How to Use a Condom
Q: When you’re having sex with a condom on, are you supposed to finish inside of your partner or pull out?
A: With a condom, you can finish (ejaculate) inside your partner, inside the condom. However, do not wait until your erection goes down before pulling out once you have climaxed, as your semen can spill out if your condom becomes loose around your penis. So hold the base of your penis with fingers around the condom when you pull out. Check to make sure the condom has not broken then tie a knot and throw it in the garbage (not down the toilet). When putting on the condom in the first place make sure you leave room at the tip (called the reservoir) of the condom by squeezing enough of the condom that fits between your thumb and finger (about half an inch) to let out the air and leave room for the ejaculate. If you need a more visual demonstration, you can find a video here.
Birth Control Pills
Q: Your wellness page is incredibly informative and I’ve gotten so much use out of it as someone who’s parents kept them in the dark about sex. I had a question about birth control pills that I can’t find from the search bar: How long does it take for birth control pills to be effective both when you first start and when you already take them but have started a new month?
A: Generally speaking, birth control pills start protecting you from pregnancy after one week of taking them for the first time (if you take them correctly). However, certain other pills may take less time. Every package of pills comes with an information sheet that you should read. Once you are on the pill, as long as you continue to take them properly month after month, you are always protected.
Using a Condom if You Are Not Circumcised
Q: I see a lot of information on the web about putting a condom on a circumcised penis. How do you put a condom on an intact penis?
A: Usually, if you are uncircumcised, you may need to take a few extra steps when putting on a condom. When you are ready to put on the condom, pull back your foreskin then unroll the condom. Pinch the tip of the condom (the reservoir tip). Now, push the foreskin upward while holding onto to the base of the condom. Doing this will allow for free movement of the foreskin.
Anal Sex Toys
Q: Do anal toys dildos, beads, etc. cause prostate cancer? Is it safe to insert these things?
A: Sex toys do not cause prostate cancer. Anal play is common and many men (and women) find this most enjoyable, as there are many nerve endings there, as well as stimulation of the prostate. The only worry is inserting too large objects that could cause injury to your bowels. Always start with smaller dildos, and use lubricant.
Safe Ejaculation
Q: My girlfriend and I have both been talking about how safe it is to ejaculate internally without a condom. She has a hormonal implant and the risk is very low, but is it possible to get an infection by ejaculation in the vagina? I’m also wondering what the risks would be for anal ejaculation? We’ve tried anal a couple of times and I’ve been curious as to the safety and risks of ejaculation in the anus.
A: If both you and your girlfriend have been tested for sexually transmitted infections and you are both negative, plus you are in a monogamous relationship (you have no other sexual partners), then there is minimal risk from ejaculation either inside the vagina or the anus. Seeing as she is on birth control, there is also minimal risk of pregnancy. However, there are other risks with anal, if not done properly. The anal tissues are much thinner and less elastic than vaginal tissues, so they are more prone to tearing. Always make sure lots of lubrication is used and that your partner is relaxed.
