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Male Condom
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  • What is it?
  • How does it work?
  • How effective is it?
  • What are the advantages?
  • What are the disadvantages?
  • Important points to remember

What is it?
The male condom is a latex sheath that fits over an erect penis during oral, vaginal or anal sex. Condoms are useful in preventing both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. A condom should always be used in combination with a spermicide. .

  • Condoms are available in a variety of sizes, shapes, colours, flavours and textures
  • They can be made of latex, polyurethane, silicone or lambskin
  • Condoms made of animal tissue (e.g. lambskin) do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (http://www.healthunit.org/sexual/sti_aids/sti_aids.htm)
  • Polyurethane condoms can be used if you or your partner has an allergy to latex
  • Condoms are available with: no lubricant, a water-based or silicone lubricant or a spermicidal lubricant

How does it work?

  • Fits over an erect penis
  • It collects pre-ejaculate (pre-cum) and semen and prevents the exchange of body fluids during sex
  • Acts as a physical barrier, preventing sperm from entering the uterus and fertilizing the egg
  • A new condom must be used for each act of intercourse

Here is an interactive demonstration on how to put on a condom correctly.

How effective is it?
With typical use, condoms are about 85% effective in preventing pregnancy. When used in combination with a spermicide, they can be up to 97-98% effective.

What are the Advantages?

  • Prevent against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections
  • Allows the male partner to assume some responsibility for birth control
  • Both partners can participate in their use
  • May help to maintain an erection and avoid premature ejaculation
  • Widely available in stores without a doctor's prescription
  • Inexpensive
  • Cut lengthwise, a latex condom can be used as a barrier during oral sex with a female partner or oral-anal contact with a partner

What are the Disadvantages?

  • Must be available at the time of intercourse
  • May slip off or break
  • Must be stored and handled properly
  • May cause skin irritation
  • People with latex allergies cannot use latex condoms, but may be able to use non-latex condoms
  • Because of additives, some flavoured condoms may cause vaginal irritation
  • May reduce sensitivity for either partner (sensation may be increased with the use of water-based lubricant inside the tip of the condom)
  • Lambskin condoms do not protect against sexually transmitted infections

Important Points to Remember:

  • Do not use oil-based lubricants (petroleum jelly/Vaseline, mineral oil, baby oil, vegetable oil, massage oil, etc.) as they can break down the latex in condoms
  • Remember that condoms have an expiry date. Do not use the condom if it is expired.
  • Extra-strength condoms with additional water-based lubricant are recommended for anal sex
  • Condoms should be stored in a cool, dry place

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Abstinence
Cervical Cap
Condom - Female
Condom - Male
Contraceptive Sponge
Diaphragm
Emergency Contraception
Injectable Contraceptive (Depo-Provera*)
IUD (Intrauterine Device)
IUS (Intrauterine System - Mirena*)
Natural Family Planning
Oral Contraceptive Pills
Spermicide
Transdermal Patch (EVRA*)
Tubal Ligation
Vaginal Ring
Vasectomy
Withdrawal

 


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