Condoms (Male)
What are condoms?
Effective condoms are made of latex or polyurethane. Unrolled, condoms look like long, thin balloons. They prevent
body fluids from mixing when two people have sex. The condom is put
onto the penis before the penis comes into contact with the vagina,
mouth, or anus.
Among typical couples who initiate use of latex male condoms, about
15 percent of women will experience an accidental pregnancy in the first year.
If condoms are used consistently and correctly, about two percent of women will
experience pregnancy. Condoms are most effective when they are used
in combination with another method of contraception, such as the
pill or foam. Complete information about condoms is available through your
local family planning clinic, store, or school.
Condoms work!
Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly during vaginal,
oral, or anal intercourse, are highly effective in preventing the sexual
transmission of HIV. They are also effective in preventing most sexually
transmitted infections (STIs). Gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis
are transmitted when infected semen or vaginal or other body fluids
contact mucosal surfaces. Condoms provide a great level of protection
against these STIs because they protect both partners against exposure
to the other's body fluids. Condoms also provide some protection against
STIs—such as genital herpes, syphilis, chancroid, and human papillomavirus
(HPV)—which are transmitted primarily through contact with infected
skin or with mucosal surfaces. Because these STIs may be transmitted
by contact with surfaces not covered or protected by the condom, condoms
provide a lesser degree of protection against them.
General Tips for Those Who Are Sexually Active:
- Use a water based lubricant such as Astroglide or KY Jelly to decrease
the chance of the condom breaking.
- To decrease the chance of the condom slipping down
the penis or falling off inside the vagina, pull the
penis out of the vagina
right after ejaculation.
- Hold the rim of the condom onto the shaft of the
penis during withdrawal.
- Never use more than one condom at a time.
- Never re-use a condom.
- For more information, check out Using a Condom.
What are the advantages of choosing condoms?
- Condoms are safe and effective at preventing both pregnancy and some
infections when used at each act of sex.
- Using condoms is the best method of preventing
infection if two people are going to have sex.
- No prescription is needed to get condoms.
What are the disadvantages?
- Condoms do not provide complete protection against genital herpes,
syphilis, chancroid, or HPV because the STIs can be
transmitted across infected skin surfaces not covered by the condom.
- When putting the condom on the penis you must avoid tearing
the condom or putting a hole in it with fingernails,
a ring, or anything sharp.
- YOU CAN'T USE OIL BASED LUBRICANTS, such as Vaseline or
sun tan oil. These products
can cause a hole
in a condom.
- The man must pull out soon after ejaculation or the condom could fall
off and spill or be left in the vagina.
- Some people are sensitive or allergic to latex.
Where do I get
condoms?
From family planning clinics, pharmacies or drugstores, supermarkets,
and gas stations. Some health departments and family planning
clinics give away free condoms. They are also available from a number of online drugstores.
Adapted from Hatcher RA et al. Contraceptive Technology. 18th rev. edition. New York, NY: Ardent Media, 2004.
Additional Information >> Contraceptive Choices
Chart Comparing the Effectiveness of Various Methods :: Contraceptive
Myths & Facts :: Local Clinics & Hotlines
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