Condoms
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Medical Information |
What are Condoms? |
Condoms are sheaths of thin latex or plastic worn on the penis during intercourse. They collect
the sperm before, during and after a man climaxes ('comes'). This can keep sperm from entering the
vagina. Wearing them greatly reduces the chances of pregnancy and offers protection for both
partners during vaginal and anal sex against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Latex condoms
offer very good protection against HIV.
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Condoms reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections, including gonorrhea, syphilis,
chlamydia, chancroid, trichomoniasis, HPV, herpes, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Condoms
can also protect against vaginitis caused by trichomoniasis or changes in the pH balance of the
vagina that can be triggered by semen. |
The Male Condom |
The male condom is often referred to as a sheath, prophylactic, rubber, safe, johnny or jimmy.
It's usually about 7 inches (18 to 19cm) long, but various other sizes are available. Most
condoms are made of thin latex - a form of rubber. A polyurethane type is also available, which can
be used by those who are allergic to latex.
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How effective are male condoms in preventing pregnancy? |
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A condom's effectiveness largely depends on the person who uses it. If a man pulls it on roughly,
lets his partner snag it with her teeth, or only puts it on halfway through intercourse, this will
greatly reduce the protection it offers. |
When used correctly, a male condom is about 98 per cent effective. This means that only about 2 in
every 100 women would get pregnant in the course of a year. This is more effective than several
other forms of contraception, such as withdrawal or using spermicides alone. |
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Warning! |
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Pregnancy may occur if:
- you don't put the condom on before intercourse starts
- the condom splits - unlikely if you handle it gently and avoid snagging it with rings, etc
- you use an oil-based lubricant, such as Vaseline, body pils, creams or lotions - this can make
holes in latex condoms.
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What are the best male condoms? |
Buy only condoms that carry either the European CE mark, or the BSI Kitemark (BS EN 600), or the
approval stamp of your national Family Planning Organisation - this means that they have had
thorough quality checks. |
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The British Family Planning Association (FPA) strongly recommends using condoms with the British
Kite mark wherever possible. They say the European CE mark simply means that the condom will not
harm you, whereas the British Kite mark guarantees greater protection against pregnancy and
infection.
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How to use condoms |
Handle condoms gently. Store them in a cool, dry place. Long exposure to air, heat, and light
makes them more breakable. Do not stash them continually in a back pocket, wallet, or glove
compartment.
Lubricate the inside and outside of the condom. (Many condoms are pre-lubricated.) Lubrication
helps prevent rips and tears, and it increases sensitivity. Use only water-based lubricants, such as
K-Y jelly or AstroGlide, with latex condoms. Oil-based lubricants like petroleum jelly, cold cream,
butter, or mineral and vegetable oils damage latex.
Using the spermicide nonoxynol-9 many times a day, by people at risk for HIV, or for anal sex,
may irritate tissue and increase the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
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Side affects |
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Condoms have no side effects except for people who are allergic to latex. One to two percent of
women and men have such allergies. They may use plastic male or female condoms |
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