Use of condoms

WHAT IS MALE CONDOM?
Condoms can protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and they can be used to prevent pregnancy. A male condom is placed over a man's erect penis before sex. Condoms are also called "rubbers," "sheaths," or "skins."

Condoms are made of latex (rubber), polyurethane, or sheep intestine. While latex and polyurethane condoms help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV, sheep intestine condoms do not.

The male condom is a barrier method camera.gif of birth control. Condoms are currently the only male method of birth control besides vasectomy. To more effectively prevent pregnancy, use a condom with a more effective birth control method such as hormonal contraception, an intrauterine device (IUD), a diaphragm with spermicide, or another female barrier method.

ADVANTAGES:

*They are the most effective protection available against STIs.
*They do not affect future fertility for either a woman or a man.
*They are used only at the time of sexual intercourse.
*They are safe to use while a woman is breastfeeding.
*They are less expensive than hormonal methods of birth control.
*They are widely available without a prescription.
*They may help prevent a man from having an orgasm too quickly (premature ejaculation).

DISADVANTAGES:

*Some people are embarrassed to use condoms or feel they may interrupt foreplay or intercourse.
*Both partners must be comfortable with using a condom and be prepared to use one every time they have sex.
*Condoms may decrease sexual sensation.
Some people are allergic to latex (rubber). These couples should use condoms made of polyurethane (plastic).
*Condoms may break or leak.
*Failure rates for barrier methods are higher than for most other methods of birth control. Using an additional method of birth control is a good backup measure in case a condom breaks. If a condom does break and you are using no other birth control method, you can use emergency contraception to help prevent pregnancy.