Condoms
What is a condom and how does it work?
A condom, also called a prophylactic or rubber, is a thin sheath that fits snugly over an erect penis to act as a barrier. The closed end of the condom catches the semen, so that it cannot pass into your partner at the time of ejaculation. There are many types of condoms available: latex rubber, polyurethane, lambskin, lubricated, and spermicidal. Most condoms sold in the U.S. are latex condoms which come in a variety of textures and colors. Latex and polyurethane condoms are the only condoms which prevent transmission of HIV.Condoms should be used for all acts of vaginal, anal or oral sex (on a man) to help prevent pregnancy and/or the transmission of STDs (sexually transmitted diseases). Condoms are available in many varieties: colors, flavors, shapes, textures, lubricated, non-lubricated, with or without spermicide--almost any type to meet different needs. You may want to experiment with the type of condom that is most satisfactory to you and your partner.
How effective is a condom with in preventing pregnancy?
A condom's theoretical effectiveness is 97%. This rate is based on studies that have been done to determine how effective a method itself can be, apart from user behaviors. A condom's actual effectiveness rate is 86%. This rate reflects what happens to the pregnancy rate in a group of people who do not use this method correctly some of the time and who do not use this method every time they have intercourse.
How do you use the condom?
Condoms must be used correctly in order to be effective. Condoms are packaged individually. In order to maintain their effectiveness, they must be protected from heat.
- Putting It On
Before any sexual contact, when the penis is erect:- Pinch the condom at the tip and squeeze out any air.
- Place the rolled-up condom against the end of the erect penis.
- Unroll the condom to cover the entire penis. If you put it on backwards and it does not unroll easily, don't flip it over; there may be semen on it. Use another condom.
- Taking It Off
Right after ejaculation (coming):- Hold on tight to the condom at the rim (at the base of the penis) and pull out slowly while the penis is still erect. This will keep the condom from slipping off inside your partner or any semen from being spilled.
- Increasing Comfort
Insufficient lubrication can cause discomfort and chafing or condom breakage. Place a small amount of the water-based lubricant on the inside of the condom tip before unrolling it. This can increase sensation for the condom wearer. After unrolling the condom over the erect penis, place some of the water-based lubricant on the outside of the condom. - Extra Protection (for pregnancy prevention)
For vaginal sex, also use an applicator filled with spermicide inside the vagina for extra protection in the event of breakage. If the condom breaks, spermicidal jelly or foam should be inserted immediately into your partner.
What are the advantages of condoms?
- readily available over the counter, no exam is necessary
- allow the man to take an active role and shared responsibility in preventing pregnancy
- causes no serious health risk
- may increase ability to maintain erection longer
- provide lubrication (if using a lubricated condom)
- inexpensive (free at Student Health Center)
What are the disadvantages of condoms?
- may interrupt lovemaking because the condom must be placed on erect penis
- ineffective if used incorrectly or if the condom breaks
- may reduce sensitivity and pleasure
- may cause allergic reactions to latex, spermicide, or lubricant used with the condom
- may be messy or inconvenient
- necessitates prompt withdrawal to keep the condom from slipping off
- may result in less energetic lovemaking from fear that condom may slip off or break
- may taste bad (scented condoms such as mint are not spermicidally lubricated)
- may not fully protect against transmission of sexually transmitted infections that are transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact (e.g. HPV, herpes)
Who can use condoms?
Condoms can be an effective birth control method for many people. However, you should not rely solely on condoms for pregnancy prevention if:
- you might not use the method consistently
- your partner is not supportive of the method (see "Communication" and "The Condom Comeback" for suggestions on how to talk to a partner about condoms)
- you or your partner are allergic to latex or specific spermicides or lubricants
Do condoms prevent sexually transmitted infections?
Although not 100% effective, for sexually active people condoms provide the best means of protection available today for STDs. Condoms cannot prevent the transmission of all sexually transmitted infections all of the time, but they can help reduce the risk.
Special Notes: Animal membrane condoms (lambskin) do not give protection against HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases. Therefore, the use of latex or polyurethane condoms is highly recommended.