Condoms are the only contraceptive method that protect against BOTH pregnancy and STIs. They should be used consistently and correctly every time.

Your Rights

A minor of any age may consent to health services which he or she requests for the prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of a sexually transmitted disease. (DC Law 600.7)

• You have the right to receive confidential health services.
• You have the right to receive condoms from youth and adult Wrap-Mcs at your DC public high school. The Condom Availability Policy “ensures that condoms and dental dams are made available to District High School students.” –Condom Availability Policy Revised 2009
• You have the right to distribute condoms and other safe sex materials at your DC public high school (after you pass a brief test). “Teachers, school counselors, other school staff and individuals, and persons representing community organizations who have received training approved by the Department of Health (HAHSTA) may, with the authorization of the Local Education Agency, provide sexual health education, counseling and condom distribution to students individually and in groups.”  –Condom Availability Policy Revised 2009
• You have the right to “receive private, confidential counseling upon request to the school nurse to obtain barrier methods. Students shall be given information on barrier method use, effectiveness and if requested, or needed, medical referrals. –Condom Availability Policy Revised 2009

What are condoms?

Condoms are thin sheaths of rubber that are worn on the penis or inside the vagina (female condom) to protect individuals from Sexually Transmitted Infections or to prevent pregnancy.
 

Things you should know about condoms

• You should NEVER use two condoms at the same time.
• You should use latex or non-latex condoms to prevent pregnancy and STIs.
• You cannot use lambskin/sheepskin condoms to prevent STIs.
• You should only use water based or silicone based lubricants with latex condoms. Oil based lubricants  (lotions, oils, Vaseline) could cause the condom to break.
• You should store condoms in a cool, dry place.
• Flavored condoms should not be used for anal or vaginal sex because they can irritate the vagina or anus.
• If you put on a condom inside out, DO NOT flip it over and use it. Throw it away and use a new condom.
• Your penis is not “too big” or “too small” for condoms. Condoms come in a variety of sizes for everyone. Choose a condom that you feel fits most comfortably and always wear a condom for both STI and pregnancy prevention.
• Please see this video on how to put on a male condom.
• Please see this video on how to put on a female condom:    
• Here are more places where you can learn about condoms:
  
  • Planned Parenthood
  • Bedsider
  • FC2

Here’s where you should go, if you are having issues or need assistance with condoms:

• Clinics
• Hospitals
• School Based Health Centers
• Community Organizations (that provide birth control or sexual health services)
• Health Department
• Private Doctor  

If you want to get involved in our reproductive justice fight:

Contact the Mayor and City Council

Contact the Department of Health

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