A condom is a type of
-
Chlamydia -
Gonorrhea -
HIV
See also:
Alternative Names
Prophylactics; Rubbers; Male condoms
Information
Other than a
A condom blocks sperm from coming in contact with the inside of the
Until recently, the condom was used only by men. A female condom is now available.
The male condom is a thin cover that fits over a man's erect
- Animal skin
- Latex rubber
- Polyurethane
For the best protection, the condom must be put on before the penis comes into contact with or enters the vagina (because pre-ejaculation fluids carry both sperm and disease). Remove the condom carefully right after ejaculation so that no semen leaks out.
The female condom fits inside the vagina. It has two rings to keep the condom in place -- one ring is placed over the woman's
HOW WELL DOES A CONDOM WORK?
If a condom is used regularly and correctly, it should prevent pregnancy 97% of the time. The actual effectiveness among users, however, is only 80 - 90%. This is due to:
- Break in condom due to manufacturing problems (rare)
- Failure to use a condom during each act of intercourse
- Occasional tear of a condom during intercourse
- Semen spilling from a condom during withdrawal
- Waiting too long to put a condom on the penis (penis comes into contact with vagina before condom is on)
How well a condom works to prevent STDs also depends on the factors mentioned above.
