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DESCRIPTION
The goal of contraception (or birth control) is to prevent an unplanned pregnancy. The majority of methods of contraception enable sexually active couples to temporarily avoid pregnancy. Permanent birth control is accomplished through sterilization. Be sure you know and understand the different types of birth control available to you, the risks and benefits of each, and any side effects, so that you can make an informed choice.
MoonDragon's Contraceptive Methods Compared
The condom is a barrier method contraceptive device that looks like a long, thin, deflated balloon when unrolled and is usually made of thin latex rubber, polyurethane or natural membranes. Some people call "condoms," "prophylactics," "rubbers," "hats" or "safes." The male wears this sheath over the erect penis by stretching or rolling it down the shaft of the penis prior to having intercourse to prevent the mixing of bodily fluids between partners and for contraceptive purposes to keep the sperm from being deposited in the vagina and resulting in an unwanted pregnancy. They are to be used once only and should never be washed and reused. Be sure to safely dispose used condoms properly (do not flush them down the toilet since they are not biodegradable and could cause plumbing problems).
Not all condoms are created equally. They will vary in quality and thickness as well as function. Condoms are available in a variety of different colors, including glow-in-the-dark neon colors (which look a little weird in the dark, to say the least). Some are ribbed and some are smooth. Condoms come in different textures (studded or unstudded), flavors, and sizes (one size does not fit all). Some condoms have a nipple on the end (reservoir tip) to collect semen. Some condoms are dry. Others are lubricated on the inside or outside. Some have spermicide and some do not. Some are novelty items (like the French Tickler) that should not be used for contraceptive or disease prevention purposes. If you are going to use a condom for contraception purposes, avoid the novelty condoms. Be sure it states on the condom package that it is safe for use to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy.
It is better to pay a little more for a good quality condom than to have a cheap brand that breaks during sexual activity, thus exposing you and/or your partner to infections/diseases and risking an unwanted pregnancy (along with possible future child support payments for the next 18-20 years). Stay with a good brand name that has a reputation for producing quality condoms. Condoms made from natural membranes do not protect the wearer from sexually transmitted diseases. You need to use latex or polyurethane condoms for protection.
Condoms, one of the most effective forms of birth control and sexually transmitted infection/disease (STI/STD) prevention, are inexpensive and easy to use. You can find them just about everywhere, including drugstores, grocery stores, pharmacies and corner markets. You can find them in some clubs or bars in restroom dispensers or even behind the bar for free handouts. They can be obtained from many family planning clinics free of charge. If you are uncomfortable with purchasing condoms in person, try buying them online.
Although they can take some of the romance and sensation out of sexual intercourse. Many people use condoms until they are married or in a monogamous relationship, and then after testing negative for STDs, they switch to a different form of birth control. If you are not in a long-term, monogamous relationship, it's important that you continue to use condoms (male or female) during sex even if you don't like them. Learn how to incorporate them as a ritual part of your lovemaking. For extra protection, some couples "double sheath" the penis (putting two condoms on, one on top of the other, like double gloving in the hospital operating room to prevent exposure problems if one should break).
Lubricants make the condom slippery and often more comfortable to use during sex. Lubricants don't kill sperm unless they have a special ingredient called a spermicide. Some condoms have both a lubricant and spermicide on them. Spermicide is a chemical that kills sperm. The active ingredient in most spermicides is called Nonoxynol-9. Condoms with spermicide should not be used more than 2 years after the manufacturer's date. Condoms that do not contain spermicide can be used up to 5 years after the manufacturer's date. Condoms, particularly those that contain spermicide, can increase your risk of a urinary tract infection.
With consistent and correct use, condoms are 97% effective; however, most couples will find condoms to be 89% effective at preventing pregnancy.
