About a third of all condoms now sold in the U.S. are purchased by women. They can be kept in a pocket or purse until needed, and they provide protection against STDs. The condom can be placed on the erect penis of a male partner as a part of the initial foreplay; a man who objects to a condom may be less opposed to wearing one if his partner puts it on for him.
Other Prevention Methods
Spermicides are creams, foams, suppositories, jellies or film that a woman puts in her vagina to kill sperm. Lab studies show that spermicides also kill many of the germs that cause STDs. However, they offer less protection than condoms. For STD prevention, spermicides are best used with condoms, not in place of them.
Diaphragm, Sponge and Cap These types of birth control are inserted into the vagina to hold spermicide up to the cervix (entrance to the uterus - womb). The spermicide used with these methods can help protect the cervix from STDs.
Pill, Norplant, Depo-Provera and the IUD. The birth control pill, the Norplant implant and Depo-Provera injection, use man-made hormones to stop pregnancy. These devices give no protection against STDs. The IUD is a small device put inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It also gives no protection against STDs.
Withdrawal, Washing or Urinating Withdrawing the penis before ejaculation is not a reliable way to prevent STDs. Washing or urinating after intercourse may help remove some of the germs that cause certain STDs, but they cannot prevent STDs.
