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Condoms
(Male Condom and Female Condom)
What types of condoms are there for men?
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 look like long
thin balloons before they are blown up. Condoms act as a mechanical
barrier; they prevent pregnancy by stopping sperm from going into the
vagina. The condom is put onto the penis before the penis comes into
contact with the vagina. Among typical couples who use latex condoms for
men, about 14 percent will experience an accidental pregnancy in the
first year. If condoms are used consistently and correctly, about 3
percent will become pregnant. Condoms become more effective in
subsequent years of use (after the first year). Whether condoms
lubricated with spermicides are more effective than other lubricated
condoms in protecting against the transmission of HIV and other STDs has
not been determined. Complete information about condoms is available
from your clinician or from the package insert.
What are the advantages?
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Condoms are safe and
effective at preventing both pregnancy and infection when they are used
during each act of sex. Sexual intercourse may be enjoyed more because
there is less fear of sexually transmitted infections, HIV and
pregnancy.
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Condoms make sex less messy by catching the semen.
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Condoms may reduce the risk of cervical cancer because there's less risk
of the human pampilloma virus (HPV) infection.
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You do not have to visit a clinic or doctor's office to start using
condoms.
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Condoms are fairly easy to get and usually do not cost a lot.
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Condoms are a good contraceptive option during breastfeeding or with other
methods as a backup.
What are the disadvantages?
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Unless the woman puts it on
as a part of foreplay, the condom may interrupt sex.
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Condoms require some practice to learn how to use.
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When putting the condom on the penis, you must avoid tearing the condom or
putting a hole in it with fingernails, a ring or anything sharp. This
includes anything sharp in the mouth.
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You can't use oil-based lubricants such as Vaseline, sun tan oil, whipped
cream, or Crisco with latex condoms. These products can put a hole in a
latex condom in a matter of seconds.
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Some men cannot maintain an erection while wearing a condom.
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The man must pull out soon after ejaculation. If he becomes soft, the
condom can fall off and be left in the vagina without the couple knowing
that this has happened.
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Some people are sensitive (or allergic) to latex or find the smell very
unpleasant. Natural membrane condoms (skins) are slightly less effective
and more expensive than latex condoms. However, they may help if either
the man or woman is sensitive to latex. Polyurethane (plastic) condoms,
which include female condoms and some types of male condoms, are another
option if either partner is allergic to latex.
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Buying, negotiating use, putting on and getting rid of condoms may be
embarrassing for some people.
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Condoms create decreased enjoyment of sex for some couples by causing
decreased sensation for either partner.
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Condoms may not be available when a couple needs one.
Where do I get condoms for men?
Condoms can be purchased at any drugstore and many supermarkets
and gas stations. Some health departments and family planning clinics
give condoms away for free.
What is the female condom?
Female condoms are made of a thin plastic called polyurethane.
This is NOT latex or rubber. The condom is placed into the woman's
vagina. It is open at one end and closed at the other. Both ends have a
flexible ring used to keep the condom in the vagina. The female condom
comes in only one size: 15 centimeters in length and seven centimeters
wide. The flexible and removable inner ring at the closed end is
inserted into the vagina as far as possible; the inner ring may be
removed or left in place in vagina; the larger outer ring remains
outside the vagina. Among typical couples who use female condoms, about
21 percent will experience an accidental pregnancy in the first year. If
these condoms are used consistently and correctly, about 5 percent will
become pregnant. Complete information about this contraceptive is
available from your clinician or from the package insert.
What are the advantages?
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Female condoms give women a
new option in preventing both infection (especially against herpes and
HIV, since it covers more of the external genitalia) and pregnancy.
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Female condoms give women more contraceptive control and a sense of
freedom. The female condom is an option for a woman who cannot get a man
to use a condom.
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Women don't need to see a clinician to get it. No prescription or fitting
is needed.
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The female condom can be put in up to eight hours in advance.
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It is safe and fairly effective at preventing both pregnancy and
infection.
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Any lubricant may be used with the female condom, including oil-based
lubricants, since this condom is NOT made of latex. It does come with
its own lubricant.
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Polyurethane transmits heat well. This may make sex more fun.
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The female condom can be used if either partner is allergic to latex. The
female condom is a good option during breastfeeding.
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Breakage is rare.
What are the disadvantages?
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The female condom is large
and some feel it is unattractive or odd-looking. Although it looks
different and may appear unusual at first, its size and shape allow it
to protect a greater area. Many of the couples who have used it like the
way it feels.
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Some women do not like the idea of putting fingers or a foreign object
into their vagina. It can be large, bulky, and difficult for some women
to place into the vagina.
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It will not work if the man's penis enters the vagina outside of the
female condom. The penis must be directed into the condom.
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It can make rustling noises prior to or during intercourse. A lubricant
may decrease noises.
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The female condom is not available in as many stores as the male condom.
It may be hard to find, so call the store in advance.
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Female condoms are about three times more expensive than male condoms.
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The inner ring may cause discomfort; if it does, it should be removed.
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The female condom is clearly less effective than latex male condoms in
preventing both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
Where do I get condoms for women?
Female condoms are sold at most drugstores and at some
supermarkets. Call in advance to be sure. They are sold in packs of
three or six and cost $2 to $3 per condom. The package comes with a
leaflet that explains how to use the condom. To learn more about female
condoms, call your clinician or call 800.274.6601.
What if I have sex and don't use birth
control?
Did you know that for 72 hours after sex, you can take emergency
contraceptive pills to avoid becoming pregnant? Did you know that for
five to seven days after sex, you can have an IUD inserted so you won't
become pregnant? Not all clinicians know about these options.
If you want more information or would like the phone
numbers of clinicians near you who prescribe emergency birth control,
call the toll-free number 888.NOT2.LATE or 800.584.9911. Some of these
sources of help are free.
The North Dakota Department
of Health, Division of Family Health, does not assume responsibility for
the content obtained from external hyperlinks accessed from this website.
Any links to external sources are outside of our domain. Information on
external websites does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of
the North Dakota Department of Health or the Division of Family Health.
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