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Condom knowledge isn't all common knowledge
Those of us in the modern age think condoms were invented as birth control and that protection against sexually transmitted infections is merely a lucky side effect. But don't kid yourself, we're not the first to think of that. In a Greek myth dating back to 1200 B.C., the king of Crete warded off disease with a goat's bladder sheath.
Today the variety of condoms available is nothing short of staggering. Ribbed, lubricated, colored, flavored, no matter what tickles your fancy, there's something for everyone -- including condoms for women. Condoms are available without a prescription, have almost no physical side effects, can prevent pregnancy, and, if you choose a latex variety, still serve their original purpose: guarding against disease.
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Birth Control Patrol
- Statistically, three in 100 women will become pregnant with correct, consistent condom use. Studies indicate that with average use, about 14 in 100 will become pregnant.
- You can further decrease your chances of getting pregnant by using a contraceptive foam, jelly, cream, or suppository in addition to a condom.
- Some condoms are coated with a spermicide for a little extra protection; look for nonoxynol-9 on the label.
Protect Against Sexually Transmitted Diseases
- Latex condoms (not polyurethane or lambskin), next to abstinence, are your best bet to reduce the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease.
- If a man feels the condom breaking or slipping off, he should pull out immediately.
- Keep plenty of condoms on hand. Use a fresh one every time you have sex (never reuse a condom).
- If you switch from anal to vaginal intercourse, switch to a new condom.
Keep in Mind
- Latex condoms don't last forever. If they've been stored properly, they can be used until their expiration date or five years after their manufacture date.
- If a condom is brittle, stiff, or sticky, throw it away, no matter how new it is.
- Condoms are generally not marked with a size, but different brands do vary in length, width, and thickness. If one brand doesn't feel right, try another.
- A female condom or vaginal pouch can be used by just about any woman who can comfortably use a tampon. About 21 in 100 women will become pregnant with average use of the female condom over the course of one year.
- Practice makes perfect. If you're not comfortable using a condom with a partner yet, practice putting it on and taking it off by yourself.
- Some men complain of reduced sensitivity when wearing a condom. This isn't always a negative; it can be of help in postponing premature ejaculation.
- Don't use oil-based products like Vaseline as a lubricant; they break down latex and can cause a condom to tear. Use water-based lubricants instead.
Speak Up
- Don't be shy about protecting yourself against pregnancy or disease. Be direct in your communication and firm in your convictions. Remember, if you give your partner the choice between sex with a condom or no sex at all, the condom usually wins.
Emergency Contraception
- If something goes wrong with your contraceptive, you don't have to resign yourself to a wait-and-see approach. Emergency contraception is available (from a doctor) and is highly effective.
- Morning-after pills (MAP) must be taken within 48 to 72 hours of intercourse, with the cut-off time depending on which pills are right for you. You can get both estrogen/progestin and progestin-only pills.
- These are not abortion pills (RU486) and do not cause abortion. MAP will not help if you're already pregnant. It can only help prevent pregnancy.
- This measure has been known to cause various side effects and should not be used regularly.
- Call your doctor or clinician as soon as possible.
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Condom materials
Condoms come in a variety of colors, textures, flavors, and yes, even materials. Originally condoms were made from animal intestines, which have been replaced with latex and polyurethane. (Lamb intestine condoms are still available for those allergic to latex.) You can choose from a variety of condoms; do so intelligently. Pick a condom that will provide you with protection from not only pregnancy, but sexually transmitted diseases as well. The only condoms effective for both of these purposes are latex and polyurethane condoms.
Lubricants
Lubricants help keep condoms from breaking. An important and inevitable aspect of sex is friction, which is a condom's worst enemy. It leads to breakage, which ruins all the protective benefits of putting on a condom in the first place. Use a condom right and with plenty of lubricant. Oil-based lubricants will dissolve latex products -- condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps -- so use a water-based lubricant.
Spermicides
Spermicides enhance the effectiveness of condoms by killing sperm. When spermicides are combined with condoms, you have two safeguards against pregnancy.
| Condom Materials | Ingredient | Description |
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| Latex | ? | Forms some male condoms. Latex is commonly referred to as rubber (hence the slang term "rubbers"). It will deteriorate if used with oil-based lubricants. Not for people with latex allergies. | | Polyurethane | ? | Forms some male and female condoms. These condoms can be used with oil- or water-based lubricants. More durable but more expensive than latex. Thinner and transmits warmth and sensation more easily than latex. In male condoms, it has a slightly higher breakage frequency because polyurethane is not as flexible as latex. It's commonly referred to as teflon and may be carcinogenic. | | Lamb cecum | ? | More expensive than latex. It's safe for people who are allergic to latex. However, this piece of lamb intestine will not prevent sexually transmitted diseases. | | Lubricants | Ingredient | Description |
|---|
| Glycerin | ? | A slippery, watery chemical that draws moisture from the air. It makes for a great lubricant that won't dissolve latex. It's usually safe and nonallergenic. | | Propylene glycol (PEG) | ? | Does its job by keeping moisture up and friction down without dissolving latex. It can permeate the skin and carry water with it better than other ingredients. It's a solvent and a moisturizing agent. There is greater allergic sensitivity to this compound than to glycerin. | | Spermicides | Ingredient | Description |
|---|
| Nonoxynol-9 | ? | Aids in preventing pregnancy. Frequent use can cause vaginal inflammation and increase the risk of urinary tract infection. Nonoxynol prevents the separation of oil and water in the product. |
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Appropriate Uses
Male and female condoms
When used properly, provide a very effective means to prevent pregnancy and decrease the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.
