If you don’t take medicine for a UTI, the UTI can hurt other parts of your body such as your kidneys.

How can I prevent it?

Urinate before and after sexual activity, stay well-hydrated and urinate regularly, take showers instead of baths, and minimize douching and sprays or powders in the genital area.

Yeast Infection

What is a Yeast Infection?

Yeast infections are very common. A yeast infection occurs when there is overgrowth of the normal yeast in the vagina. Yeast is always present in and on the body but in small amounts.

What are the symptoms?

Your genitals may itch or burn, and see “cottage cheese-like” vaginal discharge. Your genitals may look red and swollen.

How do I get tested?

A pelvic exam and testing of the discharge to look for overgrowth of fungus.

How do I get treated?

For yeast infections use antifungal creams. Keep the area clean and dry. Avoid tight fitting clothes, panty hose and soaps. Do not use a vaginal douche.

What if I don't treat it?

Untreated yeast infection can be transmitted to other partners. Also, an untreated infection can cause discomfort. It can cause vulvovaginitis, an inflammation or infection of the vulva or vagina.

How can I prevent it?

Keep your vulva clean but avoid strong soaps and perfumes in your genitals. Clean your genitals very well after using the toilet wiping from front to back. Do not use vaginal douche.

Bacterial Vaginosis

What is bacterial vaginosis (BV)?

Bacterial vaginosis is not an STI. It is an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. It happens when too much of certain bacteria change the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina.

What are the symptoms?

Many women with vaginosis do not have symptoms. Some may notice white or gray vaginal discharge, fishy odor, pain, itching, or burning in the vagina.

How do I get tested?

Vaginal swab.

How do I get treated?

Antibiotics. It can come back even after treatment.

What if I don't treat it?

If you are sexually active, vaginosis may increase your chance of getting infected, if exposed to STIs, or cause premature birth if pregnant.

How can I prevent it?

Limit your number of sex partners. Do not use vaginal douches. Use latex, polyurethane, or polyisoprene condoms every time you have sex. Abstinence is the only way to prevent it 100%.

HEP B

What is hepatits B?

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver. It is transmitted from contact with blood, semen, vaginal fluid, or other body fluids from an infected person.

What are the symptoms?

Many people with hepatitis do not have symptoms and do not know they are infected. Symptoms can include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, grey-colored stools, joint pain, and jaundice.

How do I get tested?

Blood test.

How do I get treated?

Depending on the type of Hepatitis B infection you have, it can either get cured on its own or with treatment.

What if I don't treat it?

You may develop cirrhosis of the liver and/or liver cancer.

How can I prevent it?

Know if your partner is infected before having sex. Abstinence is the only way to prevent it 100%. Use a latex, polyurethane, or polyisoprene condom for vaginal and anal sex. Get a Hepatitis B vaccine before becoming sexually active. Babies get vaccinated at birth, you may already be vaccinated.

HIV/AIDS

What is HIV?

HIV is a viral infection that can be contracted through unprotected vaginal, anal, and oral sex, and through needle sharing.

What are the symptoms?

Some people may develop brief flu-like symptoms soon after infection. However, it may take up to 10 years to develop later stage symptoms. There are several stages of HIV; the first stage includes swollen glands in the throat, armpit, or groin, slight fever, headaches, fatigue, and muscle aches. The later stages includes weakening of the immune system causing you to become vulnerable to unusual serious infections, weight loss, and lymph node swelling.

How do I get tested?

Cheek swab and blood test.

How do I get treated?

No cure. There are treatments to keep the virus under control and prevent developing other infections.

What if I don't treat it?

If you don’t treat it, HIV leads to AIDS, the most advanced stage of HIV where the immune system gets seriously compromised.

How can I prevent it?

Know if your partner is infected before having sex. Abstinence is the only way to prevent it 100%. Use a latex, polyurethane, or polyisoprene condom for vaginal and anal sex. People at very high risk may take PrEP (pre exposure prophylaxis) medications prior to high risk exposures when they are not infected, to reduce the risk of an infection.

