Condoms - Method For Birth Control

Apr 16 2009

The Condom The condom is a strong sheath of latex rubber or other material designed to fit over an erect penis. The condom catches the ejaculate, thereby preventing sperm migration toward the egg. The condom is the only temporary means of birth control available for men and the only barrier that effectively prevents the spread of STDs and AIDS. They may also slow or reduce the development of cervical abnormalities in women that can lead to cancer. Regardless of your preferred method of birth control, you should always use a condom. Condoms come in a wide variety of styles: colored, ribbed for “extra sensation,” lubricated, nonlubricated, and with or without reservoirs at the tip. All may be purchased with or without spermicide in pharmacies, in some supermarkets, in some public bathrooms, and in many health clinics. A new condom must be used for each act of intercourse or oral sex.

Condoms must be rolled on the penis before the penis touches the vagina, and held in place when the penis is removed from the vagina after ejaculation. For greatest efficacy, they should be used with a spermicide containing nonoxynol9, the same agent found in many of the contraceptive foams and creams that women use. If necessary or desired, users can lubricate their own condoms with contraceptive foams, creams, and jellies or other water-based lubricants, such as K-Y jelly, For Play Lubricants, Astroglide, Wet or Aqua Lube, to name just a few. However, products such as baby oil, cold creams, petroleum jelly, vaginal yeast infection medications, or hand and body lotions should never be used. These products contain mineral oil and will begin to disintegate the latex condom within 60 seconds.

The efficacy of condoms can be compromised and the likelihood of their breaking during intercourse is increased when they are old or poorly stored. To maintain effectiveness, condoms should be stored in a cool place(not wallet or hip pocket) and they should be inspected for small tears before use.

For some people, a condom ruins the spontaneity of sex. Stopping to put it on breaks the mood for them. Others report that the condom decreases sensation. These inconveniences contribute to improper use of the device. Couples who learn to put the condom on together as part of foreplay are generally more successful with this form of birth control.