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 The Basics
Condoms are sheaths of thin latex or plastic worn on the penis during intercourse. And they are available dry or lubricated. Sometimes they are called rubbers. They reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infection. They are also effective over-the-counter, barrier methods of reversible birth control.
How Condoms Work
Condoms collect semen before, during, and after a man ejaculates ("comes"). This can keep sperm from entering the vagina and help prevent the transmission of STDs
Effectiveness
Of 100 women whose partners use male condoms, about 15 will become pregnant during the first year of typical use.* Only two women will become pregnant with perfect use.** More protection against pregnancy is possible if condoms are used with a spermicidal foam, cream, jelly, suppository, or film.
*Typical use refers to failure rates when use is not consistent or always correct.
**Perfect use refers to failure rates for those whose use is consistent and always correct.
They also protect both partners during vaginal and anal sex from sexually transmitted infection. Latex condoms offer very good protection against HIV. And condoms reduce the risk of other sexually transmitted infections, including gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, chancroid, trichomoniasis, HPV, herpes, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Condoms can also protect against vaginitis caused by trichomoniasis or changes in the pH balance of the vagina that can be triggered by semen.
Hormonal, intrauterine, and surgical methods of birth control offer greater protection against pregnancy than condoms, but no protection against sexually transmitted infections. Many people use latex condoms along with another method for the best protection against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
The effectiveness rate for the male condom is 98% if used correctly. The effectiveness rate for the female condom is approximately 95% if used correctly.
The Female Condom
The female condom is a reversible barrier method of birth control. It is a polyurethane (plastic) pouch with flexible rings at each end. It is inserted deep into the vagina like a diaphragm. The ring at the closed end holds the pouch in the vagina. The ring at the open end stays outside the vaginal opening.
The female condom collects semen before, during, and after ejaculation, keeping sperm from entering the vagina and protecting against pregnancy. Of 100 women who use female condoms, 21 will become pregnant during the first year of typical use. Five will become pregnant with perfect use. The female condom also reduces the risk of many sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
How to use a Female Condom
- For vaginal use, squeeze the smaller ring and insert it into the vagina. The large end should be place over the vaginal opening to protect the outer genitalia from infection.
- For rectal use the small ring should be removed. Place the condom over the erect penis. The condom will be inserted with your partner's penis.
- Be sure the penis goes directly into the large ring to preclude unprotected sexual contact between the penis and the vagina or rectum.
- Remove the condom immediately after sexual intercourse and before standing up. To avoid semen leakage the large outer ring should be twisted. Carefully pull the condom out and dispose of it.
How to Use Male Condoms
Handle condoms gently. Store them in a cool, dry place. Long exposure to air, heat, and light makes them more breakable. Do not stash them continually in a back pocket, wallet, or glove compartment.
Lubricate the inside and outside of the condom. (Many condoms are pre-lubricated.) Lubrication helps prevent rips and tears, and it increases sensitivity. Use water-based lubricants, such as K-Y jelly or AstroGlide, or silicone-based lubricants, such as Eros, with latex condoms. Oil-based lubricants like petroleum jelly, cold cream, butter, or mineral and vegetable oils damage latex.
Detailed instructions for correct use are included in the packaging for the condom. Be sure to read and understand them before you use it.
For pleasure, ease, and effectiveness, both partners should know how to put on and use a condom. To learn without feeling pressured or embarrassed, practice on your penis or a penis-shaped object like a ketchup bottle, banana, cucumber, or squash.
Remember — Practice Makes Perfect. It is a good idea to practice putting on a condom during masturbation, so you’ll know how to do it correctly.
Put the condom on before the penis touches the vulva. Men leak fluids from their penises before and after ejaculation. Pre-ejaculate ("pre-cum") can carry enough sperm to cause pregnancy. It can also carry enough germs to pass sexually transmitted infections.
Use a condom only once. Use a fresh one for each erection ("hard-on"). Have a good supply on hand.
