WHAT TYPES OF CONDOMS ARE THERE FOR MEN?
Use of BOTH a condom AND another contraceptive leads to excellent protection against pregnancy and infection.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 15% will experience an accidental pregnancy in the first year. If condoms are used consistently and correctly, about 2% will become pregnant over the course of an entire year. .
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?
- Safe and effective at preventing both pregnancy and infection if used perfectly.
- Sexual intercourse may be enjoyed more because there is less fear of STIs, HIV, and pregnancy.
- Condoms may reduce the risk of cervical cancer because there's less risk of HPV infection.
- 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, less discharge, less odor.
- 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!
- Use a water based lubricant such as Astroglide or KY Jelly to decrease breakage.
- 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 both partners is decreased.
- Condoms are fairly easy to get and usually do not cost a lot.
- 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 fingernails, 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, 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. They must use polyurethane condoms: Durex-Avanti, Trojan-Supra or Reality Female Condom.
- Buying, negotiating use, putting on, and getting rid of condoms may be embarassing.
- Condoms decrease enjoyment of sex for some couples by causing decreased sensation for either partner.
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 120 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? Emergency postcoital insertion of the Copper T 380 A IUD (ParaGard) in the most effective currently available postcoital contraceptive. 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. PLAN B is the emergency contraceptive pill that causes the least nausea and the least vomiting. | |
