For Patients

Patient Resources

The correct way to use male and/or internal (female) condoms

A male condom is a thin tube that slips over a penis; it can be made from latex, lambskin, or a polyurethane/synthetic material. Some condoms come with spermicide or lubricant.

Right Way to Use Condom Graphic

An internal/female condom is a pouch made of polyurethane or nitrile that is inserted into a vagina or anus.

Condom Dos and Don’ts

  • DON’T store condoms in your wallet as heat and friction can damage them.
  • DON’T use nonoxynol-9 (a spermicide), as this can cause irritation.
  • DON’T use oil-based products like baby oil, lotion, petroleum jelly, or cooking oil because they will cause the condom to break.
  • DON’T use more than one condom at a time.
  • DON’T reuse a condom.

Internal/ Female Condom Dos and Don’ts

  • DO use a female condom from start to finish, every time you have vaginal sex. *
  • DO read the condom package insert and check the expiration date.
  • DO make sure there are no tears or defects.
  • DO use lubricant to help prevent the condom from slipping and tearing.
  • DO store female condoms in a cool, dry place.

*Female condoms can also be used for anal sex.

  • DON’T use a male condom with a female condom, as this can cause tearing.
  • DON’T reuse a female condom.
  • DON’T flush female condoms as they may clog the toilet.

Contraception Options

Our clinic offers a variety of contraception options, which we will be happy to discuss with you. Here are a few resources that explain the options available to you.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Sexually Transmitted Infections and Diseases can be very serious of left untreated. If you are experiencing any symptoms or think you are at risk, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible.

Resources for Teens and Young Adults

Amaze – Provides videos for young people, ages 10 to 14, about sex, relationships, and their bodies.

KidsHealth – A reliable, medically accurate source of health information for students. There are separate pages for kids, teens, parents, and educators.

Scarleteen – An independent sexuality and relationships support network designed for young people, ages 15-25. Scarleteen provides medically accurate, honest information about issues related to sexual health.

Sex, Etc. – A website dedicated to providing youth with accurate, honest information about sexual health. The website, published by Answer, is written for teens by teens.

Stay Teen – Provides informational resources and community activities to help prevent teen and unintended pregnancy, including a birth control method explorer. Sponsored by Power to Decide, the Campaign to Prevent Unplanned Pregnancy.

Love is Respect – The ultimate resource to empower youth to prevent and end dating abuse. It is a project of the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) – The nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization.

Indiana Latino Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence – A statewide nonprofit organization that provides support and advocacy to Latino victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence – The Coalition offers trainings and resources to community partners.

Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault & Human Trafficking (ICESAHT) – The Coalition works to empowers Indiana communities to prevent sexual assault and human trafficking and serve those impacted by it through comprehensive training, advocacy, increased public awareness and coordinated sexual assault and human trafficking services.