Male Condom
Barrier Method
A condom is a thin film sheath that is placed over a man’s erect penis before having sex.
DETAILS
Condoms are sometimes called a “barrier” method of contraception. They are made of very thin latex (rubber) or similar material. They prevent pregnancy by stopping sperm from meeting an egg.
Condoms are the only type of contraception that can prevent pregnancy and protect against sexually transmitted illnesses (STIs) if used correctly. To be effective, male condoms have to be used every time you have sex. When used correctly, male condoms are 98% effective against pregnancy.
Some people are allergic to latex, in which case using polyurethane or polyisoprene condoms may help prevent an allergic reaction.
HOW TO
Using a condom can be an enjoyable part of sex and does not have to feel like an interruption. To use it, gently roll the condom down to the base of the erect penis.
After sex, take out the penis while it is still erect, making sure to hold the condom on at the base of the penis while you do this, and be careful not to spill any semen. Remove the condom from the penis and throw it away. If you have sex again, use a new condom.
Do not use oil-based lubricants – such as lotion, body oil or petroleum jelly if you are using latex condoms. These can damage the condom and may cause it to split.
PROS
- Can be used on demand and are readily available
- If used correctly, they are 98% effective against pregnancy
- Protect against STIs if used correctly during vaginal, anal and oral sex
- They are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and flavours
CONS
- Can interrupt sex
- Can tear or come off during sex if not used correctly
- Some people are allergic to latex
SIDE EFFECTS
There are none, although some people may be allergic to latex
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A condom is a thin film sheath placed over a man’s erect penis before sex.
Condoms are highly effective against HIV and some other STDs when used consistently and correctly. They create a barrier that prevents viruses and bacteria from passing through. Lab studies supported by the CDC confirm this barrier’s effectiveness against even the smallest pathogens like HIV.
The level of protection varies based on proper usage, with NIH data indicating an 85% reduction in HIV transmission risk when used consistently and correctly.
For STDs, condoms offer better protection against those transmitted via genital fluids (e.g., gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and HIV) than those primarily transmitted through skin-to-skin contact (e.g., genital herpes, HPV, syphilis, and chancroid).
However, condoms don’t provide absolute protection against all STDs. The most reliable methods to avoid transmission are sexual abstinence or being in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner.
There is a range of tests performed by both regulatory agencies and condom manufacturers. These include electronic testing, the water leak test, the air burst test and the strength test.
Check that the use-by date has not expired, that they carry a standards approval mark (either FDA, ISO, CE or the British Standard Kite Mark), and that they have been properly stored.
As with most barrier methods, it can take a bit of practice to use this method correctly. As long as you are clear on how to use them, you should get the hang of it.
No, it is not necessary to take a ‘pill break’ unless you want to get pregnant. There is no effect on long-term fertility even if you take hormonal contraceptives for years.
Contraception Methods
CONTRACEPTIVE IMPLANT
CONTRACEPTIVE IMPLANT
CONTRACEPTIVE INJECTION
CONTRACEPTIVE INJECTION
CONTRACEPTIVE PATCH
CONTRACEPTIVE PATCH
CONTRACEPTIVE RING
CONTRACEPTIVE RING
DIAPHRAGM
DIAPHRAGM
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVES
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVES
FEMALE CONDOM
FEMALE CONDOM
FERTILITY AWARENESS
FERTILITY AWARENESS
INTRAUTERINE DEVICE
INTRAUTERINE DEVICE
INTRAUTERINE SYSTEM-IUS
INTRAUTERINE SYSTEM-IUS
PULL-OUT METHOD
PULL-OUT METHOD
SPERMICIDES
SPERMICIDES
SPONGE
SPONGE
STERILISATION
STERILISATION
THE PILL
THE PILL
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