Common Misconceptions
Male condoms
All condoms cannot claim to protect equally against STDs. Condoms made from animal skin do not protect against hepatitis B and the HIV virus. Latex condoms are your best protection against STDs.
Proper Condom Use
- Check the expiration date on the condom. If the date has already passed, throw it away.
- Carefully tear open the wrapper of the condom to see if it is brittle or sticky. If it is, throw it away.
- Be aware of fingernails, jewelry, or other objects that can tear the condom.
- Before the condom is rolled over the penis, a little lubricant can be placed in the tip to enhance sensation. If you're using a latex condom, make sure to use water-based lubricant.
- Place the rolled condom over the tip of an erect penis.
- Leave approximately one-half inch of space at the tip to collect semen.
- Roll back the condom with one hand and push out the air at the tip with the other hand.
- Roll it all the way down to the base of the penis.
- If there are air bubbles in the condom, these should be rolled out to reduce the possibility of breakage.
- If the condom is not lubricated, use a water-based lubricant. In this case, more is better. Don't use oil-based lubricants because they damage latex.
- After ejaculation, pull out before the penis softens.
- Hold the condom against the base of the penis as it is pulled out to avoid spillage.
- Check the condom for tears. If you see any, spermicidal foam or jelly should be inserted into the vagina to reduce the chance of pregnancy.
- Tie the condom in a knot and throw it away. Never flush condoms down the toilet.
Doubling-Up to Avoid Allergic Reaction
- Latex condoms have a slightly lower breakage rate than polyurethane and some men would like to use them even though they have a latex allergy.
- If you are allergic to latex condoms, you can try a technique called "double-bagging."
- Basically, this involves putting on a polyurethane condom first, using proper technique.
- Then put a layer of water-based lubricant over the polyurethane condom.
- Finally, put a latex condom on top of the polyurethane condom.
Not In Your Wallet
- Keep condoms in a cool dry area away from light. This means wallets, glove compartments, and your pockets are bad places to store them.
In Case of Emergency
- If your condom broke, your cervical cap came loose, your foam expired, or some other birth control emergency occurred, emergency contraception may still prevent pregnancy. See a clinician and ask for MAP (the Morning After Pill). This is only effective if taken within 48 to 72 hours of intercourse.
- Various side effects may occur; this measure should not be used regularly.
- MAP is not the abortion pill RU486. MAP does not cause an abortion and will not help if you are already pregnant. It can only prevent pregnancy.
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Warnings
Improper use will result in decreased effectiveness. Do not use condoms:- More than once
- From previously opened or damaged packages
- That have been stored improperly (long exposure to air, heat, or light)
- With oil-based lubricants
It Can Happen
- Consult a doctor if the condom slips or breaks during intercourse.
- Pregnancy is still a possibility.
- Condoms are not always 100% effective against all sexually transmitted diseases.
Fortunately, the Health Risks Aren't Major
- Latex allergies can occur in a few people.
- Physical abrasion and irritation to the penis or vulva can occur when using the female condom.
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Websites, Organizations & Manufacturers
- AIDS.ORG, "Condoms"
- American Medical Association, "Contraception Information Center"
- AVSC International
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention, "Condoms and Their Use in Preventing HIV Infections or Other STDs"
- Family Health International
- FDA, "A Guide to Contraceptive Choices"
- Not Me Not Now, "Talking to Kids About Sex"
- Planned Parenthood
- Sex Health's Guide to Safer Sex, "The Condom"
- SIECUS
- Teenwire
- Safex Condoms, "How to Use a Condom"
- Trojan Condoms
- Women in the Know (by Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceuticals and Personal Products Company), "Non-Prescription Barrier Methods - Male and Female Condoms"
- EPIGEE, "Condoms, Spermicides and Barrier Methods"
- Go Ask Alice, "Sexual Health"
- Oklahoma State University Student Health Center, "Condoms"
- University of Rochester's University Health Center, "Condoms: Contraception and Safer Sex"
Sources & Further Reading
Books
- 1. Knowles, J; M Ringel.All About Birth Control. Three Rivers Press, New York, 1998.
Find more books on health and wellness at  barnesandnoble.com.
Articles
- 1. Nordenberg, T.Protecting Against Unintended Pregnancy; A Guide to Contraceptive Choices. FDA Consumer, April 1997.
- 2. Willis, JL.On the Teen Scene: Preventing STDs. FDA Consumer, June 1993.
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