Herpes

What is herpes?

Oral and genital herpes are viral infections transmitted through vaginal, anal, and oral sex, and direct contact with a sore. Even when using a condom, herpes can be contracted through skin-to skin contact with infected areas not covered by the condom. Herpes is very common among teens. If you touch the fluid from a sore, you can infect any other body part you touch with herpes.

What are the symptoms?

Most people do not have symptoms for both genital and oral herpes. For genital herpes, symptoms include sores on the vagina, penis, anus, buttocks, cervix, and mouth, with burning or itching. Herpes sores bleed easily and can increase your risk for HIV infection if you have sex with an HIV positive person. For oral herpes, symptoms include blisters or cold sores around the lips or mouth.

How do I get tested?

Test on material from a genital sore, blood test.

How do I get treated?

No cure. Symptoms can be managed with medications.

What if I don't treat it?

The virus hides in nerve endings and infection may come back from time to time. It may be passed to an unborn baby during pregnancy and birth.

How can I prevent it?

Know if your partner is infected before having sex. Abstinence is the only way to prevent it 100%. Latex, polyurethane, or polyisoprene condoms can protect you only if they cover the sore, but sores can appear anywhere is the body not covered by a condom. Avoid having sex during an outbreak.

HPV

What is HPV?

HPV is a big family of viruses. Some may cause warts and others cancer. You can get HPV through unprotected vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Even when using a condom, HPV can be contracted through skin-to skin contact with infected areas not covered by the condom. It is the most common viral STI among teens.

What are the symptoms?

Most women may not have any symptoms and some HPV viruses clear out on their own. Some types of HPV produce warts (moist, pink growth around the anus or genitals). Other types of HPV can cause cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, penis, and throat.

How do I get tested?

As part of your annual Pap test (swab of cervix).

How do I get treated?

There is no cure. Some warts can be removed.

What if I don't treat it?

No cure. Some warts may clear on their own, but they could still cause cancer years later.

How can I prevent it?

Abstinence is the only way to prevent it 100%. Get the HPV vaccine before you become sexually active and always use a latex, polyurethane, or polyisoprene condom during sex to reduce your chance of getting infected. The vaccine is given in 3 doses and helps prevent most cases of HPV that lead to cervical cancer. Routine Pap smears help prevent cervical cancer.

Syphilis

What is syphillis?

Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by direct contact with syphilitic sores during vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Sores can appear anywhere on the body but are usually painless.

What are the symptoms?

You may feel painless sores lasting 3 to 6 weeks, usually on your vulva or penis. During the secondary stage people can develop skin rashes on the body, including their hands and feet, sores in the vagina, or anus; sore throat, weight loss, and headache and muscle pains. During the third stage people can develop damage to the nervous system, heart, and brain.

How do I get tested?

Blood tests.

How do I get treated?

Antibiotics. You and your partner(s) must be treated to prevent re-infection.

What if I don't treat it?

It can lead to skin, bone, heart, brain disease, and blindness.

How can I prevent it?

Know if your partner is infected before having sex. Abstinence is the only way to prevent it 100%. Latex, polyurethane, or polyisoprene condoms can protect you only if they cover the sore, but sores can appear anywhere in the body not covered by a condom.

Trichomoniasis

What is Trichomoniasis?

“Trich,” as it is commonly referred, is a parasitic infection. It is very common but also very curable.

What are the symptoms?

Most people do not have symptoms. You can have vaginal discharge, odor, itching, burning, redness or soreness in your genitals.

How do I get tested?

Laboratory test done by a medical provider on the vaginal discharge.

How do I get treated?

Antibiotics. You and your partner(s) must be treated to prevent re-infection.

What if I don't treat it?

It increases the risk of getting or spreading other STIs. Can cause preterm birth if you are pregnant.

How can I prevent it?

Know if your partner is infected before having sex. Abstinence is the only way to prevent it 100%. Use a latex, polyurethane, or polyisoprene condom every time you have sex. But condoms don’t cover all areas and you can still get infected. Avoid sex until all symptoms have gone away after treatment.

