A condom is a sheath that fits over the penis. It is made of latex, plastic, or animal tissue. It catches semen before, during, and after a man ejaculates ("cums"). Some condoms have a nipple-shaped tip to hold the semen — others do not.
Condoms protect both partners during vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse.
Condoms prevent pregnancy.
It prevents sperm from entering the vagina. Of 100 women whose partners use condoms, about 14 will become pregnant during the first year of typical use. ("Typical use" refers to failure rates for women and men whose condom use is not consistent or always correct.) Only two will become pregnant with perfect use. ("Perfect use" refers to failure rates for women and men whose condom use is consistent and always correct.)More contraceptive protection is possible if contraceptive foams, creams, jellies, films, or suppositories are also used. They can immobilize sperm if the condom breaks. Some condoms are coated with the spermicide nonoxynol-9.
Condoms protect against many sexually transmitted
infections (STIs),
including HIV — the human immunodeficiency virus that can cause AIDS.
Condoms offer better protection against STIs than any other birth control
method. It blocks exchange of body fluids that may be infected.
The Female Condom
The "female condom" fits inside the vagina like the diaphragm and also covers the vulva. It has the advantage of not requiring a man to maintain an erection during use. Although it is not as effective as the condom, the female condom is a valuable option for women who want to prevent sexually transmitted infection or unintended pregnancy. The Pill, IUD, Norplant®, Depo-Provera®, vasectomy, and tubal sterilisation offer greater protection against pregnancy than condoms, but no protection against sexually transmitted infections. Many people use latex condoms along with these and other methods for the best protection against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
How to Use Condoms
Handle condoms gently. Store them in a cool, dry place. Long exposure to air, heat, and light makes them more breakable. Do keep them in a back pocket, wallet or glove compartment. Use lubricant inside and outside the condom. (Many condoms are pre-lubricated.) Lubrication helps prevent rips and tears, and it increases sensitivity. Use only water-based lubricants, such as K-Y® jelly or AstroGlide® , with latex condoms. Oil-based lubricants like petroleum jelly, cold cream, butter, or mineral and vegetable oils damage latex.
| Safe with All Condoms | Unsafe with Latex Condoms |
| Aloe-9® AquaLube® AstroGlide® deLube® ForPlay® glycerin Gynol II® H-R ® lubricating jelly K-Y® Jelly PrePair® Ramses® Personal Spermicide silicone lubricant spermicide Touch® Personal Lubricant water and saliva Wet® |
baby oil cold creams Cornhuskers® lubricant edible oils (olive, peanut, corn, sunflower) head and body lotions massage oils mineral oil petroleum jelly shortening suntan oil and lotions Bag Balm® whipped cream certain vaginal yeast infection medications |
Putting on a Condom
|
Step 1
|
Put the condom on when the penis is erect, before there is any contact between the penis and your partner's body. Fluid released from the penis during the early stages of an erection can contain sperm and organisms that can caused STI''s. | |
|
Step 2
|
Tear along one side of the foil, being sure not to rip the condom inside. Carefully remove the condom. |
|
|
Step 3
|
Air trapped inside a condom could cause it to break. To avoid this, squeeze the closed end of the condom between your forefinger and thumb and place the condom over the erect penis. Be sure that the roll is on the outside.
|
|
|
Step 4
|
While still squeezing the closed end, use your other hand to unroll the condom gently down the full length of the penis. Make sure the condom stays in place during sex; if it rolls up, roll it back into place immediately. If the condom comes off, withdraw the penis and put on a new condom before intercourse continues. |
|
|
Step 5
|
Soon after ejaculation, withdraw the penis while it is still erect by holding the condom firmly in place. Remove the condom only when the penis is fully withdrawn. Keep both the penis and condom clear from contact with your partner's body. |
|
|
Step 6
|
Dispose of the used condom hygienically. Wrap the condom
in a tissue and place it in a bin (do not flush it down the toilet).
NEVER USE A CONDOM MORE THAN ONCE. |
Nearly as many women as men buy and carry condoms. And many people use them — every time they have sexual intercourse. If you are embarrassed to talk with your partner about using condoms, practice before you are in a sexual situation. Then, choose the right time to talk — don't wait until the heat of passion takes over. It may overwhelm your good intentions. Don't be shy — be direct. Be honest about your feelings and needs. Talking with your partner about using condoms makes it easier for you both. It can help create a relaxed mood to make sex more enjoyable. It may be difficult to talk about using condoms. It will be easier if you are in a loving relationship that makes you feel happy and good about yourself and your partner. In any case, don't let embarrassment become a health risk.
If your partner absolutely refuses to wear a latex condom, you can use a female condom. Some men have said that the sensation is not so reduced with a female condom. Don't be afraid of being rejected. Besides, the partner who doesn't care about protecting your health and well-being is not worth your sexual involvement.
Many women and men say they have better sex when they use condoms. They are able to focus on their sexual pleasure without distractions about unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection. Some couples put the condom on as part of their foreplay. Many men stay hard longer when they use condoms.
Some men and women feel that the condom dulls sensation. Others become frustrated and lose some of their sexual excitement when they stop to put on a condom. Some men are self-conscious about using condoms. They feel pressured about having to maintain an erection to keep the condom on. Others feel pressured to ejaculate. Many overcome these pressures and learn to enjoy using condoms by using them during sex play before intercourse.
Condoms have no side effects except for people who are allergic to latex. Five to 7 percent of women and men have such allergies. They may use Durex Avanti or similar condoms instead. Some condoms are lubricated with spermicide, and some people are sensitive to different brands. Switching brands usually clears up the problem altought if this happens to you, please consult a doctor.
All condoms are tested for defects. Condoms deteriorate with age but if properly stored, they should stay good until the expiration date printed on the wrapper of each condom. Condoms may be transparent or opaque, tinted, nipple-ended, rippled, studded, contoured, dry, powdered, or lubricated — with spermicide or without. Read labels on "novelty" condoms to be sure they protect against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
Usually, size is not marked on the package. But condoms come in different lengths, widths, and thickness.
| home | prenatal care | birth control | CHDP | Dr. Lichtenstein |
| morning after pill | STDs | location | jobs | pills |
  |
| Search Engine Optimization |