where

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that cause STDsincluding

rN 1 Se

But we hax OTN AY UNC X. ulditat CON-

yea ks tion or aT eE Ie

What! Don't you trustme? It's not a matter of trust. It's a matter of ey tie

a Fe

to get a good i ¢ i; condom

One buys tires with care. Ali condoms can do just as much to s:

Rene a

your life. Caveat emptor.

uying condomsis nota skill taught by

most parents to their offspring. Young

innocents are taught to buy the melon with the squishiest stem-base or the hammer with a kryptonite shaft. Most of us however, come out of adolescence knowing littleabout condoms beyond the fact that they come in various coloursand flavours (Baskin-Robbins and Ramses are said to be working on a joint venture -- 32 flavours).

There are some important things that every wise consumer should look forinacondom.

Always use latex condoms. Lambskin con- domsareableto blockspermbutnotthe viruses and other various little beasties that cause most STDs. Youmay also wantto ask yourself if youreally wantto wrap your private parts in or arounda strip of sheep intestine. Haggis is disgusting enough without putting iton and/or in yourself.

Lubricants. If you buy lubricated condoms,

| Nonoxynol9 is spermicide thatcan give you

added protection from the HIV virus. A well lubricated condom is also less likely to break (and although thereare probably many menout there who find the idea of breaking acondom attractive, it kind of defeats the purpose). Be sure to use onlyawater based lubricant like K- Y Jelly or AstroGlide with your latex condom; oil-based lubricants like vaseline, mineral oil, cold cream and hand lotion can destroy the latex. No matter what kind ofa lubricant you

buy always read the label to see that it is safe to use on latex. Keep in mind, of course, that Nonoxynol9 tastes only slightly better thana used tractor tire.

Reservoir tip. Make sure that yourcondom of choice has abubble ornippleatthe closed end where semen can collect (the air should be squeezed out of the nipple before the condom is put on, otherwise there will bea pretty little balloon where perhaps you won’ twantone -- balloons tend to burst.) The condom should also belong enough so thata surplus of rubber at the open end formsa rolled ring at the base ofthe penis. This is to ensure that the condom doesn’t shoot off atan inopportune time or in aninopportune place.

Best Before... Always check the expiry date and store your condoms in a cool, dark, dry place to ensure that the latex won’t deterio- rate. Justremember to treatyou condoms like youwoulda potato (without actually eating the condom or having sex with a potato that is -- unless your tastes bend in these directions).

Dental Dams. By cutting acondomup one side from the end to the tip and unfolding it, you cancreate your very own dental dam for use during oral-vaginal or oral-anal sex. When buying condoms for this purpose youmay want to pay a little more attention to the Baskin- Robbins varieties and steer clear of spermi- cides and lubricants.

Mac Fenwick

Editor's Note:

This article and the following one are not to be construed as promoting promiscuity. Acknowledging the reality that many university students already are or will become sexually active in some way, this article is meant to caution and educate such individuals. The best, if not widely accepted as practical, method of protection from the dangers of sexual maladies remains abstinance.

The Fulcrum

Condoms are Le a a diseases. Dol Yay aa RVUs

LOM CMa e LC TAME Le tests can tell you have STD aay ey Kit) and feel ey heer 1 still be in- fected.

Intercoursets AOL have sex. Many people have greats¢ without

PNM Teenie course. Lett! show you.

Idon'tuse condoms. iineranyi ho every time.

But I love you. Being in love can't protect” RN Pee dba