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Condoms
The Basics
Condoms are sheaths of thin latex or plastic worn on the penis during intercourse. And they are available dry or lubricated. Sometimes they are called rubbers, safes, or jimmies. They reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infection. They are also effective over-the-counter, barrier methods of reversible birth control.
How Condoms Work
Condoms collect semen before, during, and after a man ejaculates ("comes"). This can keep sperm from entering the vagina.
Effectiveness
Of 100 women whose partners use condoms, about 15 will become pregnant during the first year of typical use.* Only two women will become pregnant with perfect use.** More protection against pregnancy is possible if condoms are used with a spermicide foam, cream, jelly, suppository, or film.
*Typical use refers to failure rates when use is not consistent or always correct.
**Perfect use refers to failure rates for those whose use is consistent and always correct.
Using the spermicide nonoxynol-9 many times a day, by people at risk for HIV, or for anal sex, may irritate tissue and increase the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
They also protect both partners during vaginal and anal sex from sexually transmitted infection. Latex condoms offer very good protection against HIV.
Condoms Work!
In a 1987–91 study of couples in which one partner had HIV, all 123 couples who used condoms every time for four years prevented transmission of HIV. In 122 couples who did not use condoms every time, 12 partners became infected.1
A similar 1993 study showed that using condoms every time prevented HIV transmission for all but two of 171 women who had male partners with HIV. However eight out of 10 women whose partners didn't use condoms every time became infected.2
2Isabelle De Vincenzi, "Heterosexual Transmission of HIV in European Cohort of Couples," European Centre for the Epidemiological Monitoring of AIDS, Paris, France: 1993. Reported in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 42(30), August 6, 1993. |
And condoms reduce the risk of other sexually transmitted infections, including gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, chancroid, trichomoniasis, HPV, herpes, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Condoms can also protect against vaginitis caused by trichomoniasis or changes in the pH balance of the vagina that can be triggered by semen.
| The risk of passing a sexually transmitted infection during oral sex is lower than it is during vaginal or anal intercourse. People who want to further reduce the risk can use condoms during oral sex. |
Hormonal, intrauterine, and surgical methods of birth control offer greater protection against pregnancy than condoms, but no protection against sexually transmitted infections. Many people use latex condoms along with another method for the best protection against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
How to Use Condoms
Handle condoms gently. Store them in a cool, dry place. Long exposure to air, heat, and light makes them more breakable. Do not stash them continually in a back pocket, wallet, or glove compartment.
Lubricate the inside and outside of the condom. (Many condoms are pre-lubricated.) Lubrication helps prevent rips and tears, and it increases sensitivity. Use water-based lubricants, such as K-Y jelly or AstroGlide, or silicone-based lubricants, such as Eros, with latex condoms. Oil-based lubricants like petroleum jelly, cold cream, butter, or mineral and vegetable oils damage latex.
| Safe with all condoms |
Unsafe with latex condoms> |
Aloe-9
Aqualube
Astro Glide
Cornhuskers lotion
deLube
ForPlay
glycerin
Gynol II
H-R lubricating jelly
K-Y lubricating jelly
I-D Cream
I-D Glide
I-D Juicy Lube
I-D Millennium
I-D Pleasure
PrePair
Probe
silicone lubricant
water and saliva
Wet |
Aldara cream
baby oils
Bag Balm
clindamycin 2% vaginal cream
cold cream
edible oils
head and body lotions
massage oils
mineral oil
petroleum jelly
rubbing alcohol
shortening
suntan oil and lotions
certain vaginal yeast infection medicine
vegetable or cooking oils
whipped cream
Adapted from: Hatcher, RA, et al. (2003). A Pocket Guide to Managing Contraception. Tiger, GA: Bridging the Gap Foundation. |
Putting On a Condom
Detailed instructions for correct use are included in the packaging for the condom. Be sure to read and understand them before you use it.
For pleasure, ease, and effectiveness, both partners should know how to put on and use a condom. To learn without feeling pressured or embarrassed, practice on your penis or a penis-shaped object like a ketchup bottle, banana, cucumber, or squash.
Remember — Practice Makes Perfect.
Put the condom on before the penis touches the vulva. Men leak fluids from their penises before and after ejaculation. Pre-ejaculate ("pre-cum") can carry enough sperm to cause pregnancy. It can also carry enough germs to pass sexually transmitted infections.
Use a condom only once. Use a fresh one for each erection ("hard-on"). Have a good supply on hand.
Condoms usually come rolled into a ring shape. They are individually sealed in aluminum foil or plastic. Be careful — don't tear the condom while unwrapping it. If it is torn, brittle, stiff, or sticky, throw it away and use another
- Put a drop or two of lubricant inside the condom.
- Pull back the foreskin, unless circumcised, before rolling on the condom.
- Place the rolled condom over the tip of the hard penis.
- Leave a half-inch space at the tip to collect semen.
- Pinch the air out of the tip with one hand while placing it on the penis.
- Unroll the condom over the penis with the other hand.
- Roll it all the way down to the base of the penis.
- Smooth out any air bubbles. (Friction against air bubbles can cause condom breaks.)
- Lubricate the outside of the condom.
Taking Off a Condom
- Pull out before the penis softens.
- Don't spill the semen — hold the condom against the base of the penis while you pull out.
- Throw the condom away.
- Wash the penis with soap and water before embracing again.
If a Condom Breaks ...
... during intercourse, pull out quickly and replace it. Men should be able to tell if a condom breaks during intercourse. To learn what it feels like, men can break condoms on purpose while masturbating.
... and semen leaks out, wash the semen away with soap and water.
