You can significantly decrease your chances of infection with HIV or any other sexually transmitted disease if you follow this list of simple instructions:

• Use a latex condom every time you have sex—anal, oral, or vaginal. Latex serves as a barrier to the virus. "Lambskin" or ''natural membrane" condoms are not as effective because of the pores in the material. Look for the word "latex" on the package.
• As soon as the penis becomes erect, put a condom on it.
• Leave a small space in the top of the condom to catch the semen, or use a condom with a reservoir tip. Remove any air that remains in the tip by gently pressing toward the base of the penis.
• When you use a lubricant, check the label to make sure it is water-based. Do not use petroleum-based jelly, cold cream, baby oil, or other lubricants such as cooking oil or shortening. These weaken the latex condom and can cause it to break.
• If you feel the condom break while you are having sex, stop immediately and pull out. Do not continue until you have put on a new condom.
• After climax (ejaculation), withdraw while the penis is still erect, holding on to the rim of the condom while pulling out so that it doesn't come off.
• Never use a condom more than once.
• Don't use a condom that is brittle or that has been stored near heat or in your wallet or glove compartment for a long time. Check the package for date of expiration.
• A condom can't do you any good if you don't have one when you need it.
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