Male Condom - Contraception
Contraception
Obie Editorial Team
A male condom a contraceptive device made out of a thin sheath that covers the penis during intercourse. The condom is rolled over the erect penis to prevent direct contact between the penis and the vagina. Male condoms can vary greatly in color, size, and amount of lubrication and spermicide. They protect against infection and pregnancy by collecting the semen and preventing it from entering the vagina. The condom must be removed before the erection ends or the sperm can leak out. Use the condom once only, then throw it in the garbage. Do not flush it down the toilet.
A male condom is usually made of one of the following materials:
Latex condoms can protect against STIs including HIV. Testing of the plastic, polyurethane condoms suggests that they also protect against infections; however, this is not definite. Lambskin condoms do not protect against HIV and other STIs.
A male condom, if used correctly significantly decreases the likelihood of pregnancy. Using spermicide in addition to the condom improves pregnancy prevention. For best protection, use the condom before any sperm — or pre-ejaculate — comes in contact with the vagina.
Under typical use, a male condom can prevent a pregnancy 85% of the time, and with perfect use over 95% of pregnancies are prevented.
One disadvantage is that some people are allergic to latex. Polyurethane condoms can be used as an alternative. Some individuals argue that condoms reduce sensitivity and pleasure during intercourse. Some people dislike interrupting sex to put it on. Condoms may break if they are put on incorrectly.
Learn more about other birth control methods in our Birth Control Guide!
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The vaginal ring is a small, flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina once a month and releases hormones over time to prevent pregnancy. It is left in place for three weeks and taken out for the remaining week each month.
A birth control patch is a small skin patch with the same hormones as in many birth control pills. Women can wear this patch on most parts of their skin including on the buttocks, abdomen, upper torso (except for the breasts), or the outer part of the upper arm.
The diaphragm is a dome-shaped contraceptive device which is made of latex and inserted inside the vagina to cover the cervix during sexual intercourse.
Birth control pills are now more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Female condoms work almost as well as male condoms to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases as long as they are used correctly. Learn all about female condoms here.