Male Condoms

A male condom is a thin latex or polyurethane sheath that is placed over the erect penis.

When left in place during vaginal sex, oral sex or anal sex, male condoms can be an effective means of protecting you and your partner from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Male condoms are also an effective tool in the prevention of pregnancy. Also known as rubbers, condoms are usually made of latex, but some can be made from polyurethane or lambskin.

Latex and polyurethane provide the most protection from the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Male condoms are very simple to use, cheap and widely available.

Male condoms are available without a lubricant and can be also available in a wide range of shapes, lengths, thicknesses, widths and colors. Some condoms are textured to increase sensation.

Here are the most common reasons to use male condoms.

Male condoms, if used accordingly every time you engage in sex, are very effective at preventing pregnancy and the transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS.

Condoms also lower the risk of transmission of other sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea, syphilis or chlamydia.

Condoms are generally safe and do not have the side effects that are found in some forms of female contraception, such as birth-control pills or shots, or any potential complication of an intrauterine device (IUD).

They can be obtained without a prescription, so it’s very easy to have access to one when needed.

Male condoms are mostly safe and effective. However, here are a few potential risks to consider before using male condoms:

They can trigger an allergic reaction to latex. Reactions to latex can include rash, hives, and runny nose and in serious cases tightening of the airways and loss of blood pressure.

If you or your partner is allergic to latex, a polyurethane or lambskin condom can be a potential alternative. Condoms are not perfect.

The risk of contracting an STI or leading into pregnancy still exists, especially if it breaks or comes off during sex.

No prescription and preparations are required for male condoms to be issued. They are sold in many stores and can be found in vending machines and some restrooms.

Condoms may be cheaper or even free at family planning clinics such as Planned Parenthood. School nurses and university health centers often have condoms available for free.

Finding a type of condom that is well-suited for you can take a little trial and error. It is very important for the condom to fit. If it is too tight, it is more likely to break during sex.

If it is too loose, it may slip off. Some men find that condoms decrease sensitivity and can be uncomfortable to wear.

You can have a preference of a particular type of condom because it provides more comfort for you or provides greater sensation during sex.

Some condoms are lubricated with nonoxynol-9, which is a substance that kills sperm (spermicide) and is meant to prevent pregnancy.

However, condoms without spermicide are a better option for the following reasons: Spermicide condoms do not appear to be more effective in preventing pregnancy when compared with other lubricated condoms.

Nonoxynol-9 has the capability of irritating or damaging skin cells in the vagina or rectum.

Spermicide. Does not offer any protection from HIV/AIDS or other STIs. Spermicidal condoms are much more expensive compared to other types of condoms and have shorter shelf life.

Condom safety tips. Male condoms do not last forever, remember that in order to get protection against pregnancy or STIs, they must be used properly.

Follow the following tips for safe and efficient condom use: Store condoms in a cool dry place. Any exposure to heat or light can increase the risk of the condom breaking.

Do not store condoms in a billfold or back pocket for more than a month. Do not keep condoms in your glove compartment for an extended period of time. Check the expiration date.

Do not use a condom after its expiration date. Check condoms for damage. Look for brittleness, small tears or pinprick holes before using one. Make sure you only use water-based lubricants.

Examples include Astroglide and K-Y jelly. If you use latex condoms, don’t use oil-based lubricants such as petroleum jelly, baby oil, mineral oil, olive oil and other cooking oils, whipped cream, cold cream, sunscreens, moisturizers or lotions.

They way weaken the condom and lead to breaking. Never reuse a condom. This increases the risk of pregnancy and transmitting an STI. To prevent STIs, use only latex or polyurethane condoms.

Lambskin condoms do not offer protection from STIs as well as latex or polyurethane condoms do. Read the label on the package to see what material the condom is made out of and whether it has an STI prevention label.

Use a condom during any sexual activity. This will help protect you from STIs whether you have vaginal, anal or oral sex.

Read on to learn more about what to expect before, during, and after using a male condom.

Male condoms must be handled carefully, correctly and consistently. The following information is helpful in this regard: Put the condom on before sexual activity.

Remember that STIs can be passed and pregnancy can occur before male sexual climax (ejaculation). Open the package carefully. Do not use your teeth or fingernail.

Apply lubrication outside of the condom, this may not be necessary if you have a pre-lubricated condom. Pull your foreskin back. If you have a foreskin.

Place the tip of the rolled-up condom over the tip of your penis. Make sure your penis is erect before you can put the condom on. The rolled-up room must be on the outside of the.

If you start to put on the condom and realize that the rolled side is on the inside, throw it away and use another one. Gently press the tip of the condom to remove air.

This will not be necessary if the condom has a reservoir tip. Roll the condom down. Make sure it covers the whole penis and remove any air bubbles.

After sex, grasp the base of the condom before removing it. This will prevent the condom from coming off before you pull away from your partner.

Dispose of the condom in the trash, do not flush it down the toilet.

If you do not understand your male condom results, consult with your doctor.

Male condoms are an effective method of birth control. About 1 out of 50 couples who use condoms, however, will get pregnant in a year.

The chances of pregnancy increase if you do not always wear a condom during intercourse, or you use the condom incorrectly.

Condoms are also effective in preventing the transmission of most STIs, although some risk still remains.

The male condom must be used correctly to produce the best results.