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Alternative names Return to top
Prophylactics - male; Rubbers; Male condomsInformation Return to top
The condom is used to prevent pregnancy and to prevent the spread of some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) -- such as HIV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia -- from one partner to another. Other than a vasectomy, the condom is the only available method of birth control used by men.
The condom acts as a mechanical barrier, keeping sperm from coming into contact with the inside of the vagina and therefore from reaching the egg. Similarly, the condom prevents disease-causing organisms from coming into contact with a non-infected partner's skin. Until recently, the condom was used only by men. A female condom is now available.
The male condom is a thin sheath made of latex rubber, polyurethane, or animal membrane, that fits over the man's erect penis. To be most effective, it must be in place before the penis comes into contact with or enters the vagina (since pre-ejaculatory fluids carry both sperm and disease) and it must be carefully removed immediately after ejaculation. None of the semen should be allowed to come into contact with the vagina as the condom is being removed.
The female condom is the same type of contraceptive device, except that it fits inside the vagina with an inner ring over the cervix and an outer ring over the vulva. This keeps the condom from being pushed up into the vagina, and puts a protective covering over the outside of the vagina, preventing sperm from contacting the area.
HOW EFFECTIVE IS IT?
Theoretically, if the condom were used consistently and correctly, it should prevent pregnancy 97% of the time. The actual effectiveness among users, however, is only between 80% and 90%. This difference is due to:
For the same reasons, the actual effectiveness of the condom against the transmission of STDs also drops.
It should be noted that only latex and polyurethane condoms, but not those made of natural animal membranes, effectively prevent the spread of viral infections such as HIV.
Lubricated condoms that have the spermicide (sperm-destroying agent) nonoxynol-9 can prevent help pregnancy, but nonoxynol-9 may also increase the chance of HIV transmission. Other spermicides are better.
The addition of spermicide to the lubricant is an extra precaution taken in case a small amount of semen does escape from the opening of the condom. Using these condoms alone is not as effective as using a condom along with a separate spermicide.
CONVENIENCE
DISPOSING OF CONDOMS
You should always dispose of condoms appropriately. Keep in mind that flushing a condom down the toilet may clog plumbing.
Instead of flushing condoms, you can wrap them in toilet tissue or put them in plastic baggies before throwing them away. Remember that young children and pets sometimes go through the garbage for entertainment or in search of food. If necessary, put the condom in a garbage can that is out of reach of children and pets.
Sometimes, garbage from dumpsters and other outdoor garbage containers is spilled or strewn all over the ground by animals. Frequently, this occurs in public parks and on school grounds. It is always unpleasant to find used condoms lying on the ground and it can be unsanitary.
Be courteous. When disposing of condoms, keep in mind that nobody enjoys dealing with someone else's condom. Do your best to dispose of condoms carefully.
IMPORTANT TIPS
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |