Birth Control
Options: Condoms for Males
Condoms
for Males
Female
Condoms
WHAT TYPES OF CONDOMS ARE THERE FOR MEN?
Condoms are made of latex
(often called “rubbers”), polyurethane
(plastic), or natural membranes (often called "skins" and made from
the intestine of
sheep). Polyurethane condoms may be used by couples when either partner is
allergic to latex. Condoms look like long thin balloons before they are
blown up. Condoms act as a mechanical barrier; they prevent pregnancy by stopping
sperm from going into the vagina. The condom is put onto the
penis before the penis comes into contact with the vagina. Among typical couples
who initiate use of latex condoms for men, about 14% will experience
an accidental pregnancy in the first year. If condoms are used consistently
and correctly, about 3% will become pregnant. Condoms become more
effective in subsequent years of use (after the first year). Whether condoms
lubricated with spermicides are more effective than other lubricated
condoms in protecting against the transmission of HIV and other STDs has not
been determined. Complete information about condoms is available from
your clinician or from the package insert.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?
- Condoms are safe and
effective at preventing both pregnancy and infection when they are used during
each
act of sex. Sexual intercourse may
be enjoyed more because there is less fear of STIs, HIV, and pregnancy.
- Men “last longer” when they use condoms. Prolonging sex may make
sex more fun.
- Condoms come in many
colors, sizes and with or without ribbing. Variety is exciting!
- Condoms
make sex less messy by catching the semen.
If the woman puts the condom on the man, it can be fun for both partners!
- Remember, penises and
condoms come in different sizes! Find a condom that fits!
- If you use a water
based lubricant such as Astroglide, KY Jelly or KY Jelly Plus Nonoxynol-9,
you may decrease the chance that your condom
will
break.
- To decrease the chance
of the condom slipping down the penis or falling off in
the vagina, pull the penis out of the vagina right after ejaculation.
Don’t continue thrusting until the penis becomes soft.
- Practice putting a
condom onto a banana! This will make it easier to use condoms during sex.
- With condoms, the risk
of infertility for partners is decreased.
- Condoms may reduce
the risk of cervical cancer because there's
less risk of HPV infection.
- There's no visit to
a clinic or doctor's office required to start using condoms.
- Condoms are
fairly easy to get and usually do
not cost a lot.
- Condoms are a good
contraceptive option during breast-feeding or with other methods as a backup.
WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES?
- Unless the woman puts
it on as a part of foreplay, the condom may interrupt sex.
- Condoms require some
practice to learn how to use.
- When putting the condom
on the penis you must avoid tearing the condom or putting
a hole in it with finger nails, a ring or anything sharp. This
includes anything sharp in the mouth!
- YOU CAN’T USE OIL BASED LUBRICANTS such as Vaseline, sun tan oil, whipped
cream, or Crisco with latex condoms! These products can put a
hole in a latex condom in a matter of seconds.
- Some men cannot maintain
an erection with a condom on.
- The man must pull
out soon after ejaculation. If he becomes soft, the condom
can fall off and be left in the vagina without the couple knowing
that this has happened.
- Some people are sensitive
(or allergic) to latex or find the smell very unpleasant. Natural membrane
condoms (skins) are slightly less effective
and more expensive than latex condoms. However, they may help
if either the man
or woman is sensitive to latex. Polyurethane (plastic)
condoms, which include the Reality female condom and some types
of male condoms, are another option if either partner is allergic to
latex.
- Buying, negotiating
use, putting on, and getting rid of condoms may be
embarrassing
for some people.
- Condoms create decreased
enjoyment of sex for some couples by causing decreased sensation for either
partner.
- Condoms may not be
available when a couple needs one.
WHERE DO I GET CONDOMS?
Condoms can be purchased at any drugstore and many supermarkets and gas stations.
Some health departments and family planning clinics give away
condoms.
WHAT IF I HAVE
SEX AND DON’T USE BIRTH CONTROL?
Did you know that for
72 hours after sex, you can take emergency contraceptive pills to avoid becoming
pregnant? AND for 5 to 7 days after sex, you can have an IUD put in, so you
won’t become pregnant? Not all clinicians know about this. If you want
more information or would like the phone numbers of clinicians near you that
prescribe emergency birth control, call the toll-free number: (1-888) NOT-2-LATE
or (1-800) 584-9911. Some of these sources of help are free. PLAN B is the
emergency contraceptive pill that causes the least nausea, the least vomiting,
and has the lowest failure rate.