The condom may also be effective in preventing spread of some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) when having oral, anal or vaginal sex. It is the only form of temporary birth control a man can use at this time. Some condoms are simply novelty items which may or may not be effective in preventing pregnancy or STDs, depending upon the type and brand of condom. Again, not all condoms are created equal. It pays in the long run to obtain condoms that are well made and less prone to leaks, weak spots, and breakage. When used consistently and correctly, condoms are one of the safest and most effective forms of STI protection, bested only by abstinence.
Some condoms are made of animal intestine and they do prevent pregnancy, but these are not effective for preventing STDs, including HIV. This is because the STD germs are much smaller than sperm and can actually pass through tiny holes in the animal membrane condom. This does not happen with latex or polyurethane condoms. Sperm and germs that cause STDs cannot pass through them.
ADVANTAGES
Is generally very effective for contraceptive (88-98%) and preventing pregnancy. Proper and consistent usage increases the effectiveness. Failure Rates:
- Typical User: 12% - For typical users, 12 women out of 100 may become pregnant when using male condoms with their partners for a year.
- Perfect User: 3% - For those who always use male condoms correctly every time, 3 women out of 100 may become pregnant in a year.
With the condom, there is a difference between the failure rates for typical users and perfect users. This is because the method depends on the couple using it correctly each time they have sex in order to have the best chance of preventing pregnancy. The condom can also be made more effective by using it with a spermicide, like contraceptive foam, cream, gel or film. If you don't have a condom that has already been treated with a spermicide, you can place a little spermicidal gel in the tip of the condom before unrolling it onto the shaft of the penis.
The condom is readily available, inexpensive and easy to use. Women can buy and carry condoms as well as men. Condoms come in many colors, sizes, flavors, and styles (for example, with and without ribbing, with and without studs, with and without lubrication or spermicide.)
No medical appointment or prescription is required to purchase condoms.
In addition to birth control, it gives good protection against some STDs including HIV. The best method of preventing infection, except for abstaining from sex.
Some condoms contain a spermicide which offers further protection in case a condom breaks during intercourse. In addition, using a small amount of spermicide (nonoxynol-9) with the condom increases protection.
It helps partners from reinfecting one another with an STD, such as trichomoniasis, during the treatment period.
There are no systemic side effects from condom use.
Since the condom catches the semen, a woman has less leaking (discharge) following intercourse. Condoms can make sex less messy since after a man ejaculates, his semen stays inside the condom.
May help a man keep and maintain an erection longer during sexual intercourse.
Is only used when needed.
Putting on the condom can be a fun, erotic experience if your partner puts the condom on your penis, or you put it on your partner's penis.
DISADVANTAGES
Since the condom needs to be used right at the time of sexual intercourse, it may decrease the spontaneity of sex for some couples. Unless the partner puts it on as a part of foreplay, the condom interrupts sex.
The man must pull out soon after ejaculation. If he becomes soft, the condom can fall off and be left in the vagina or anus without the couple knowing that this has happened.
Condoms may lessen the male's sensation since the penis does not touch the vaginal walls directly. While rare, some men cannot maintain an erection while wearing a condom.
Animal membrane condoms are not as effective at protecting against infection as latex or polyurethane condoms.
Condoms can deteriorate if exposed to heat or petroleum based oils like baby oil or petroleum jelly (Vaseline). Oil-based lubricants, suntan oil, whipped cream or Crisco also cause latex to disintegrate and cannot be used with latex condoms. Use water-based lubrication, such as K-Y jelly. Do not store them for very long in a pocket or wallet. If not exposed to heat, condom have a shelf life of about 5 years. Store condoms in a cool, dry place.
Allergic reaction to latex rubber or the lubricant or spermicide. This reaction can cause skin rashes, itching, burning or redness of the vaginal area or penis. Clients can often try other brands to find a condom that suits them.
Is mostly under the man's control.
Requires touching of the genitals.
- This page has information about choosing a condom, using a condom, lubrication and other helpful information about male condoms.
GENERAL MEASURES
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
Some people enjoy putting a condom on their lover's penis as a prelude to sex; others prefer the wearer to take care of things. If you have difficulties putting on a condom, practice on a banana!
