Birth Control
Options: Condoms (for Males and Females)
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.