... and semen leaks into the vagina during a woman's fertile period, ask a reproductive health clinician for information about starting emergency contraception within 120 hours.
Advantages
Condoms
- let men help prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections
- are inexpensive and easy to get
- are lightweight and disposable
- do not require a prescription
- can help relieve premature ejaculation
- may help a man stay erect longer
- can be put on as part of sex play
- can be used with other methods
Sex Play, Pleasure, and the Condom.
Many women and men say they have better sex when they use condoms. They are able to focus on their sexual pleasure without distractions about unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection. Some couples put the condom on as part of their foreplay. Many men stay hard longer when they use condoms.
Disadvantages
Some men and women feel that the condom dulls sensation. Others become frustrated and lose some of their sexual excitement when they stop to put on a condom. Some men are self-conscious about using condoms. They feel pressured about having to maintain an erection to keep the condom on. Others feel pressured to ejaculate. Many overcome these pressures and learn to enjoy using condoms by using them during sex play before intercourse.
Side Effects
Condoms have no side effects except for people who are allergic to latex. One to two percent of women and men have such allergies. They may use plastic male or female condoms instead.
How to Get Condoms and What They Cost
Condoms are available in drugstores, family planning clinics, some supermarkets, and from vending machines. They each cost about $0.50, or less. Female condoms cost about $2.50. Some family planning centers give them away or charge very little. The cost in clinics or when authorized by a private doctor is covered by Medicaid in some states.
All condoms are tested for defects. But, like rubber bands, condoms deteriorate with age. If properly stored, they should stay good until the expiration date printed on the wrapper of each condom.
Condoms may be transparent or opaque, tinted, nipple-ended, rippled, studded, contoured, dry, powdered, or lubricated — with spermicide or without. Read labels on "novelty" condoms to be sure they protect against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
Usually, size is not marked on the package. But condoms come in different lengths, widths, and thickness. Try different brands and styles to find out which fits best.
Don't be embarrassed by the thought of going into a store and asking for condoms. Be proud. Buying condoms says that you are responsible and that you accept your sexuality as a normal part of living.
Don't Let Embarrassment Become a Health Risk
Nearly as many women as men buy and carry condoms. And many people use them — every time they have sexual intercourse. If you are embarrassed to talk with your partner about using condoms, practice before you are in a sexual situation. Then, choose the right time to talk — don't wait until the heat of passion takes over. It may overwhelm your good intentions.
Don't be shy — be direct. Be honest about your feelings and needs. It can help create a relaxed mood to make sex more enjoyable.
Talking is easier if you are in a respectful relationship that makes you feel happy and good about yourself and your partner. In any case, don't let embarrassment become a health risk. The following script may give you some ideas.
Sample Script for Safer Sex
If Your Partner Says: What's that? You Can Say: A condom, baby. If Your Partner Says: What for? You Can Say: To use when we're making love.
If Your Partner Says: I don't like using them.
You Can Say: Why not?
If Your Partner Says: It doesn't feel as good with a rubber.
You Can Say: I'll feel more relaxed. If I'm more relaxed, I can make it feel better for you.
If Your Partner Says: But we've never used a condom before.
You Can Say: I don't want to take any more risks.
If Your Partner Says: Rubbers are gross.
You Can Say: Being pregnant when I don't want to be is worse. So is getting AIDS.
If Your Partner Says: Don't you trust me?
You Can Say: Trust isn't the point. People carry sexually transmitted infections without knowing it.
If Your Partner Says: I'll pull out in time.
You Can Say: Women can get pregnant from pre-cum. It can also carry sexually transmitted infections.
If Your Partner Says: I thought you said using condoms made you feel cheap.
You Can Say: I decided to face facts. I like having sex, and I want to stay healthy and happy.
If Your Partner Says: Rubbers aren't romantic.
You Can Say: Making love and protecting each other's health sounds romantic enough to me.
If Your Partner Says: Let's face it. Making love with a rubber on is like taking a shower with a raincoat on.
You Can Say: Well, doing it without a rubber is playing Russian roulette.
If Your Partner Says: It just isn't as sensitive.
You Can Say: With a condom you might last even longer, and that'll make up for it.
If Your Partner Says: I don't stay hard when I put on a condom.
You Can Say: I can do something about that.
If Your Partner Says: Putting it on interrupts everything.
You Can Say: Not if I help put it on.
If Your Partner Says: I'll try, but it might not work.
You Can Say: Practice makes perfect.
If Your Partner Says: But I love you.
You Can Say: Then you'll help me protect myself.
If Your Partner Says: I guess you don't really love me.
You Can Say: I'm not going to "prove my love" by risking my life.
If Your Partner Says: I'm not using a rubber, no matter what.
You Can Say: Well, then I guess we're not having sex.
If You Are a Virgin and Have Decided to Have Sex and Want to Use a Condom and Your Partner Says: Just this once without it. Just the first time.
You Can Say: It only takes once to get pregnant. It only takes once to get a sexually transmitted infection. It only takes once to get AIDS.
If your partner absolutely refuses to wear a latex condom, you can use a female condom. Some men have said that the sensation is not so reduced with a female condom.
Don't be afraid of being rejected. Besides, the partner who doesn't care about protecting your health and well-being is not worth your sexual involvement.
Guidelines for Sex Partners
- Have each other's consent.
- Never use pressure to get consent.
- Be honest with each other.
- Treat each other as equals.
- Be attentive to each other's pleasure.
- Protect each other against physical and emotional harm.
- Guard against unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection.
- Be clear with each other about what you want to do and don't want to do.
- Respect each other's limits.
- Accept responsibility for your actions.
Updated April 2004
© 2004 Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. All rights reserved.
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