Condoms usually come rolled into a ring shape. They are individually sealed in aluminum foil or plastic. Be sure to check the expiration date before you use the condom. Be careful — don't tear the condom while unwrapping it. If it is torn, brittle, stiff, or sticky, throw it away and use another. Do NOT use two condoms simultaneously. This will cause friction between the two condoms and will lead to premature failure of both of them
- Put a *single* drop of lubricant inside the condom.
- Pull back the foreskin, unless circumcised, before rolling on the condom.
- Place the rolled condom over the tip of the hard penis, with the roll to the outside so that you can roll it down the erect penis.
- Leave a half-inch space at the tip to collect semen.
- Pinch the air out of the tip with one hand while placing it on the penis.
- Unroll the condom over the penis with the other hand.
- Roll it all the way down to the base of the penis.
- Smooth out any air bubbles. (Friction against air bubbles can cause condom breaks.
- Lubricate the outside of the condom.
- Pull out before the penis softens.
- Don't spill the semen — hold the condom against the base of the penis while you pull out.
- Throw the condom away. (You can tie the end of the condom off to avoid having the semen leak into the waste container if necessary)
- Wash the penis with soap and water before embracing again.
An excellent video of how to use a male condom can be found at:
If a Condom Breaks ...
... during intercourse, pull out quickly and replace it. Men should be able to tell if a condom breaks during intercourse. To learn what it feels like, men can break condoms on purpose while masturbating.
... and semen leaks out, wash the semen away with soap and water.
... and semen leaks into the vagina during a woman's fertile period, ask a reproductive health clinician for information about starting emergency contraception within 120 hours.
Advantages
- let men help prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections
- are inexpensive and easy to get
- are lightweight and disposable
- do not require a prescription
- can help relieve premature ejaculation
- may help a man stay erect longer
- can be put on as part of sex play
- can be used with other methods
Sex Play, Pleasure, and the Condom.
Many women and men say they have better sex when they use condoms. They are able to focus on their sexual pleasure without distractions about unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection. Some couples put the condom on as part of their foreplay. Many men stay hard longer when they use condoms.
If the guy has problems maintaining an erection while putting on the condom (a very common occurrence), the girl can put the condom on for him as a part of foreplay. If she does this after giving him a brief hand job, the guy will maintain his erection while she puts the condom on.
It is possible for someone to learn to put a condom on using their mouth. This will provide the guy with a basic blowjob as he gets the condom put on his penis. This takes some practice, however, to be able to do this without tearing it with the teeth. Practice doing this during times where penetration will not be attempted.
The basic technique for this is as follows:
- Open the condom package and make sure that the condom is going to roll down.
- Place the condom in your mouth, gently holding the edges with your lips.
- Make your mouth into an “O” shape, still holding it in your mouth.
- If your partner is uncircumcised, pull the foreskin back with your hands.
- Without letting your teeth touch the condom, use your lips to push the condom over the head of the penis and roll it all the way down the shaft, still only using your lips.
- Run your lips up and down the shaft to squeeze the air out of the condom.
- Be very careful not to let your teeth come in contact with the condom.
- Check with your hands to make sure it is on properly.
Condoms can be used for oral sex as well, and this is encouraged if you’re not sure of your partner’s history or disease status. They make flavored condoms specifically for this purpose.
Ribbed, ultra thin, magnum? What kind should I get? Try a variety of different condoms to see which fits better and which *feels* better for you and your partner. Some people prefer ribbed condoms, and some don’t.
Disadvantages
Some men and women feel that the condom dulls sensation. Others become frustrated and lose some of their sexual excitement when they stop to put on a condom. Some men are self-conscious about using condoms. They feel pressured about having to maintain an erection to keep the condom on. Others feel pressured to ejaculate. Many overcome these pressures and learn to enjoy using condoms by using them during sex play before intercourse.
Side Effects
Condoms have no side effects except for people who are allergic to latex. One to two percent of women and men have such allergies. They may use plastic (polyurethane) male or female condoms instead.
How to Get Condoms and What They Cost
Condoms are available in drugstores, family planning clinics, some supermarkets, and from vending machines. They each cost about $0.50, or less. Female condoms cost about $2.50. Some family planning centers give them away or charge very little. The cost in clinics or when authorized by a private doctor is covered by Medicaid in some states.
