Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
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% to 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.
Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs,
are infections that are transmitted during any type of sexual exposure,
including intercourse (vaginal or anal), oral sex, and the sharing of sexual
devices, such as vibrators. Women can contract all of the STDs, but may have no symptoms, or have different symptoms than men do.
Chlamydia, a type of bacteria that causes an infection, is spread through sexual contact. Most of the time, women with chlamydia have no symptoms. Antibiotics are an effective treatment for chlamydia.
Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are infections that are transmitted during any
type of sexual exposure, including intercourse (vaginal or anal), oral sex, and
the sharing of sexual devices, such as vibrators. Although treatment exists for many STDs, others currently are
usually incurable, such as those caused by HIV, HPV, hepatitis B and C, and HHV-8.
Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection transmitted during sexual contact. In women, symptoms include a yellow vaginal discharge, burning or frequent urination, and redness, swelling, burning and itching of the vaginal area. Gonorrhea can be treated with injectable (penicillin) or oral medications.
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a parasite passed from person to person. Trichomoniasis can be picked up from contact with damp, moist objects like towels, wet clothing, or toilet seat. Symptoms include yellow, green, or gray vaginal discharge with a strong odor, painful intercourse or urination, genital irritation and itching, and lower abdominal pain. Medication is the only treatment for trichomoniasis.
Syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease, is caused by a microscopic, wormlike bacterial organism called a spirochete. There are three stages of syphilis. The first involves the formation of the chancre. The second stage often includes hair loss, a sore throat, white patches in the nose, mouth, and vagina, fever, headaches, and a skin rash. The third stage can cause extensive damage to the internal organs and the brain, and can lead to death. Though early infection often resolves on its own, treatment usually varies based on the stage of the infection at the time of diagnosis.
Pregnancy planning is important to help prevent exposure of the mother and fetus to potentially harmful medications and substances during the early days, and throughout the pregnancy. Nutritional planning, prevention of birth defects, conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease need careful monitoring. Gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and pregnancy induced hypertension are conditions that may arise during pregnancy. Immunizations, inherited disorders, exercise, air travel, intercourse, and birth control are important factors to consider when planning a pregnancy.
There are a number of different methods of birth control to include: barrier methods, IUDs, hormonal methods, natural methods, and surgical sterilization. Birth control methods can be reversible or permanent. In simple terms, all methods of birth control are based on either preventing a man's sperm from reaching and entering a woman's egg (fertilization) or preventing the fertilized egg from implanting in the woman's uterus (her womb) and starting to grow.
Premature ovarian failure (POS) is the cessation of normal functioning of the ovaries in women under the age of 40. Premature ovarian failure may be caused by follicle depletion or dysfunction. The most common symptom of premature ovarian failure are irregular periods. There is no "treatment" that will restore the ovarian function, but there are treatments that my relieve symptoms.
Sexual health information including birth control, impotence, herpes, sexually transmitted diseases, staying healthy, women's sexual health concerns, and men's sexual health concerns. Learn about the most common sexual conditions affecting men and women.
When you are pregnant, many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can be especially harmful to you and your baby. These STDs include herpes, HIV/AIDS, genital warts (HPV), hepatitis B, chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. Symptoms include bumps, sores, warts, swelling, itching, or redness in the genital region. Treatment of STDs while pregnant depends on how far along you are in the pregnancy and the progression of the infection.
There are four phases to the sexual response for men and women. Couple do not usually reach each phase at the same time, and they are dependant from individual to individual. The four phases of the sexual response cycle include phase 1, excitement; phase 2, plateau; phase 3 orgasm; and phase 4 resolution.
Reproductive health encompasses the beginning of menstruation for women, choosing the right birth control method for you and your partner, preventing contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and for women, ending with the menopausal transition.
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