American Sexual Health

We were lead to this site from the Department of Defense Directive Navy Marine Corp Public Health ...Here is how ASHA defines sexual health:http://www.ashastd.org/ Sexual health is the ability to embrace and enjoy our sexuality throughout our lives. It is an important part of our physical and emotional health.

Being sexually healthy means:

Understanding that sexuality is a natural part of life and involves more than sexual behavior.

Recognizing and respecting the sexual rights we all share.

Having access to sexual health information, education, and care.

Making an effort to prevent unintended pregnancies and STDs and seek care and treatment when needed.

Being able to experience sexual pleasure, satisfaction, and intimacy when desired.

Being able to communicate about sexual health with others including sexual partners and healthcare providers

DOs and DON'Ts
- DOs:
- DO use only latex or polyurethane (plastic) condoms.
- DO keep condoms in a cool, dry place.
- DO put the condom on an erect (hard) penis before there is any contact with a partner's genitals.
- DO use plenty of lubricant with latex condoms if you find vaginal sex is uncomfortable, or that condoms tend to rip or tear. Don’t use oil-bas
  - ed products with latex condoms (see DON’TS for more on this). Water-based lubes are condom-friendly but might increase the risks of STIs with anal sex. Consider using silicone-based lubricants for anal intercourse.
  - DO hold the condom in place at the base of the penis before withdrawing (pulling out) after sex.
  - DO throw the condom away after it's been used.
  - DON'Ts:
  - DON'T use out of date condoms. Check the expiration date carefully. Old condoms can be dry, brittle or weakened and can break more easily.
  - DON'T unroll the condom before putting it on the erect penis.
  - DON'T leave condoms in hot places like your wallet or in your car.
  - DON'T use oil-based products, like baby or cooking oils, hand lotion or petroleum jelly (like Vaseline®) as lubricants with latex condoms. The oil quickly weakens latex and can cause condoms to break.
  - DON'T use your fingernails or teeth when opening a condom wrapper. It's very easy to tear the condom inside. If you do tear a condom while opening the wrapper, throw that condom away and get a new one.
  - DON'T reuse a condom. Always use a new condom for each kind of sex you have.
  - DON'T regularly use lubricants with spermicide called nonoxynol-9 ("N-9") as they may cause skin irritation or tiny abrasions that make the genital skin more susceptible to STIs.
- http://www.ashastd.org/sexual_health/condoms.html