The doctor is in. this article provides answers to basic condom questions. It covers general topics about both male and female condoms including condom usage and failure rates.
Condom Questions Answered
Birth control is a way for men and women to prevent pregnancy. There are many different methods of birth control; some types also protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms are the only form birth control that prevents unwanted pregnancy but also prevents the spread of STDs including HIV.
There are two types of condoms, the male condom and the female condom. Bellow we answer some frequently asked questions about each product and provide additional links to more information. Please click on a question below.
- What is a male condom?
- What are male condoms made of?
- What types of latex condoms are there?
- When should a man use a condom?
- How is the male condom used?
- What causes male condoms to break?
- How Do I Use A Male Condom
- What causes condoms to come off during sex?
- Where can I get male condoms?
- How effective are male condoms at preventing pregnancy?
- How do male condoms prevent STDs?
- Do Latex Condoms Prevent All STDs?
- What is a female condom?
- Where can I get female condoms?
- How effective is the female condom at preventing pregnancy?
- Do female condoms protect against STDs?
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What Is a Male Condom?
The male condom, or "rubber," is a thin covering made of latex, plastic, or animal membrane that is rolled over an erect penis. The condom prevents semen, the fluid that contains sperm, from entering a woman's vagina.
What Are Male Condoms Made of?
Most condoms are made of a type of rubber called "latex." Latex is derived from Rubber Trees. Additionally, condoms made of polyurethane (a type of plastic) have become available. These are more expensive than latex condoms and are made much thinner than latex condoms. Non Latex Condoms (Polyurethane and Polyisoprene) mainly useful for people who are allergic to latex. There are also "natural" condoms, which are made of animal membranes. These Lambskin Condoms offer a true "bareback" feeling BUT they are expensive and are only used for preventing pregnancy. LAMBSKIN CONDOMS DO NOT PROVIDE PROTECTION AGAINST STDS OR HIV.
What Types of Latex Condoms Are There?
Condoms come in all shapes, sizes, and materials. Here are some characteristics to consider when buying condoms.
- Size. The standard size will fit most men. Extra Large Condoms are available, as well as "snug" sizes ( Snugger Fit Condoms ) that are a little smaller and fit tighter than the standard size.
- Shape. Some condoms come with a nipple in the end (reservoir tip )to hold the fluid when the man ejaculates. Others have a rounded end.
- Thickness. Extra Strength Condoms are available. These are stronger and are especially useful for rectal sex and for men who have problems with condom breakage. Extra thin condoms also are available, their thin size may make them more prone to breakage when not used with a Personal Lubricant. Using a Personal (NON OIL BASED i.e. massage oil or vaseline) Lubricant makes these condoms just as effective as their strong counterparts.
- Lubrication. Many condoms come pre-lubricated with a water based lubricant. Other Non Lubricated Condoms are also available and are generally used for Oral Sex or for those that are sensitive to lubricant. Personal Lubricants give extra protection against friction (the number #1 reason for Condom Failure), especially in thinner sensitive condoms. Once widely available, NonOxynol- 9 Spermicide was believed to kills sperm (spermicide) and many disease-causing germs. It has now been labeled as non effective and can increase the risk of STD transmission ( Information On Spermicide ).
- Flavored Condoms. These condoms are meant for the male to wear when receiving oral sex. They can be either lubricated or flavored with a dry power (think Altoids Mints).
- Colored Condoms. Condoms come in many colors. The color of the condom doesn't make it any more or less effective.
When Should a Man Use a Condom?
A man should wear a condom any time he inserts his penis into the body of another person, if there is even the slightest risk that either person has a sexually transmitted disease. Men frequently become infected with STDs when receiving oral sex, so a condom should be worn then, too. The condom should be put on before there is any contact, and should be removed and thrown away promptly after the man has ejaculated.
How Is the Male Condom Used?
The condom is rolled over the erect penis before sexual activity begins. If the condom does not have a built-in nipple, leave 1/4-inch of the condom free at the tip of the penis so that semen has a place to collect. A new condom must be used each time you have sex. For the best protection, condoms should be used with a spermicidal foam or jelly . The condom must be in place before the penis gets near the vagina. If you use lubricants with a condom, be sure to only use water-based lubricants, such as K-Y Jelly. Oil-based lubricants, such as Vaseline, can cause condoms to leak or break. Visit this link for Condom Instructions.
What Causes Male Condoms to Break?
* Condoms too old. Modern condom wrappers have a date after which the condom should not be used.
* Improper storage. Heat damages latex condoms, so they should not be kept in a hot place, such as a car glove compartment or wallet.
* Not enough lubrication. This is the number ##1 reason for condom breakage. Additional lubrication is always needed for rectal sex. It may also be needed for vaginal sex. The lubricant should be water-soluble, such as Wet Original or Pjur Aqua Gel For Women
* The wrong kind of lubricant. Lubricants that contain oil -- such as Vaseline, baby oils and vegetable oils -- should not be used with latex condoms since they weaken the rubber.
* Condom too small. Try a larger size condom.
* Partner too tight. Use an extra strength condom and more lubricant.
What Causes Condoms to Come Off During Sex?
* Condom too large. Try a snug condom.
* Loss of erection. Remove your penis, holding on to the rolled edge of the condom, as soon as you begin to lose your erection.
Where Can I Get Male Condoms?
We obviously recommend purchasing condoms direct from CondomDepot.com (Another reputable condom store is Condomania.com). Never buy condoms from online auction sites and many other online vendors are marketing companies are not reputable. In a pinch, Condoms can be purchased at most drug stores and convenience stores. Condoms also are sold in vending machines in public restrooms however buyer beware as these condoms can be expired or just Novelty Condoms which are NOT FDA approved for use.
How Do I Use A Male Condom?
Visit this link on how to use a condom.
How Effective Are Male Condoms at Preventing Pregnancy?
Condoms are about 85% effective with typical use. With perfect use, their effective rate is as high as 98% effective. Keep in mind that the best way to avoid getting an STD is to not have sex (abstinence).
How Do Male Condoms Prevent STDs?
Latex condoms provide protection from sexually transmitted diseases by preventing the infected area from coming into contact with the partner.
Do Latex Condoms Provide STD protection from All STDs?
Latex condoms provide protection against many STDs including HIV. They do not provide protection against STDs that are transmitted by Skin to Skin contact such as Herpes or "Crabs"..
What Is a Female Condom?
The female condom is a lubricated polyurethane (plastic) tube that has a flexible ring at each end. One end of the tube is closed.
How Is the Female Condom Used?
Before sexual activity begins, the woman inserts the condom into her vagina so that the closed end of the tube covers the cervix, and the other end slightly covers the labia (lips on the outside of the vagina). The condom blocks sperm from entering the womb. Female condoms should be discarded after one use. NEVER use a female condom with a male condom as the friction this creates can cause both condoms to break. Go To This Link For Female Condom Instructions
Where Can I Get Female Condoms?
Like the male condom, we obviously recommend purchasing condoms direct from CondomDepot.com (Another reputable condom store is Condomania.com). Never buy condoms from online auction sites and many other online vendors are marketing companies that are not reputable. In a pinch, Condoms can be purchased at most drug stores. Female condoms however are the most difficult to find because of their high price.
How Effective Is the Female Condom at Preventing Pregnancy?
The female condom is about 79% effective with typical use and up to 97% effective with perfect use.
Do Female Condoms Protect Against STDs?
Female condoms provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases, but the male condom provides the best protection if you have sex.
Do You Have A Question You Need Answered?
Please Submit Your Question Here >
Written By John Fidi - Revised August 14th 2008. Originally written by The Cleveland Clinic.
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