Gonorrhea

What is gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection caused by contact with body fluids through unprotected vaginal, anal, and oral sex. It is one of the most common STIs among young people.

What are the symptoms?

You may feel abnormal vaginal discharge (most common), abdominal pain, bleeding between periods, pain during urination or sex, or frequent urination. However, many women never have symptoms.

How do I get tested?

Urine test and vaginal, throat, or rectum swab.

How do I get treated?

Antibiotics. You and your partner(s) must be treated to prevent re-infection.

What if I don't treat it?

Gonorrhea can cause infertility, pelvic pain, pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, arthritis, skin rash, and may increase chances of getting HIV.

How can I prevent it?

Know if your partner is infected before having sex. Abstinence is the only way to prevent it 100%. Use a latex, polyurethane, or polyisoprene condom every time you have sex. Don’t forget that you can get it through oral sex too.

Internal Condom

An internal condom is similar to the external one, except you wear it inside your vagina. It’s a good way to protect yourself against a pregnancy and STIs if your partner doesn’t like condoms. If you use it perfectly it’s very effective. But a lot of people don’t use it right, that’s why it is not as effective as the male condom. Don’t forget to use a water-based lubricant for best results.

Did You Know?

Internal condoms are latex free, so they’re a good option if you or your partner are sensitive to latex.
Don’t use an internal and external condom at the same time. Double condom means double trouble.

Withdrawal

Also known as the “pull-out method”. The person must pull the penis out of the vagina before ejaculating which can be difficult to get right. Even if timed perfectly, it doesn’t protect from STIs.

Did You Know?

If your partner doesn’t pull out in time, he can ejaculate inside your vagina and get you pregnant.

Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception is not a regular form of birth control, but it can be useful after unprotected sex or if something goes wrong with your birth control. There are a few options, such as a pill(s) and the IUD, which is the most effective.

The effectiveness of the EC depends on the brand, when you take it and your weight. The sooner you take it, the more effective it is.

Talk to a clinician if you are unsure which method is best for you.

Did You Know?

Be ready before you need it. Talk to your clinician about the EC that is best for you. Have it handy in case you are in an emergency situation.

External Condom

When used correctly and consistently, external condoms are very effective in preventing some STIs and HIV/AIDS. Use it in combination with an effective birth control for best results.
If you are allergic to latex condoms, use polyurethane or polyisoprene condoms.

Listen to how people convince their partners to put a condom on here.

Did You Know?

Condoms can be extremely effective when used as intended. Here’s how: store them in a cool place, use them before they expire, and use some lube. Don’t reuse! Use a new one every time you have sex.
Condoms expire just like food. So respect the date!
You only need one condom. Using two condoms at the same time can cause the condoms to break.
Use water-based lubrication only, like K-Y Jelly. Lotions, Vaseline, and oils can weaken the condoms and make them less effective.

Implant

The implant is as small as a matchstick, and it’s placed under the skin of your arm. It releases hormones to stop ovulation. You are covered for 3 years!

Use it in combination with your favorite condom and stay clear of STIs as well.

Did You Know?

The implant is so small, no one will even know you’re on it! It’s great if you’re looking for a safe and private way to protect against pregnancy.

Abstinence

Abstinence means not having sex! Any type of sex (oral, vaginal or anal). Having no sexual contact will protect you 100% against STIs and pregnancy.

Did You Know?

Not everyone is having sex. It’s better to wait until you are ready, have the right partner, and do it for the right reasons.

Chlamydia

What is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection caused by contact with body fluids through unprotected vaginal, anal, and oral sex. It is the most common bacterial infection among teens.

What are the symptoms?

You may feel abnormal vaginal discharge (most common), abdominal pain, bleeding between periods, pain during urination or sex, and frequent urination. However, many women never have symptoms. Men also have discharge from the penis, a burning sensation while urinating and painful or swollen testicles.