Contraceptive
methods
Condom
What
is the condom?
The
condom is a thin cover that fits snugly over the penis
during sex.
How
effective is the condom?
Like
all birth control methods, condoms work better to prevent
pregnancy when you use them correctly. If condoms are always used
correctly, 2
out of 100 women will get pregnant each year. If condoms are not always
used
correctly, 15 out of 100 women will get pregnant each year.
How
does it work?
The
condom is a barrier. It keeps sperm from entering the
vagina.
Important
things to remember when using a condom:
Put
the rolled-up condom on the tip of an erect penis.
Unroll
it over the penis while holding on to the small pouch at the condomÕs
tip. It
is important to keep a small amount of space for the semen to collect
between
the end of the penis and the tip of the condom.
Make
sure to take the penis out of the vagina when it is still erect so that
no
semen leaks out into the vagina.
Also,
when taking the erect penis out of the vagina after sex, the condom
should be
held at the base of the penis to keep semen from leaking out of the
condom.
The
condom should be thrown away after one use.
Condoms
with spermicide are not recommended. They can increase the risk of
sexually
transmitted infections (STIs).
If
the condom tears or rolls off inside the vagina, the woman should take
emergency contraception as soon as possible within five days.
What
are the benefits of using the condom?
A
condom made of latex, silicone, or other synthetic material protects
against
most sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Condoms
are safe, simple, and convenient.
Anyone
can buy condoms in a store without a prescription.
What
are the downsides of using the condom?
You
must use a condom each time you have sex.
Condoms
are not as effective at preventing pregnancy as some other birth
control
methods.
Using
condoms requires cooperation from the male partner.
Latex condoms can cause irritation in people that are allergic to latex.