September 15th, 2011 by Hasham

What is a male condom?

* A male condom is a thin sheath that covers the penis during intercourse and is made of one of the following materials:
o Rubber (latex)
o Plastic (polyurethane): the best alternative for people allergic
to latex
o Lambskin
* Male condoms can vary greatly in color, size, and amount of lubrication and spermicide.
* The male condom protects against infection and pregnancy by covering the penis and preventing direct contact between the penis and vagina, as well as collecting the semen and preventing it from entering the vagina.

How is it used?

The male condom is rolled over the erect or hardened penis and prevents against direct contact between the penis and 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. Step-by-step directions
Does it protect against STIs?

Yes. The 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.
Does it protect against pregnancy?

Yes, and 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.

How do condoms work?

A condom covers the penis and acts as a barrier between the penis and the vagina, the penis and the mouth, or the penis and the anus.

Condoms protect against pregnancy by stopping sperm contained in a man’s semen coming into contact with a woman’s vagina.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are passed on through sexual fluids during vaginal, oral or anal sex. As condoms stop sexual fluids being transferred between partners they are also the only method of contraception that protects against STIs.
How do you use condoms?

Make sure you read the instructions before you start, but just in case, here’s our step by step guide…

* Check that the condoms have the BSI or CE kitemark on the pack (this says they have been tested to a high standard).
* Take the condom out of the packet, checking the use-by date on the packet first and making sure there are no rips in it. Watch out for sharp nails, jewellery and teeth!
* Make sure the condom is put on the penis as soon as it is erect (hard), before it goes near anyone’s mouth, vagina or anus. This is because the penis can release a clear, runny liquid during arousal (called pre-cum) that may contain semen or bacteria.
* Pinch the tip of the condom between your thumb and forefinger to get rid of any air.
* Lower the condom onto the penis head, still holding the teat at the top. Use your other hand to roll the condom down the penis all the way to the base.
* If you’re using a water-based lubricant, now is the time to coat the condom. But be careful of oil-based lubricants or products as they can disintegrate the condom.
* Check the condom is in place throughout sex.
* After ejaculation, hold the condom on at the base until the penis is withdrawn and then take it off, wrap it in tissue and bin it (not down the toilet).
* Always use a brand new condom if you have any sexual contact again – they can only be used once.

Great reasons to use condoms

* They are really easy to use.
* They protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as well as pregnancy.
* They have no side effects.
* They are easily available and FREE from Brook centres (for under 25s), youth clinics, contraception and  and sexual health clinics. You can also buy them at any time of day from supermarkets, vending machines in public toilets, petrol stations etc, even if you’re under 16.
* They come in different shapes, sizes, textures, colours and flavours which can make sex more fun.
* Condoms are the only method that a man can use to control his own fertility and make sure that he doesn’t become a father before he’s ready.

How effective are condoms?

If used correctly, condoms are 98% effective in preventing pregnancy. This means that two women in 100 will get pregnant in a year. If you use an extra water-based lubricant, you can reduce friction during sex. That means the condom is less likely to tear and it also makes sex more enjoyable.

Does it matter which type of condom I use?

Yes. The best type of condom to use is one made out of latex. It provides the best protection against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. However, if you are allergic to latex, polyurethane condoms are still a good method. They provide just about the same protection against pregnancy and also give some protection against STDs, although they break and slip more often than latex condoms. Lambskin condoms, or natural condoms, are effective against pregnancy, but not effective in the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. It’s up to you if you use lubricated or unlubricated condoms, although most teens prefer lubricated.

How effective is the condom against STDs?

The answer to this question partly depends on which type of condom used. Latex condoms provide excellent protection against some STDs. Polyurethane condoms provide some protection against STDs, although it is still not clear just how much. Remember, lambskin condoms, or natural condoms, don’t protect against STDs. The pores are too large to protect against the small particles that cause some STDs.

The answer to this question also depends on which type of STD. Latex condoms protect against only certain types of STDs. STDs can be spread by sexual activity in a few different ways. They are effective against STDs that travel in bodily fluids (blood or semen), such as the HIV/AIDS virus, hepatitis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Condoms are much less effective against STDs that are caused by organisms that live in sores on the genitals, such as syphilis. STDs such as herpes and human papillomavirus (also known as genital warts) that occur on the genital skin can get passed from one partner to another even if a condom is used. Condoms still lessen your chance of a STD.