Condoms - Contraception & Safe Sex
Condoms, also known as a "rubbers" or "prophylactics," are a thin sheath that fits snugly over an erect penis to act as a barrier during intercourse. They can prevent unwanted pregnancies by preventing the man's semen (and therefore his sperm cells) from entering the woman's vagina and fertilizing her egg. Condoms are know to have been in existence since 1300 B.C.
There are many types of condoms including 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 (AIDS).
Using latex condoms with spermicidal foam can also help to reduce the risk of being infected with other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as chlamydia, genital herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis B, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS.
How Effective Are Condoms?
Condoms alone are nearly 90% effective in preventing unwanted pregnancy and do reduce the risk of STDs. The effectiveness of using condoms alone are greatly increased when condom are used with a spermicidal agent. Spermicidal agents are chemicals which kills or immobilizes the sperm cells. Combined use of condom and spermicidal agents have been shown to increase the effectiveness of condoms to 98% when used correctly and when used every time. Spermicidal agents (foam, cream, jelly or suppositories) containing nonoxynol-9 also kills most organisms which lead to STDs including the HIV virus. Using spermicidal agents alone is at best only 70-80% effective in preventing unwanted pregnancy.
If the condoms used is not coated with spermicidal agent we generally recommended that a spermicidal foam be inserted deep into the vagina before starting to have intercourse. Instructions for correct use of the foam should be followed carefully. This can be done by the woman alone or as part of the foreplay associated with you having sex. For best results any spermicidal agent used should be inserted 15 to 20 minutes or slightly more before having intercourse.
How Do You Use Condoms Effectively?
We generally suggest that you use latex condoms only. Natural membrane (sheepskin) condoms do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. Since all condoms are not the same,. if you find that are not satisfied with any particular type of condom try different brand or style until you find a condom that is most satisfactory to you and your partner.
It is also important to keep a supply of condoms available in case you chose to have intercourse when it was previously not anticipated. Both men and women should keep them available so they are immediately accessible. Condoms should always be stored in a cool, dry place, as extremes of heat and cold can damage condoms rendering them ineffective. Condoms should never be kept in glove compartments, trunks of cars, or in wallets for more than a week and heat will deteriorate the latex making the condom more likely to break.
If you are counting on condoms as a primary method of birth control or to protect you against STDs you must be prepared to use a condom every time you have sex. The most common reason for condoms fail in preventing unwanted pregnancy or in the transfer of STDs are because they are used sporadically or incorrectly. Condoms must to be used every time to be an effective method. Remember, condoms can only provide protection when they are used all the time and correctly.
Never use Vaseline, baby oil, or other petroleum products as a lubricant during or before sex as they can cause condoms to deteriorate, break and can increase the risk of unwanted pregnancy.
Purchasing Condoms and Foam
Condoms and foam can be purchased without a prescription. They are available at most drug stores, pharmacies and often in liquor stores and frequently in vending machines in many restrooms, but to be absolutely safe think a head and have a personal supply ready and immediately available to you to avoid last minute problems.
How to Use a Condom
Open the condom package carefully and according to the instructions on the package. Condoms can be damaged if the package is not opened correctly.
As you remove the condom, inspect it to be sure that it has not been damaged.
Gently hold the condom and squeeze out any air which has accumulated in the tip of the condom before putting it on. An air bubble can cause the condom to tear or come off. This leaves room for the semen when you come (ejaculate).
Make sure that you put the condom on before your erect penis is placed in or near your partner. The condoms should be put on during foreplay before any pre-ejaculatory fluid is released.
Unroll the condom to cover the entire erect penis. When unrolling a plain-end condom, leave a one-half inch space at the tip of the penis for collecting ejaculated semen. When using a receptacle-end condom, it is not necessary to leave additional space at the end of the condom.
Keep holding the tip of the condom and unroll it onto your erect penis all the way down to the hair. When unrolling the condom, smooth out any air bubbles to decrease the chance of breaking.
If using a lubricant, use one that is water-soluble. Never use petroleum-based jellies such as Vaseline, because they can deteriorate the latex rubber of the condom.
Using a spermicide enhances protection when used with the condom. An applicator full should be inserted into the vagina 15 to 20 minutes before intercourse. If the condom tears or comes off in the vagina, add another applicator full of spermicide into the vagina to help prevent an unwanted pregnancy.
After intercourse, withdraw the penis and the condom together while the penis is still erect. Do this by holding onto the condom at the base of the penis while withdrawing. Failure to withdraw before the penis becomes soft increases the risk that semen may leak out of the condom at the base of the penis.
Use each condom once and throw it away. Since condoms are non-biodegradable, discard them in waste containers, not toilets.
Advantages of Using Condoms
Condoms are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased pharmacy drug store, bathroom vending machines
Use of condoms allows men to participate actively in birth control responsibilities. It also helps to reduce the transmission of STDs, including HIV infection.
Disadvantages of Using Condoms
Some people (men and women) can have an allergic reaction to condoms or spermicidal agents. This can lead to itching, redness or irritation of penis or vagina. If this occurs, generally nothing needs to be done but it will be necessary try switching to other brands or consult your clinician.
Some men do not like to use condoms as they may decrease sensitivity and feeling, but this can be remedied by placing a small dab of water-based lubricant like KY-Jelly into the tip of the condom before it is put on.
For some couples the putting on and use of condoms or spermicidal agents may interrupt foreplay, however, a little creativity can go a long way in this area and often this objection can be overcome.
Related Articles:
More articles by this author
|
Contraception 
