What are condoms?
Condoms (also known as condoms) are very thin covers that prevent semen from entering the vagina. There are male condoms and female condoms:
- The male condom is placed on the penis . It is usually latex, a type of rubber. But some are made of safe materials for people allergic to latex, such as polyurethane or polyisoprene.
- The female condom is inserted into the vagina . It has a flexible ring at each end. One end is closed and inserted well inside the vagina; the other is open and the ring is outside the opening of the vagina. The current female condoms are made with safe materials for people with latex allergy.
LIfeStyles SKYN LARGE Condoms - 50 count
How do condoms work?
Condoms work by preventing semen (the fluid that contains the sperm) from entering the vagina. The male condom is placed on the penis when it goes into an erection. It unrolls until covering the penis completely until the base, holding it by the tip to leave a hollow space at the end. This creates a space to collect the semen after ejaculation, which reduces the chances of the condom breaking.
After ejaculating, the man should hold the condom by the base of the penis while removing it from the vagina. You must do it while the penis is still erect. This prevents the condom from coming out when the penis is no longer erect, which could allow semen to enter the vagina.
The female condom is inserted into the vagina by the end of the closed ring. The other ring forms the open end of the condom. In this way, the condom covers the walls of the vagina, which creates a barrier between the semen and the cervix. The female condom can be placed up to 8 hours before intercourse. You should retire just after having sex and before standing up.
Male and female condoms should not be used at the same time because rubbing could break them or cause them to stick together or one would get out during intercourse. If a condom breaks or comes off, the semen can enter the vagina, which reduces the chances of preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases ( STDs ).
How effective are condoms?
Over a year:
- 15 out of 100 typical couples who use male condoms will have an unwanted pregnancy.
- About 21 out of 100 couples who use female condoms will have an unwanted pregnancy.
For added protection , many couples use condoms along with another contraceptive method, such as the contraceptive pill or the IUD. For best results, they should be used every time they have sex.
Condoms can not be reused. You have to wear a new one every time you have sex and put it on from beginning to end to protect yourself from pregnancy and STDs. Lubricants made with oils (such as mineral oil, Vaseline or baby oil) should never be used with condoms because they can break the rubber. Condoms can also be damaged by things like fingernails and piercings.
And if a condom seems dry, sticky or rigid when removed from the package, or it is expired, you have to throw it away and replace it with another one. It is useful to have several condoms on hand in case one gives problems. It is best to store new condoms in a cool, dry place.
Do condoms help protect you from STDs?
Yes. Latex, polyurethane and polyisoprene condoms can help prevent many STDs if used properly. Condoms made with lamb casings do not provide effective protection against STDs, including HIV and AIDS.
Condoms do not protect against infections present in skin wounds that are not covered by the condom (such as the base of the penis or scrotum). Even if they use another method of contraception, couples should use condoms as long as they have sex to protect themselves from STDs.
Sexual abstinence (not having sex) is the only method that always works to prevent pregnancy and STDs.
Can condoms give problems?
Most men and women have no problems when using condoms. Among the side effects that may appear on occasion, include:
- an allergic reaction in a person with an allergy to latex condoms
- irritation of the penis or vagina due to spermicides or lubricants with which some condoms are treated
For whom are condoms appropriate?
Condoms can be a good alternative for couples who are responsible enough to stand up and put a condom every time they go to have sex and also for those who want to protect themselves from STDs.
Since condoms are the only contraceptive method that exists for boys, it allows them to take responsibility for contraception and protection against STDs.
Where can you buy condoms?
Condoms are easily found in pharmacies, supermarkets and even vending machines. (In the US, some shopping centers sell them in the "family planning" section). You do not need to go to the doctor or present a prescription to buy them.
How much do condoms cost?
Male condoms cost between 50 cents and a dollar (between 43 and 85 cents) each and are cheaper when purchased in boxes of several units. Many health and family planning centers (such as Planned Parenthood) and some educational centers distribute them free of charge.
Female condoms are a bit more expensive; They cost about 2 dollars each. Some health and family planning centers have free female condoms.
When should I call the doctor?
A girl who uses condoms should call the doctor if:
- I could be pregnant
- the condom breaks while you are having sex
- vaginal discharge smells different or changes color
- have a fever or unexplained chills
- have abdominal or pelvic pain
- feels pain when having sex