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Male Condom - Page 4
Barrier methods of birth control allow for intermittent, as
needed, options to prevent pregnancy. They are usually simple to use and require
little advanced planning. For barrier methods to be effective, consistent and
correct use is essential. There are several options available for those
interested in using barrier methods of birth control.
What is it?
A condom is the most common barrier method of birth control. It is a sheath that
fits over the erect penis, collecting the ejaculate and preventing sperm from
entering the uterus. Condoms come in three types:
-
Latex - offers significant protection against sexually transmitted
diseases (STD’s) and pregnancy. Condoms are packaged individually and
available with or without lubrication. Avoid latex condoms if you or your
partner are allergic to other latex products.
-
Polyurethane - Acceptable for use by those allergic to latex; offers
significant protection against STD's; packaged individually; less like to rip
or tear than latex.
-
Natural Membrane - Effective against pregnancy but DOES NOT offer any
protection against sexually transmitted infections. Bacteria causing
sexually transmitted infections are smaller than sperm and will pass easily
through the natural membrane.
What do I need to know about using condoms?
-
Check the EXPIRATION DATE found on each condom package. An expired condom
may break or tear more easily and should not be used.
-
Simply tear the corner of the condom package to open it. Use of
teeth or sharp objects may cause damage to the condom.
-
For optimal effectiveness put the condom on BEFORE any genital contact
occurs and it MUST be in place before any penetration occurs because sperm
can be present in pre-ejaculate fluid. A man has no control over the natural
release of pre-ejaculate fluid. The penis must be fully erect before a
condom can be put on.
-
If a man has not been circumcised, it will be necessary to pull the
foreskin back before placing the condom on the penis.
-
Pinch the reservoir tip of the condom before placing it on the penis.
This will make sure there is no air in the condom tip and will leave room
for the ejaculate to collect. This will help decrease condom breakage.
Unroll the condom so that it covers the length of the fully erect penis.
-
Use additional WATER-BASED or silicone lubricants to help reduce condom breakage.
These lubricants can be applied directly on the condom and also
inserted in the vagina. Use of lubricants can also increase sexual sensation
and stimulation. Water based lubes are available at the Health Resource
Centers.
-
After ejaculation has occurred, the penis must be withdrawn from the
vagina while the penis is still erect. Holding the condom at the base of the
penis will prevent it from slipping off. If a condom slips off it may spill
the ejaculate inside the vagina, or the condom itself may be retained in the
vagina. If this occurs there is a risk of pregnancy.
Effectiveness: 86-97% effectiveness in preventing
pregnancy. Effectiveness is increased when spermicidal agents are used in
combination with a condom and are used with every act of intercourse.
Things to Consider: Condoms are readily available. For
students at the University of Illinois condoms are available at no cost in the
Health Resource Centers, located at McKinley Health Center, Main Lobby,
Information/HRC counter (333-6000) and the Illini Union, OASIS, Room 40, lower
level (244-5994).
Women are encouraged to keep condoms available for their partner to use.
Plan ahead!
-
Keep them in your purse, backpack, bedside drawer or bathroom - any place
that you can get to them quickly and easily.
-
Condoms come in many different shapes, sizes, colors, textures, and
flavors and can be fun to use.
-
Condoms can/should be used in combination with hormonal birth control
methods to reduce risk of sexually transmitted diseases specifically
gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, Hepatitis B and HIV. They may help decrease
the transmission of genital warts.
-
NEVER use oil based products such as baby oil, mineral oil, suntan lotion,
hand creams, etc.. These products may damage the condom and cause breakage,
and also can cause vaginal irritation and inflammation.
-
Men and women may be allergic to latex. Allergic reactions may include
redness, itching, swelling and discomfort. If you suspect that you have a
latex allergy, you should discuss it with a medical provider.
-
NEVER try to reuse a condom. Properly dispose of them after each use.
-
Store condoms in a cool, dry place. Avoid extreme heat. Long-term storage
in a wallet or car is not advised.
To reduce the risk of sexually transmitted disease, condoms are encouraged when
performing oral sex on a
male partner. Latex barriers are recommended when performing cunnilingus, or
oral sex on a woman or when there is oral stimulation to the anus of men or
women. To make a latex barrier, simply open and unroll a condom, (try a flavored
one!). Use scissors to cut both ends of the condom and cut down the length of
the condom. You now have a sheath to place over the vagina or anus. Latex
barriers can be purchased in drug stores and are also available at the health
resource centers on limited basis.
For additional information refer to:
How to Use a Condom and Spermicidal Jelly for Intercourse
Latex Barrier
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