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A long, thin,
flexible sheath that fits over the erect penis, the condom
has been in use for centuries. The first rubber condom was
developed in the mid1800s. Most modern condoms are made
of latex.
Today, you can buy
condoms in drug stores, supermarkets, and vending machines,
usually rolled up in individual wrappers. They are often
lubricated, and may be textured, colored, or treated with a
spermicide. Using a latex condom in combination with a
spermicide (see “Spermicides” later in this
chapter) is one of the most effective ways to prevent
sexually transmitted disease.
How it works. The condom keeps semen from entering the
vagina. Whether made of latex or of a natural animal
membrane, it will prevent pregnancy. However, because
membrane condoms have microscopic pores (like the pores of
your skin),
you cannot rely on them to prevent sexually transmitted
diseases such as HIV. Though the pores are small enough
to block sperm cells, they are no obstacle to tinier
microorganisms such as viruses. Many brands of condoms come
treated with a spermicide that increases their effectiveness.
Used alone, the condom has a failure rate of about 12
percent.
How to use it. Be sure to use a brand new condom with
each act of intercourse. After your partner has an erection,
but before it comes in any contact with your genital area, he
should place a rolledup condom on the tip of his penis.
To leave room at the end of the condom for ejaculated semen,
he must first pinch and hold the small receptacle at the tip,
then unroll the rest of the condom all the way down to the
base of the penis.
After ejaculation,
your partner should grasp the condom at the base of his penis
as he withdraws. Remember, too, that semen can leak out of
the condom into the vagina if the penis is no longer erect.
Used condoms should be thrown away—never reuse
them.
If the condom is
not already lubricated, you can add lubricant—but
never use mineral oil, baby oil, or petroleum jelly
with a latex condom. They will dissolve the latex, causing
the condom to break. If you need extra lubricant, choose a
watersoluble product such as KY Lubricating
Jelly.
Pros and cons. Condoms are relatively inexpensive and
readily available. They can be bought without a doctor's
prescription, and—if made from latex— offer
protection against sexually transmitted disease.
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SPERMICIDES—FOR AN EXTRA MEASURE OF
SAFETY
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When applying a
spermicide, make sure the applicator is filled to the
top, then deposit the contents as close to the cervix as
possible. It's best to use a diaphragm or cervical cap to
hold the spermicide in place.
By themselves,
spermicides are effective 4 times out of 5. When used as
a backup for other barrier methods, the rate is even
higher. Spermicides containing nonoxynol-9 have the
important added advantage of providing a degree of
protection against some sexually transmitted
diseases.
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However, use of a
condom requires the cooperation of your partner, and some men
dislike them. You may have to try several different brands
before you find one that suits you both.
Some couples don't
like interrupting sex to put on a condom. If you feel that
donning one destroys sexual spontaneity, try to make it a
ritual part of your mutual lovemaking.
You or your partner
might be allergic to latex condoms. Signs of latex allergy
include burning, itching, or irritation in the genital area.
If your partner is allergic to latex, but you want the
disease protection of a latex condom, he can wear an
animalmembrane condom under the latex one. If you are
allergic to latex, try the reverse: a latex condom under the
naturalmembrane variety.
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