How well a condom works to prevent STDs also depends on the above-mentioned factors.
It should be noted that only latex and polyurethane condoms, but not those made of natural animal membranes, effectively prevent the spread of viral infections such as HIV.
Condoms that contain spermicides may slightly further reduce the risk of pregnancy, but they are no more likely to reduce the risk of HIV or STDs than condoms lubricated with other substances.
CONVENIENCE
- Condoms are available without a prescription
- They are inexpensive
- They can be bought at most drugstores, in vending machines in some restrooms, by mail order, and at certain health care clinics.
- Some pre-planning is needed in order to have a condom handy at the time of intercourse.
- Since the condom must be put on when the penis is erect, but before contact is made between the penis and vagina, there is usually a brief interruption during foreplay. Many couples solve the problem by incorporating the process of placing the condom on the penis into foreplay.
- Provides protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
- Condoms have a slight tourniquet effect on the outer veins of the penis. This may be beneficial for men who have trouble keeping an erection.
- The condom frequently prolongs a man's ejaculation.
- A few men can not maintain an erection after putting on a condom.
- The woman is not aware of warm fluid entering her body (important to some women, not to others).
- Friction of the condom may reduce clitoral stimulation and reduce lubrication, making intercourse less enjoyable or even uncomfortable. (Lubricated condoms may reduce this problem.)
- Intercourse may be less pleasurable since the man must withdraw his penis immediately after ejaculation.
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Allergic reactions to latex condoms are rare, but they do occur. (Changing to condoms made of polyurethane or animal membranes may help.)
- Remove the condom from its package, being careful not to tear or poke a hole in it while opening the package.
- If the condom has a little tip (receptacle) on the end of it (to collect semen), place the condom against the top of the penis and carefully roll the sides down the shaft of the penis. If there is not a receptacle, be sure to leave a little space between the condom and the end of the penis. Otherwise, the semen may push up the sides of the condom and come out at the bottom before the penis and condom are withdrawn. Be sure there is not any air between the penis and the condom. This can cause it to break.
- Some people find it helpful to unroll the condom a little before putting it on the penis. This leaves plenty of room for semen collection and prevents the condom from being stretched too tightly over the penis.
- After ejaculation the condom must be removed from the vagina. The best way is to grasp the condom at the base of the penis and hold it as the penis is withdrawn.
- You should always throw out condoms after use. Keep in mind that flushing a condom down the toilet may clog plumbing. Instead of flushing condoms, you can wrap them in toilet tissue or put them in plastic bags before throwing them in a garbage can. If necessary, put the condom in a garbage can that is out of reach of children and pets.