When opening a condom, handle the package gently. Don't use teeth, sharp fingernails, scissors, or other sharp instruments as these may damage the condom. And make sure you can see what you are doing.
Remove the condom from its package. It will look like a flat coin with a ring on top. Do not unroll the condom! After opening the package, inspect the condom. If the material sticks to itself or is gummy, the condom is no good. Check the condom top for other obvious damage such as brittleness, tears, and holes, but don't unroll the condom to check it because this could damage it.
Remember: penises and condoms come in different sizes and shapes, so find a condom that fits well; most condoms cover the glans and at least half the shaft. It should fit snuggly, not too tight nor too loose. Too tight (too small of size) and it can break easier and may be uncomfortable for the man. Too loose (too large of size) and it won't stay on the penis shaft during intercourse. It will slide off leaving both partners unprotected.
Put the condom on after the penis is erect and before any contact is made between the penis and any part of the partner's body. This includes the vagina, mouth or anus.
If using a spermicide, put some inside the condom tip.
If the condom does not have a reservoir tip, pinch the tip enough to leave a half-inch space for semen to collect. Make sure to eliminate any air in the tip to help keep the condom from breaking.
Holding the condom by the rim (and pinching the half inch tip, if necessary) place the condom on top of the penis. Then, continuing to hold it by the rim, slowly unroll it all the way down the length of the penis to base of the penis. If you are using water based lubricant, you may put more on the outside of the condom.
If more lubrication is needed, use a water-based lubricant. Some people like to add a lubricant to the outside or inside of the condom. They find that it adds pleasure or makes the condom easier to use. Choose a water based lubricant like K-Y Jelly or contraceptive gel. If you use a water-based lubricant such as Astroglide, Climax H2O, or MyPleasure's Personal Lubricant Gel, it may decrease the chance of your condom breaking. Don't use an oil-based lubricant like Vaseline, cooking oil or baby oil. It can make the condom break.
If you feel the condom break, stop immediately, withdraw and put on a new condom.
After ejaculation and before the penis gets soft, grip the rim of the condom and carefully withdraw the penis. This will help to decrease the chance of the condom slipping down the penis or falling off in the vagina or anus, pull the penis out of the vagina or anus right after ejaculation. Don't continue thrusting until the penis becomes soft.
To remove the condom, gently pull it off the penis, being careful the semen doesn't spill out.
Wrap the used condom in a tissue and throw it in the trash. Because condoms may cause problems in sewers, don't flush them down the toilet. Afterwards, wash your hands with soap and water.
Use a new condom every time you have sex. Whether you have oral, anal or vaginal sex, use a new condom each time you have sex. Check the date on the package to make sure it has not expired.
FOLLOW UP
If a condom tears or breaks during intercourse, it's imperative that you consult a your health care provider or purchase a pregnancy test kit right away to ensure an unwanted pregnancy did not occur. You will also want to get tested for sexually transmitted infections such as and including HIV.
If you experience an allergic reaction to a condom, try a different brand or try condoms that don't have spermicide. If the irritation persists, you may be allergic to latex. People who are sensitive or allergic to latex or who find the smell of latex very unpleasant may choose natural membrane condoms (skin condoms), which are slightly less effective at preventing pregnancy and more expensive than latex condoms. However, skin condoms do not prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. A better alternative to using skin condoms may be to use polyurethane condoms, since these prevent infection as well as pregnancy.
MEDICATION
No restrictions. However, the woman should not be using vaginal medications, such as Monistat, used for yeast infections since these may weaken the latex and result in condom breakage.
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
You are interested in using condoms for contraception and want additional information.
You develop a rash or any kind of sensitivity while using latex condoms, you may have a latex allergy. Discontinue use of latex condoms. If you have latex allergies you may want to choose a non-latex type of condom or another method of contraception.
You may think you are pregnant or have worries about obtaining a sexually transmitted disease from a condom breakage and need to be tested.
LINKS
Spermicidal Products:
Male Condom Products:
Female Condom Products:
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