What did you want to learn?

Name of Student: Date learning took place: 14.10.2013 What did you want to learn? I wanted to learn about male and female condoms because we have been assigned a topic on condom teaching and I want to have an idea about them in order to be confident when delivering the workshop. How did you find this out? 1) Google search engine 2) NHS Choices (http://www.nhs.uk) 3) Family Planning Association (FPA) (http://www.fpa.org.uk) 4) PUBMED Outcome Firstly, I decided to do some primary research using the Google search engine in order to obtain some key information about each type of condom. Then I reinforced this by looking on the NHS choices website http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/contraception-guide/Pages/male-condoms.aspx which includes comprehensive materials about male and female condoms. Based on my understanding I have found that the male condom acts as a prophylactic and consists of polyurethane or latex rubber. Moreover, they should be rolled onto the erect male organ before any contact takes place. According to the information published on the NHS choices website, they give protection against the exchange of body fluids such as semen or vaginal fluid, which are produced by sexual partners during intercourse. With regards to their benefits, they provide safety against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and they can be acquired from various sites, such as pharmacies, dispensers and sexual health clinics. Another advantage is that they produce no side effects and there are no health concerns linked to their use. On the other hand, male condoms have some disadvantages, such as that some people may be sensitive to some materials in the condoms, such as latex or the lubricant. Reduced pleasure is another drawback raised by some people. Additionally, if they are not used correctly the chances of condom breakage will increase. I found specific materials about female condoms on The Family Planning Association website (FPA) http://www.fpa.org.uk/contraception-help/condoms-male-and-female and I then searched for extra information on the PUBMED http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17059633 Female condoms look like thin bags that cover the vagina and contain a lubricant. They work by blocking the sperm from entering the vagina. They consist of two ends; one is inserted inside the vagina while the other end stays outside. Furthermore, it uses a soft ring on one of the ends in order to keep it in place. Their benefits include, that they can be obtained without a medical prescription and that they are safe. Additionally, they act as alternatives to male condoms and they can be inserted inside the vagina eight hours in advance of intercourse. One of the disadvantages is that they can produce allergies for some women. How long did you spend on this learning? 5 hours Date learning took place: 16.10.2013 What did you want to learn? How to use male and female condoms How did you find this out? 1) NHS Choices (http://www.nhs.uk) 2) Family Planning Association (FPA) (http://www.fpa.org.uk) 3) YouTube Outcome I found a guide on the NHS choices website about putting on male condoms http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/contraception-guide/Pages/male-condoms.aspx It was a beneficial guide and provided me with correct knowledge about the appropriate method for putting on male condoms. I have learnt that sharp tools should be avoided when opening the cases of the condoms and other things such as teeth or fingernails may rupture the condom. Also, before the intercourse takes place the condom should be worn on the male erect penis. In addition, leaving enough space at the tip of the condom will allow for the accumulation of the seminal fluid after ejaculation in order to avoid rupture and, to increase comfort during intercourse, water-based lubricants can be applied. Finally, after ejaculation the condoms must be removed and discarded in the rubbish bin. In order to gain an extra benefit I watched this video on YouTube which demonstrates how to put on male condoms http://youtu.be/gXlcEJhYVuc0 Concerning the use of female condoms, I found this video on YouTube http://youtu.be/LRZH5ASO-eM and it was useful in terms of demonstrating the use of female condoms, demonstrated using a model. Additional information related to the use of female condoms was found on the FPA website http://www.fpa.org.uk/contraception-help/condoms-male-and-female From my reading on both male and female condoms I have found that male condoms are easier to use than female condoms. Unlike male condoms, female condoms need to be inserted in the vagina several hours before the intercourse takes place. Both of them should be used only once and it is advisable to use either a male or a female condom, but not to use them together, in order to avoid rubbing which may result in condom failure. How long did you spend on this learning? 3.5 hours Date learning took place: 19.10.2013 What did you want to learn? I wanted to learn about condom myths and truths because there are many myths around the use of condoms. How did you find this out? 1) NHS Choices (http://www.nhs.uk) 2) International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) (http://www.ippf.org) 3) United Nations Population Fund (UNPFA) (http://www.unfpa.org/public) Outcome There are a lot of myths about the use of condoms, which in turn gives the wrong idea about them, and it was important to look for a reliable source that clarified the truth about myths relating to the use of the condoms. On the NHS choices website I found some examples of myths and the related facts for each one http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/teenboys/Pages/Condoms.aspx An example of the myth vs. the truth that I have found in my reading around this topic is that using two condoms at the same time will increase the protection; this is not true as this may increase the chance of condom friction. Another myth is that condoms are weak and they are easy to break. This is not true, as they will not break if they are used properly. Additionally, there is a myth that it is not worth thinking about other forms of contraception, as condoms are sufficient. This is not true and it is advisable to think about using other forms of contraception alongside condoms. There were many examples of these myths and their facts on the NHS choices website and I have tried to get an idea about the majority of them in order to clarify any wrong ideas related to the use of condoms. Also, I have tried to find another source of information related to my learning needs and settled upon the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) website, which has a section containing additional information about condom myths and facts, which was valuable and backed up my previous reading http://www.ippf.org/our-work/what-we-do/contraception/myths/Male-Condoms Moreover, a really valuable leaflet was issued by The United Nations Population Fund (UNPFA), related to condoms, with some information about the myths. This provided good supplementary reading for me. http://www.unfpa.org/public/global/pid/387 How long did you spend on this learning? 