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Successful use requires:
- Partner participation and negotiation skills
- High level of motivation, self-confidence, self-control
Key messages:
- Always carry with you, so barrier methods are available
when needed
- Communication and shared responsibility are vital
- Consistent and correct use are key to effectiveness
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Successful use of barrier methods requires overcoming disadvantages
of these methods. Because barrier methods must be used correctly
for every act of intercourse in order to be effective, appropriate
counseling is essential to help young adults use them successfully.
This is true for young people in particular because most barrier
methods, especially condoms, require partner participation and
negotiation skills. Counseling needs to emphasize that a high
level of motivation, self-confidence and self-control are necessary
for youth to be successful users of barrier methods. In addition,
many youth are inexperienced sexually, are embarrassed to use
condoms or are concerned that barrier methods will interrupt
their sexual activity, making it awkward or less pleasurable.
Counseling also needs to address these concerns.
Even though barrier methods are often not obtained from providers,
youth need clear, practical information about how to use these
methods correctly and how to avoid common mistakes in use. They
also need to know where to get more supplies and how to store
them properly. Key messages for youth include:
- Be prepared: always carrying barrier methods so they are
readily available when sex occurs;
- Communicate with your partner about shared sexual responsibility,
a process that can establish positive patterns that last into
adulthood;
- Use barrier methods consistently and correctly for them
to be effective.
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