All condoms are tested for defects. But, like rubber bands, condoms deteriorate with age. If properly stored, they should stay good until the expiration date printed on the wrapper of each condom.
Condoms may be transparent or opaque, tinted, nipple-ended, rippled, studded, contoured, dry, powdered, or lubricated — with spermicide or without. Read labels on "novelty" condoms to be sure they protect against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
Usually, size is not marked on the package. But condoms come in different lengths, widths, and thickness. Try different brands and styles to find out which fits best.
Don't be embarrassed by the thought of going into a store and asking for condoms. Be proud. Buying condoms says that you are responsible and that you accept your sexuality as a normal part of living.
You can obtain a free condom by applying for it here:
http://www.trojancondoms.com/freesample.aspx
Don't Let Embarrassment Become a Health Risk
Nearly as many women as men buy and carry condoms. And many people use them — every time they have sexual intercourse. If you are embarrassed to talk with your partner about using condoms, practice before you are in a sexual situation. Then, choose the right time to talk — don't wait until the heat of passion takes over. It may overwhelm your good intentions.
Don't be shy — be direct. Be honest about your feelings and needs. It can help create a relaxed mood to make sex more enjoyable.
Talking is easier if you are in a respectful relationship that makes you feel happy and good about yourself and your partner. In any case, don't let embarrassment become a health risk. The following script may give you some ideas.
Sample Scripts for Safer Sex
If Your Partner Says: What's that?
You Can Say: A condom, baby.
If Your Partner Says: What for?
You Can Say: To use when we're making love.
If Your Partner Says: I don't like using them.
You Can Say: Why not?
If Your Partner Says: It doesn't feel as good with a rubber.
You Can Say: I'll feel more relaxed. If I'm more relaxed, I can make it feel better for you.
If Your Partner Says: But we've never used a condom before.
You Can Say: I don't want to take any more risks.
If Your Partner Says: Rubbers are gross.
You Can Say: Being pregnant when I don't want to be is worse. So is getting AIDS.
If Your Partner Says: Don't you trust me?
You Can Say: Trust isn't the point. People carry sexually transmitted infections without knowing it.
If Your Partner Says: I'll pull out in time.
You Can Say: Women can get pregnant from pre-cum. It can also carry sexually transmitted infections.
If Your Partner Says: I thought you said using condoms made you feel cheap.
You Can Say: I decided to face facts. I like having sex, and I want to stay healthy and happy.
If Your Partner Says: Rubbers aren't romantic.
You Can Say: Making love and protecting each other's health sounds romantic enough to me.
If Your Partner Says: Let's face it. Making love with a rubber on is like taking a shower with a raincoat on.
You Can Say: Well, doing it without a rubber is playing Russian roulette.
If Your Partner Says: It just isn't as sensitive.
You Can Say: With a condom you might last even longer, and that'll make up for it.
If Your Partner Says: I don't stay hard when I put on a condom.
You Can Say: I can do something about that.
If Your Partner Says: Putting it on interrupts everything.
You Can Say: Not if I help put it on.
If Your Partner Says: I'll try, but it might not work.
You Can Say: Practice makes perfect.
If Your Partner Says: But I love you.
You Can Say: Then you'll help me protect myself.
If Your Partner Says: I guess you don't really love me.
You Can Say: I'm not going to "prove my love" by risking my life.
If Your Partner Says: I'm not using a rubber, no matter what.
You Can Say: Well, then I guess we're not having sex.
If You Are a Virgin and Have Decided to Have Sex and Want to Use a Condom and Your Partner Says: Just this once without it. Just the first time.
You Can Say: It only takes once to get pregnant. It only takes once to get a sexually transmitted infection. It only takes once to get AIDS.
If your partner absolutely refuses to wear a latex condom, you can use a female condom. Some men have said that the sensation is not so reduced with a female condom.
Don't be afraid of being rejected. Besides, the partner who doesn't care about protecting your health and well-being is not worth your sexual involvement.
Sources:
Planned Parenthood
CDC
AVERT
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