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Latex and Lubricants
Modern latex condoms cannot be penetrated by the AIDS virus or any other causative agent of STDs. However, this not necessarily true of so-called natural condoms made of sheep gut (“lambskin condoms”). They may have tiny “natural” holes, and therefore should not be used for the purpose of STD prevention.
Some people are allergic to latex. For them, special, safe non-latex condoms are available. Like the female condom, they are made of thin polyurethane, a material that, unlike latex, transmits heat, allowing the physical contact to be felt more easily. Pharmacies and drug stores can help in obtaining these condoms.
A condom should be used only with a water-soluble lubricant. All oil-based lubricants must be avoided, because they destroy latex. As a result, the condom is likely to be torn to shreds during sexual activity.
Other lubricants to be avoided are those containing the spermicide N-9
(nonoxynol-9). In the past, N-9 had been recommended by some health authorities, because it killed HIV in the test tube. However, in the meantime, studies have shown that it also washes away certain protective cells inside the body, so that the use of N-9 may actually increase the risk of infection.This also means that one should not use condoms laced with N-9 by the manufacturer.
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