Condom Options
What Is a Condom?
A condom is a thin sheath that fits snugly over a man's erect penis during sexual contact. Its purpose is to prevent bodily fluids from passing between sexual partners, and thus, prevent impregnation and/or transmission of
sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Various Types
Condoms come in different shapes, flavors, and sizes. There are also a variety of materials used for condoms, including latex, lambskin, polyurethane, and polyisoprene.
Which Type Is Best?
Because only latex condoms are proven to help prevent both pregnancy and the transmission of STDs (including the herpes and HIV ), they are the condom of choice.
Lambskin condoms, which are actually made from part of a lamb's intestine, prevent pregnancy, and are considered by many to enhance (or, at least, not reduce) sensation during sex. But, they have a major drawback, the tiny holes inherent to lamb intestine allow STDs to pass between partners.
Polyurethane condoms are thinner, so like lambskin condoms, they allow for enhanced sensation. And they provide a solution for people who are allergic to latex. Scientific data as to how effectively polyurethane condoms prevent the transmission of STDs are not nearly as well-documented as they are for latex condoms.
Polyisoprene condoms are another option for people with latex allergies. This type of condom is also designed to be comfortable. Latex condoms, though, are still the recommend choice to prevent STDs.
Exactly How Effective Are Latex Condoms?
According to tests conducted by Consumers Union, latex condoms seldom break when used consistently and correctly. As a result, they prevent pregnancy approximately 95% of the time or better. However, since most couples do not always use condoms consistently or correctly, the "failure" rate for condoms in preventing pregnancy is around 12%.
As for preventing STDs, latex condoms have no equal. Again, according to Consumers Union, when used consistently and correctly, latex condoms prevent the transmission of STDs 98%-100% of the time.
What About Pre-lubricated Condoms?
Use only water-based lubricants, since all oil- or mineral-based lubricants (eg, Vaseline) quickly weaken latex.
Does Condom Size Matter?
If a condom is too large (loose) it is more likely to slide off, and if it is too small (tight) it is more likely to break.
Do's and Don'ts: Some Tips On Using Condoms
Put a condom on only after the penis is erect, and use a new one for every act of sexual intercourse. Place the tip of the rolled-up condom over the penis. If there is a reservoir tip, first squeeze out the air. If there is no tip, leave a half-inch space at the end for semen and squeeze the air out. Unroll the condom down the entire length of the penis. After ejaculation, but before the penis is soft, grasp the condom's rim and carefully withdraw from your partner. This discourages breakage or leakage.
Avoid carrying condoms in your wallet for longer than a few weeks at a time. And avoid storing them in extreme temperatures, such as your glove compartment. Both environments weaken a condom and make it much less useful.
To avoid any risk of STDs or pregnancy, put a condom on before any contact between your penis and your partner. To avoid tearing, do not use any sharp objects to open the condom wrapper. Throw them away if they are past the expiration or four years past the manufacturing date.
The Female Condom
The female condom is a polyurethane condom that is inserted into the vagina. The benefits of the female condom is that the woman has the choice of protecting herself against pregnancy and STDs. But, the male latex condom is still the best way to protect yourself.
The Lighter Side
In addition to offering numerous types and sizes, many manufacturers also offer novelty condoms, like glow-in-the-dark ones and flavored varieties.
However, one serious note. While many novelty condoms pass all industry standards, some do not. Those that do not meet industry standards are required by law to carry the warning that they are "For novelty use only."
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html
Sex Information and Education Council of Canada
http://www.sieccan.org/
References:
Avert. What is the female condom? Avert website. Available at: http://www.avert.org/female-condom.htm. Updated March 11, 2010. Accessed June 15, 2010.
Columbia University. Five kinds of condoms: a guide for consumers. Go Ask Alice, Columbia University website. Available at: http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/1835.html. Accessed June 15, 2010.
Mayo Clinic. Condoms. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/condoms/MY00654. Updated May 1, 2009. Accessed June 15, 2010.
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Sexually transmitted diseases (STD). NYC.gov website. Available at: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/std/std4.shtml. Accessed June 15, 2010.
North Dakota Department of Health. Condoms. North Dakota Department of Health website. Available at: http://www.ndhealth.gov/family-planning/Options/Condoms.htm. Accessed June 15, 2010.
United Nations Population Fund. Female condom: a powerful tool for protection. United Nations Populations Fund website. Available at: http://www.unfpa.org/public/global/pid/376. Published 2006. Accessed June 15, 2010.
Last reviewed June 2010 by Brian Randall, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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