The male condom

What is it?

Condoms are a barrier method of contraception that can prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases by "catching" the ejaculate and preventing it from entering the female. Condoms are made either of latex, animal skin, or plastic. They are placed over the erect penis before intercourse.

How to use

1. Carefully take the condom out of its package. If you open the package hastefully, you could accidentally tear the condom.
2. Pinch the tip of the condom and carefully place it on the top of the erect penis, with the lubricated side out (if the condom is lubricated). Proceed to roll the condom down the entire shaft of the penis.
3. If you are uncircumcised, make sure to pull back the foreskin before rolling on the condom.
• Helpful hint: Pull back any pubic hairs that might get in the way of the condom. This will prevent an otherwise very enjoyable experience from being marred by pain!
4. After sex, carefully pull the penis and condom out of your partner's body BEFORE the penis loses its erection. Hold the condom against the base of the penis so it comes out with the penis.
5. Properly dispose of the used condom. Throwing it out the window, on the floor, etc, are not good ways of getting rid of it!
6. Wash the penis with soap and water before you have sex again.
• Optional: Water-based lubricants can be used on the condom to provide additional sensitivity. It can also prevent tears in the condom from occurring during intercourse. A small dab of lubricant inside the tip of the condom helps it fit tightly over the glans of the penis and increases sensitivity.

You need to know...

• Moisture, heat, and light can make condoms more susceptible to breakage!
• Condoms should always be stored in a cool, dry place (i.e. it is not a good idea to store a condom in your wallet or glove compartment for months at a time).
• Only WATER-based lubricants, such as KY Jelly or Astroglide, can be used! Oil based lubricants cannot be used because they damage the condom. Vaseline, baby oil, and even whipped cream are examples of oil based lubricants!
• A condom should always be put on before the penis ever touches the vulva, and a new one should always be used each time you have sex.

Latex condoms the best condoms to use. Latex offers better protection than animal skin condoms because animal skin condoms contain pores that are big enough for HIV and other viruses to pass through. Many people prefer animal skin condoms because they are thinner and they do not dull sensitivity as much as latex condoms. However, it is important to keep in mind that latex offers the best protection against sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy.

Advantages

• Very effective at preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
• Can prolong sexual activity.
• Inexpensive.
• Easy to get.
• Come in a variety of colors, flavors, scents, textures, shapes, and sizes (you are never too big or too small to use a condom).
• You don't need a prescription.
• Can be used as an element of foreplay.

Disadvantages

• Can interrupt the spontaneity of sex.
• Can decrease sensitivity.
• Are not 100% full-proof (but almost!).
• Animal skin are not as effective as latex.
• They may pinch the penis.
• A man may feel pressured to maintain erection while putting the condom on. If he does feel anxious he should allow his partner to roll the condom onto his penis.
• A man can feel pressured to ejaculate.
• They can deteriorate with age, especially if kept in hot or sunny places.
• Men may feel self-conscious about using one.

Cost

A typical condom ranges anywhere from $0.30 to $1.00. Buying them bulk is less expensive. Your local Planned Parenthood or health clinic, may provide free or inexpensive condoms.

When you start getting fancy, condoms start getting expensive! Ribbed, flavored, glow in the dark, lubricated, and spermicidal condoms are more expensive than regular condoms.

Effectiveness

Condoms are very effective! For perfect users (those who use a condom EACH AND EVERY TIME they have sex), the effectiveness rate is 97%. For typical users the statistics show that the effectiveness rate is 86%.

© - Reproduced with permission of SexInfo, University of California at Santa Barbara, 2007.