3 hours Date learning took place: 21.10.2013 What did you want to learn? I wanted to learn about different types of male condoms available, what the differences between them are and what the varieties of condoms are. How did you find this out? 1) UNAIDS (http://www.unaids.org/en) 2) Cochrane Library (http://www.thecochranelibrary.com) 3) Central and North West London NHS (http://www.freedoms-shop.nhs.uk) Outcome I found a leaflet printed by UNAIDS in association with the WHO which enclosed a variety of information about condoms including different types of male condoms. http://www.unaids.org/en/media/unaids/contentassets/dataimport/publications/irc- pub01/jc003-malecondom-factsheets_en.pdf I have learnt that male condoms come in various types, such as synthetic, natural latex, spermicidal, and lambskin condoms. I have found that each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. With regard to synthetic condoms, they use lubricants which are oil-based and they are fragrance-free. Also, they are made of polyurethane and they are considered the most popular type of male condoms. The polyurethane has many advantages, such as it is suitable for individuals who are sensitive to natural latex and it produces no allergy. Moreover, it can resist high temperatures. With regard to natural latex condoms, they have the capacity to stretch up to eight times before they break. The usage of oily lubricants with latex condoms should be avoided. Concerning spermicidal condoms, they contain spermicidal materials which have the capability to destroy sperm. Finally, lambskin condoms are considered one of the oldest types of condom. On the other hand, they can produce allergies and they do not protect against STDs, though they do have the capability to minimise the number of unwanted pregnancies. During my research I discovered an interesting long review produced by The Cochrane Library 2006, Issue 1, http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD003550.pub2/pdf which contained a detailed comparison between synthetic and latex condoms in terms of contraception. The conclusion from this review was that synthetic condoms were linked with an increased number of ruptures in comparison with latex condoms as well as being ineffective in terms of preventing pregnancies, although they recommended further studies. I found additional information at http://www.freedoms-shop.nhs.uk/shop/product/view/?product=63 about the varieties of condoms, such as warming condoms, consisting of latex and using a heating lubricant stimulated by body heat. With regards to tingling pleasure condoms, I found a document related to its premarket approval published by the FDA and it enclosed some information http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf4/K042470.pdf How long did you spend on this learning? 4.5 hours Date learning took place: 23.10.2013 What did you want to learn? 1) Terrence Higgins Trust (http://www.tht.org.uk) 2) Sexual Health Clinic Liverpool (http://www.sexualhealthliverpool.co.uk) 3) WebMD (http://www.webmd.com) How did you find this out? I wanted to learn about the storage and expiry dates of condoms. Also, I wanted to learn some condom tips, including the 30 minute rule. Also, I wanted to learn about their different shapes, flavours and sizes. Outcome According to my reading on the Terrence Higgins Trust website http://www.tht.org.uk/sexual-health/HIV-STIs/Sex-and-risk/Condoms/Types-of-condom about the storing of condoms I found that the storing conditions play an important role in the expiry date of the condoms and that they may expire after five years if they are stored properly. Also, their effectiveness may be altered by temperature and moisture. Moreover, it is not appropriate to put them in wallets as the temperature may harm them. Spermicidal condoms may last up to three years while latex condoms may last up to five years. I found some important advice on condoms on the website of the sexual health clinic in Liverpool. http://www.sexualhealthliverpool.co.uk/home/help-and-support/condoms.aspx One of the important tips is that the CE quality mark on the condom case should be checked before purchasing them. I also learnt about the thirty minute rule, which states that condoms need to be changed after 30 minutes of intercourse, as the contact may break down the condom. Also, the lubricant plays a significant role in the easiness of the intercourse. I discovered that normal sized condoms are suitable for the majority of men and that there are bigger sizes which are also available, as well as different shaped condoms manufactured with curvy and nipple ends. Diverse flavours and colours are available, but they do not affect the efficacy. http://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/birth-control-condoms. How long did you spend on this learning? 2.5 hours Date learning took place: 25.10.2013 What did you want to learn? I wanted to learn about the efficiency of latex condoms in preventing pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. How did you find this out? 1) Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (http://www.cdc.gov) 2) ScienceDirect (http://www.sciencedirect.com) Outcome I found that their efficiency mostly depends on their correct use, which will decrease the number of unwanted pregnancies and STDs. In order to accomplish full protection there are two important factors that need to be present simultaneously: they need to be used correctly and regularly with each act of intercourse. For example, if they are being used regularly but without the right application – or vice versa – this will influence their effectiveness. I have read a fact sheet published by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with regard to the efficiency of latex condoms and it was mentioned that the results obtained from laboratories have shown that these types of condoms offer the least requirements to block the entry of pathogens associated with sexually transmitted disease. Additionally, they are predicted to offer safety against STDs to a certain degree, dependent on how these diseases are transferred within the body. For example, their effectiveness is very high against diseases that are transmitted via genital excretion. On the other hand, they offer the lowest level of safety against infectious diseases that are transmitted via different routes, such as infected skin. Moreover, their effectiveness can be up to 98% if used suitably. In contrast, their improper application might lead to condom failure. http://www.cdc.gov/condomeffectiveness/docs/Condoms_and_STDS.pdf I found an interesting article in Elsevier (Volume 28, Issue 5) related to the efficacy of condoms in preventing sexually transmitted diseases. This article reinforced my previous reading and widened my knowledge. Additionally, this article contained some facts and strong arguments in relation to condom use. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0738081X10000386 How long did you spend on this learning? 1.5 hour Copy and paste additional tables if necessary