Barrier Methods of Birth Control (cont.)
Male condom
Male condoms are far more common than female condoms. A male condom is a thin
sheath that is worn over the man's penis during sexual intercourse. The condom
collects sperm so that the sperm are not released into a woman's vagina. Condoms
are also called rubbers, sheaths, prophylactics, and many other names.
Condoms are made out of a variety of materials including latex, rubber,
plastic polyurethane, and animal tissue. Condoms are also available in a variety
of sizes, colors, styles, and thicknesses. They may be dry, lubricated, or
treated with a spermicide. Although convenient, a wallet is not the best place to store condoms. This is
because condoms are longer-lasting when they are stored under less moist
conditions. In general, condoms have a shelf life of about five years if stored
unopened in a cool, dry place.
A condom must be the correct size and fit the man's erect penis properly.
There should be 1/2 inch (about 1.25 cm) at the tip of the condom to provide a
space for the sperm-filled semen to collect. Some condoms have this feature
built in.
Before there is any contact between the penis and the vagina, the condom is
unrolled over the erect penis, making sure that the condom is not turned
backwards or inside out. Some condoms come pre-lubricated. If additional
lubrication is desired, a water-based lubricant should be used. Spermicides may be
used as lubricants with condoms and may actually increase their effectiveness.
Oil-based products such as Vaseline, vaginal creams, or mineral oil, may damage
the condom and should never be used.
There is an obvious problem of lack of barrier protection if the condom
breaks, slips, or comes off the penis. Condoms are quality controlled in the
U.S. by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for manufacturing defects that could result in
breakage. But condom failure can also be caused by the user and his partner. For
example, long fingernails or jewelry can tear condoms.
Immediately after the male wearing a condom ejaculates, he should remove his
penis from the vagina. The man should hold the condom firmly in place, at the
base of his penis, as he withdraws from the vagina. He must be careful not to
spill any liquid from the condom.
Each condom must be thrown out after a single use. A new condom must be used
for the next act of intercourse. Male condoms are not reusable.
Condoms can be purchased over-the-counter (OTC) without a prescription. Most
of the condoms on the market are made of latex. The estimated effectiveness of
the latex condom is 87% to 90% or 10 to 13 pregnancies/100 women per year of
sexual activity.
About 1%-3% of people are allergic to latex. In such case, they may be able to
use condoms made of polyurethane, a type of plastic. However, polyurethane
condoms may break more easily than latex condoms and they do not protect against
sexually transmitted infections (sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs).
Latex condoms are the condoms that afford the maximum
protection against sexually transmitted infections including HIV (human
immunodeficiency virus) and herpes virus. According to the U.S. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, are highly effective in
preventing transmission of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. In addition, correct
and consistent use of latex condoms can reduce the risk of other sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs), including discharge and genital ulcer diseases.
While the effect of condoms in preventing
human papillomavirus
(HPV) infection is unknown, condom use has been associated with a lower rate
of cervical cancer, an HPV-associated disease.
Animal membrane condoms, made from the intestines of sheep, when used with contraceptive foam, can be effective in preventing pregnancy but may not provide proper protection against all sexually transmitted infections. This is because the pores in the animal membranes permit small organisms such as viruses to pass through.
The most frequent complaint lodged against condoms is that their use
decreases sexual pleasure for the male. This is an unfortunate attitude because
male condoms are an effective, acceptable, inexpensive, and safe method of birth
control.
Next: Female condom »
- Natural Methods of Birth Control - Natural methods of birth control are non-mechanical and non-hormonal. They are also considered fertility awareness methods and there are a variety of choices for natural birth control.
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Women (STDs) - Learn and become aware of common STDs in women, including descriptions, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments of each type of infection.
- Hormonal Methods of Birth Control - Read about hormonal birth control methods, such as oral contraceptives, the patch, birth control injection, and vaginal ring. The hormones used in hormonal birth control are estrogen and/or progesterone.
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