Male condoms
General description
A male condom is a thin coating that is placed over the erect penis. If you stay in place during intercourse, oral sex or anal sex, the male condom is an effective way to protect yourself and your partner from sexually transmitted infections. Male condoms are also an effective way to prevent pregnancy.
Condoms - also called "condoms", "balloons" or "beanies" - are usually made of latex, but some are made of polyurethane or lambskin. Latex and polyurethane condoms provide the greatest protection against sexually transmitted infections.
Trojan Lubricated Condom, Magnum, Large
Male condoms are easy to use, inexpensive and can be easily obtained. They are available with or without lubricant, and in a variety of lengths, shapes, widths, thicknesses and colors. Some condoms are textured to increase the sensations.
Why is it done?
If you use male condoms correctly every time you have sex, they will be very effective in preventing pregnancy and the transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS. Condoms also reduce the risk of contracting other sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia.
Condoms do not have the side effects observed in some forms of female contraception, such as pills or contraceptive injections, or possible complications of the intrauterine device (IUD). They are available without a prescription, so it's easy to have one on hand when you need it.
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Risks
Male condoms are generally safe and effective. However, there are some things you should keep in mind:
- Condoms can cause a latex allergy. The reactions to latex can be rash, hives, runny nose and, in severe cases, tightness of the airways and lowering of blood pressure. If you or your partner are allergic to latex, a polyurethane or lambskin condom can be an alternative.
- Condoms are not infallible. There is still a risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection or becoming pregnant when a condom is used, especially if it breaks or goes away during sex.
How to prepare
It is possible to acquire male condoms without a prescription. They are sold in many stores and can also be found in vending machines in some bathrooms. Condoms can be cheaper and can also be obtained free of charge in family planning clinics. School nurses and university health centers often have condoms available for free.
Finding the right type of condom for you may require a bit of trial and error. It is important that it fits well. If it is too tight, it is more likely to break. If it's too loose, it could come out. Some men feel that condoms reduce pleasure or are uncomfortable. You can prefer a certain type of condom because it is more comfortable or generates more pleasure in sexual relationships.
Some condoms are lubricated with nonoxynol-9, a substance that kills sperm (spermicide) and is designed to help prevent pregnancy. However, condoms without spermicide are a better option for several reasons:
Condoms with spermicide do not seem to be more effective than other lubricated condoms for preventing pregnancy.
Nonoxynol-9 can irritate or damage the skin cells of the vagina or rectum. This could potentially increase the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections.
Spermicide does not help protect you or your partner from HIV / AIDS or other sexually transmitted infections.
Condoms with spermicide are more expensive than other types of condoms and expire faster.
Security tips for the use of condoms
Male condoms do not last forever, and should be used properly to prevent pregnancy and protect against sexually transmitted infections. Follow these tips to use condoms safely and effectively:
- Store the condoms in a cool, dry place. Exposure to air, heat and light increases the chances of condoms breaking. Do not keep condoms in a wallet or pocket for more than a month. Do not keep condoms in your glove compartment for long periods of time. Friction and heat can cause condoms to break and become less reliable.
- Verify the expiration date. Do not use expired condoms.
- Verify that the condoms are not damaged. Look for signs of wear, breaks or small holes before using them.
- Be sure to use only water-based lubricants. Some examples are Astroglide and KY gel. If you use latex condoms, do not use oil-based lubricants such as petroleum jelly, baby oil, mineral oil, olive oil or other cooking oils, whipped cream, face cream, sunscreen, moisturizers or other lotions. They can weaken latex condoms and could cause them to break.
- Never reuse a condom. Doing so increases the risk of pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted infections.
- Use only latex or polyurethane condoms to prevent sexually transmitted infections. Lambskin condoms do not provide protection against sexually transmitted infections as effectively as latex or polyurethane condoms. Read the label of the condom wrapper to see what it is made of and if it is indicated for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections.
- Use a condom in all sexual relationships. Doing so will help protect you from sexually transmitted infections, have vaginal, oral or anal sexual contact.
What you can expect
It is important that male condoms are used carefully, correctly and consistently. Here is how to use a condom correctly:
- Put on the condom before any type of sexual contact. Keep in mind that even before the male sexual orgasm (ejaculation), sexually transmitted infections can be transmitted and pregnancy can occur.
- Open the package with care. Do not use your teeth or your nails.
- Apply lubricant on the outside of the condom. This step may not be necessary if you use a pre-lubricated condom.
- Run the foreskin backwards. This step is only necessary if you are not circumcised.
- Place the tip of the condom rolled over the penis. The penis must be erect before placing a condom. The rolled edge should face outwards. If you start to put the condom and you realize that the side is rolled inward, discard it and use another condom.
- Gently press the tip of the condom to remove air. This step is not necessary if the condom has a tip with a reservoir.
- Slide the condom down. Make sure it covers the entire penis and removes air bubbles.
- After intercourse, take the base of the condom before removing it. This will prevent the condom from coming off before you get away from your partner.
- Discard the condom in the trash. Do not throw condoms down the toilet.
Results
Male condoms are an effective method of contraception. However, in one year, there will be a pregnancy in approximately 1 of 50 couples who use condoms correctly. The chances of pregnancy increase if you do not use the condom always during sex, or if you use it incorrectly.
Condoms are effective in preventing the transmission of most sexually transmitted infections, although there is still some risk. When you use it correctly, the condom creates a barrier that limits your exposure, and that of your partner, to semen or other body fluids that can transmit sexually transmitted infections.