Only latex and polyurethane condoms, but not those made of natural animal skin, effectively prevent the spread of viral infections such as HIV.
Condoms that contain spermicides may slightly further reduce the risk of pregnancy. However, 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.
- Condoms can be bought at most drugstores, in vending machines in some restrooms, by mail order, and at certain health care clinics.
- Condoms are inexpensive.
- 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 making the process of placing the condom on the penis part of foreplay.
- Some pre-planning is needed to have a condom handy at the time of intercourse.
- Condoms may help men who have trouble keeping an erection, and may help prolong the erection.
- They protect against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
- A few men cannot keep an erection after putting on a condom.
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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.) - Friction of the condom may reduce stimulation of the clitorus and lubrication, making intercourse less enjoyable or even uncomfortable. (Lubricated condoms may reduce this problem.)
- Intercourse also may be less pleasurable because the man must pull out his penis right after ejaculation.
- The woman is not aware of warm fluid entering her body (important to some women, not to others).
- 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 no tip, 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 pulled out. Be sure there is not any air between the penis and the condom. This can cause the condom 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 to collect and prevents the condom from being stretched too tightly over the penis.
- After ejaculation, remove the condom from the vagina. The best way is to grasp the condom at the base of the penis and hold it as the penis is pulled out.
- Always throw out condoms after use. 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. Put the condom in a garbage can that is out of reach of children and pets.
