Condoms

A condom is a barrier contraceptive device. Condoms are available over the counter for both men and women.

Male condoms are worn over the penis to prevent conception by keeping sperm from entering the uterus. Male condoms are made of latex, polyurethane or a natural tissue known as lambskin. They're available without a prescription and are designed for one-time use. Some male condoms are lubricated, and some have reservoir tips.

Female condoms are loosely fitting, polyurethane sheaths with a flexible ring at each end. The ring on the closed end is inserted into the vagina and acts as an anchor. The ring on the open end rests against the pubic bone and helps hold the condom in place outside the vagina, partially covering the labia (the two folds of skin on either side of the vaginal opening). Like male condoms, female condoms are designed for one-time use.


Effectiveness
Male condoms are 98 percent effective in preventing pregnancy when used exactly as directed, and 85 percent effective with typical use (which allows for the fact that they may not always be used correctly).
Female condoms are 95 percent effective in preventing pregnancy when used exactly as directed, and 79 percent effective with typical use.


Instructions
Male condom
There are many types of male condoms. You may want to try several different kinds to determine which you like best. It's important to note that condoms that contain spermicide (a substance that kills sperm) are no longer recommended. They don't reduce -- and may even increase -- the risk of HIV transmission.

Before you use the condom, verify the expiration date. If the expiration date has passed, don't use the condom. Sometimes, only a production date is available. In this case, condoms containing spermicide are generally safe for two years. Those without spermicide are generally safe for five years.

Open the package carefully to avoid tearing the condom. Place the rolled up condom over the tip of your erect penis. Slowly unroll the condom until your penis is completely covered. Some condoms come with a reservoir tip to collect ejaculate. If the condom you're using doesn't have such a tip, carefully pinch and hold the end of the condom about a half an inch as you unroll it to allow room for semen to collect. After sex, remove the condom while your penis is still erect. Hold the rim of the condom as you withdraw your penis to make sure the condom doesn't slip off. Then, slide the condom off your penis. Be careful not to spill the semen. Wrap the condom in tissue and discard in the waste basket. Don't flush the condom down the toilet.

If you use a lubricant with latex condoms, be sure to use the water-soluble variety (such as Atroglide or K-Y lubricant). Oil-based lubricants (such as petroleum jelly, mineral oil, body lotion or baby oil) can weaken the latex, making the condom susceptible to tears. Some vaginal yeast or antibiotic creams may also weaken the latex.

Female condom
Before you use the condom, verify the expiration date. If the expiration date has passed, don't use the condom.

To insert the condom, squeeze the inner ring of the condom and push it inside your vagina as far as it will go. To make sure the inner ring is properly positioned, use your index finger to enter the vagina and curve the finger toward your navel. The inner ring should be just behind the pubic bone. The outer ring of the female condom and about 1 inch of the condom sheath stay outside your vagina. During sex, some movement of the condom is expected. The condom is lubricated on the inside with a silicone-based lubricant, and it also comes with a lubricant that may be applied to the outside of the condom. These lubricants don't contain spermicide. Additional lubricant (such as Atroglide or K-Y lubricant, for example) can be used if desired.

The penis must be inserted directly inside the condom. If the outer ring is pushed into the vagina or the penis is underneath or beside the sheath, the condom won't be effective. It may be helpful to guide the penis into the condom manually. As with male condoms, handle the female condom carefully to avoid puncturing or tearing it with your fingernails. If the condom tears, stop and insert a new one.

After sex, remove the condom before standing up. Squeeze the outer ring and twist the condom to keep the sperm from leaking out. After you've gently pulled it out, wrap the condom in tissue and discard in the waste basket. Don't flush the condom down the toilet.

Note: Female condoms and male condoms shouldn't be used together because they may not stay in proper position. And remember, you must use a new condom with each act of intercourse.


Benefits
Male condom
Male condoms are widely available, easy to use and inexpensive. If used correctly, male condoms made of latex also help protect you from HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) and certain other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomonas, genital herpes and syphilis.

Female condom
Female condoms offer an alternative for couples who choose not to use male condoms. Here are a few other advantages:


The female condom can be inserted into the vagina up to eight hours before sex. (Relubrication may be needed for comfortable use, however.)

The female condom allows you to enjoy continued intimacy after sex. The penis or condom don't need to be withdrawn immediately.

The sheath is thin and pliable. There's little or no loss of sensation. Plus, polyurethane is stronger and less likely to cause an allergic reaction than latex, which is often used in male condoms. If you're allergic to latex, you can safely use a polyurethane female condom.

The female condom comes in one size. It doesn't require personalized fitting.

The female condom may offer more protection from STDs such as genital warts and herpes than the male condom because it partially covers the external female genitalia.

Risks/disadvantages
Male condom
If the male condom breaks or is used incorrectly, pregnancy is possible. Have a plan of action in case this happens. For example, your partner's doctor may recommend immediately inserting spermicidal foam or jelly into her vagina and using emergency contraception.

Again, condoms that contain spermicide may increase the risk of HIV transmission and should not be used.

Lambskin condoms don't offer protection from any STDs. Genital herpes, warts and other STDs may develop in areas not covered by the male condom, such as the pubic area, scrotum or base of the penis. If a condom breaks or slips off and therether of you are sensitive to latex. In this case, polyurethane condoms can be used. Some people may also be allergic to the spermicide in some condoms.

Men may complain of decreased sensation while wearing a condom. Newer technology, however, has produced thinner and stronger condoms.

Female condom
If the female condom breaks or is used incorrectly, pregnancy is possible. Have a plan of action in case the condom breaks or semen spills. Your doctor may recommend immediately inserting spermicidal foam or jelly into your vagina and using emergency contraception.

As with other forms of birth control placed in the vagina, using a female condom increases the risk of developing a urinary tract infection. Genital herpes, warts and other STDs may develop in areas not covered by the condom. If the condom breaks or semen spills and therelly gets easier with experience, however. Some couples don't care for the appearance, movement or noise associated with the device. (Additional lubricant may reduce the noise.) Some partners may resist use of the female condom, particularly if they're not familiar with it. Each condom may be used only once, and may cost up to three times more than male condoms.