About this topic
Birth control is also known as contraception. It is a way for men and women to avoid pregnancy. There are many kinds of birth control. It is important to learn about them to decide the best one for you to use. Condoms are a kind of barrier method. They use a block or barrier to keep the sperm from reaching the egg. Condoms give you the most protection from getting sexually-transmitted diseases or STDs from your partner. You may want to use condoms along with some other kind of birth control to protect you from STDs. ‚
General
Using condoms is safe and easy. No office visit is needed. Male and female condoms are for sale in stores. You do not need a prescription. Many women and men say they have better sexual experiences when using condoms. They do not need to worry about getting STDs. They also do not have to worry about an unplanned pregnancy. ‚
Condoms are made of many materials. Latex is the most common. There are also condoms made of materials for people who are allergic to latex. These condoms are often made of polyurethane. They are thinner and may add to sensation during sex. Both of these will give protection from pregnancy and STDs. Lambskin or sheep skin condoms are sometimes called natural condoms. They are made from lambs intestines. While they will help prevent pregnancy, they do not prevent the spread of STDs. ‚
Male condom: ‚
- A male condom is a thin covering rolled over the erect penis just before sexual contact.
- Some condoms have a nipple at the closed end to hold the sperm. Others may have a round shape at the end.
- If there is no nipple at the tip, leave a half-inch space to collect the fluid at the end of the condom.
- This covering stops the fluid (semen) that contains sperm from going in the vagina. This stops women from getting pregnant. Condoms are also a good way to protect a man and his partner from STDs.
- Condoms come in many shapes, sizes, colors, and flavors.
- Size ¢ ˆ ’ The standard size will fit most men. There are also sizes that are a little smaller or larger that can be used. If you choose a condom that is too large, it is more likely to slip off. A condom that is too small is more likely to break.
- Thickness ¢ ˆ ’ There are extra-strength condoms that can be used. These are stronger and do not break easily. You can also buy extra thin condoms.
- Lubrication ¢ ˆ ’ Many condoms have some kind of lubrication. This may also help kill sperm and germs during sex. This gives extra protection in preventing pregnancy if the condom breaks. Use a water-based lubrication with condoms if you like. Do not use an oil or mineral-based lubricant.
- Flavored ¢ ˆ ’ These are most often used during oral sex. They are not lubricated and have flavors such as mint or vanilla.
- Color ¢ ˆ ’ The color of a condoms does not change how it works.
- Remove the condom with care after sex. This will avoid the condom breaking or leaking.
Female condom: ‚
- A female condom is a soft plastic pouch that has one closed end and an open end.
- Each end has a ring or rim to help hold the condom in place. The closed end is put into the vagina over the cervix and the ring holds it there. The open end stays outside the opening of the vagina. It is held in place by the second ring. A female condom may be put in place up to 8 hours before sexual contact. The condom blocks the sperm from going in the womb (uterus).
- Can prevent pregnancy and the spread of STDs
- Has a lubricant on the inside
- Remove with care after sex. Twist the lower ring to seal in the sperm. Gently remove the condom.
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Will there be any other care needed?
- Be careful when opening the wrapper of the condom. Do not use sharp objects to open the condom wrapper.
- Avoid carrying condoms in your wallet longer than a few weeks at time.
- Do not store condoms in hot places. Heat can damage latex condoms. It can weaken and make them less effective.
- Do not use out of date condoms. Throw them away if they are past the expiration date or 4 years past the date they were made.
- Do not use female and male condoms at the same time. Using both can make friction which can result in failure.
What problems could happen?
Male condoms may sometimes break during sex. Some reasons why they break are: ‚
- Condoms are too old
- The condoms were not stored the right way. Do not keep them in your back pocket or the glove compartment of your car.
- Not enough lubrication was used
- Wrong kind of lubricant was used ¢ ˆ ’ not water based
Condoms may come off during sex because: ‚
- Condom is too large
- Loss of erection
Female condoms have the same need for proper storage and use of proper lubricants. A female condom may fall out if it has not been put in the right way. ‚
Where can I learn more?
Planned Parenthood ‚
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/condom-10187.htm ‚
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/female-condom-4223.htm ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