The Condom

What is a Condom?

Proper Use of a Condom

How to Put on a Condom

What are the Advantages of Condoms?

What are the Disadvantages of Condoms?

Where can I purchase Condoms?

What is a condom?
Condoms act as a mechanical barrier; they prevent pregnancy and reproductive tract infections by stopping sperm from going into the vagina. They should be placed on the penis before it enters a partner's vagina. 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 are one of the only methods of contraception that are also effective for use with oral sex, sex toys and anal sex. Condoms resemble a long thin deflated balloon. Male condoms are considered to be between 85-98% effective. Among typical couples, 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.

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Proper use
Safer use involves the following precautions:

Condoms must be stored at room temperature. Prolonged exposure to heat or prolonged direct sunlight can cause condoms to break or tear. Condoms should not be kept in a wallet or glove compartment.
Be cautious as sharp fingernails or objects can damage condoms.
Condoms are best put on the erect penis as soon as an erection is achieved and before any contact with the other person's body, and should always be put on before contact with a vagina or anus.
With uncircumcised males, retracting the foreskin before putting on a condom is recommended to maximize mobility and reduce the risk of breakage during intercourse.
Room needs to be left at the tip of a condom to hold semen. Most condoms have a reservoir tip that should be pinched while applying the condom to avoid trapping an air bubble which could burst later.
Water-based sexual lubricants, such as KY Jelly or Astroglide, are safe for use with condoms, but oil-based lubricants weaken latex and may cause it to tear or develop holes. Many partners find it enjoyable to use lubrication to reduce abrasion. The use of lubricant is virtually essential for anal sex.
Some condoms are designed specifically for anal sex. The latex is slightly thicker, making these condoms less likely to tear than those designed for vaginal sex.
Condoms should be discarded after the expiration date on the package. Even ones that seem fine past that date may be more likely to burst.
The penis should be withdrawn immediately after ejaculation, even if the erection can be maintained. During withdrawl, the base of the condom should be held.
One's hands and penis should be washed before further physical contact with another person (including the sexual partner).
Condoms are for single use only, and should never be reused.
Condoms are available in special sizes for people who require larger or smaller ones.
Male and female condoms should not be used at the same time.
Both men and women should practise applying condoms correctly before using them for sex.
Women can practice putting a condom onto a banana! This will make it easier to use condoms during sex.

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General instructions for putting on a male condom are as follows:

Remember, penises and condoms come in different sizes! Find a condom that fits!
Check the expiration date on the condom wrapper - Condoms have a printed expiry date and batch number. Do not use out of date condoms.
Gently apply pressure to the condom wrapper to make sure it has a slight pillow-like quality to it, indicating air inside and proper and unbroken sealing. If the condom packaging does not have air inside, there may be a tear or punctures and the condom may be damaged.
Exercising caution, open the foil (or plastic) wrapper along one side. Be careful not to damage the condom with sharp objects such as fingernails, teeth or scissors.
If the condom is sticky or brittle, discard it and use another one, as a sticky or brittle condom is more likely to break.
Press the tip of the condom together firmly to expel the air that may be trapped inside the condom. Air pockets can cause a condom to burst. The tip of the condom must be empty when applied in order to contain the discharge in ejaculation.
Apply the condom only to a fully erect penis, as the condom may slip off a penis which is only partially erect.
Check that the condom is in the right direction to unroll down the penis. Place the condom on the tip of the penis. If you accidentally try to put it on the wrong way, discard it and start over with a new condom, as simply turning the condom inside out can transfer bodily fluids and defeat the purpose of the condom barrier.
Unroll the condom over the shaft of the penis. Unroll it all the way. If it does not unroll, it is on the wrong way and you must start over with a new condom.
Make sure the condom isn't loose or at risk of coming off.
Do not allow the penis to go flaccid at any time while wearing or putting on the condom. If you loose an erection while wearing the condom, the condom must be immediately discarded, and a new one applied if sex continues.

All 12-packs of condoms come with these or similar instructions, and may contain additional information; be sure to read these instructions if you have never used a condom before.

Some men who feel a particular size condom is hard to put on because it is too small have reported that they partly unroll the condom, stretch it with both index fingers, insert the penis (asking their partner to expel air from the tip), remove fingers and unroll. This procedure is not recommended as one's fingernails can come in contact with the condom. Consider buying a larger condom, or practising the approved method above.

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What are the advantages of Condoms?

When used correctly, condoms are safe and effective at preventing both pregnancy and infection.
Male condoms are the only reversable way for a man to protect himself against Sexually Transmitted Infections and accidental pregnancy.
Sexual intercourse may be enjoyed more because there is less fear of STIs, HIV, and pregnancy.
Condom application can be an exciting part of foreplay.
Men often "last longer" when they use condoms which can make sex more fun.
Condoms come in many colors, sizes and textures. Variety is exciting!
Condoms make sex less messy by catching the semen.
Condoms may reduce the risk of cervical cancer because there's less risk of HPV infection.
Condoms do not affect the long term fertility of either partner.
Condoms are widely accessable, and usually inexpensive.
A good contraceptive option during breast-feeding or with other methods as a backup.

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What are the disadvantages of condoms?

Unless the woman puts it on as a part of foreplay, condom application may interrupt sex.
Condoms require some practice to learn how to use.
Condoms can break or tear when they interact with sharp objects such as scissors, rings, fingernails, teeth, piercings, and other sharp objects.
YOU CAN'T USE OIL BASED LUBRICANTS such as Vaseline, sun tan oil, or Crisco with latex condoms! These products weaken the latex, and can cause condoms to tear.
Some men cannot maintain an erection while wearing a condom.
The man must pull immediately after ejaculation. If the male becomes flacid before withdrawl, accidental pregnancy or infection may occur.
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. Recently, however, many manufacturers have released condoms that allow for greater sensation.

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Where do I get Condoms?
Condoms can be purchased at any drugstore and many supermarkets and gas stations. Some health departments, student facilities and family planning clinics give away condoms.

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