Parles-en aux experts » ABCs of Male Condoms

ABCs of Male Condoms

Article published on May 25, 2002 in Planetahead.ca by Vancouver Coastal Health Authority

What are condoms?

Definitely “better than a tube sock!”
Condoms a.k.a. rubber, wrap, sheath

For many people, condoms are the cheapest and easiest form of birth control (other than not having sex). It’s a bonus that they also protect us against most STD’s.

Kinds of Condoms

What kind of condoms is there?

Latex condoms are the most readily available condoms. When used consistently and correctly, latex condoms are a good protection from pregnancy and most STDs.

Polyurethane condoms are a new alternative to latex condoms. Many people who use polyurethane condoms really like them because they say they retain heat and allow for greater feeling. Like latex condoms, when worn consistently and correctly, they are effective in protecting against pregnancy and most STDs. Polyurethane condoms are a good alternative for people who develop a rash when they use latex condoms.

Natural condoms (ie made from animal skin) are another alternative; however, they are less effective than latex or polyurethane condoms in protecting against pregnancy and STDs because are porous (contain small holes).

How They Work

How do condoms work?

The condom is rolled over the penis when the penis is erect or hard. It must be put on before the penis touches the woman’s vagina or the area around the entrance to the vagina.

It acts like a thin wall between the vagina and the penis. It helps to stop sperm and most STDs from passing between partners.

Condoms provide very good protection against pregnancy and STDs. When used with a contraceptive foam, they provide excellent protection against pregnancy.

Steps for correctly using a condom:
1. Check the date on the wrapper or box. It may not protect you if used after the expiration date.
2. Open the package carefully so you don’t rip the condom.
3. The condom is more comfortable if you use a lubricant to make it slippery. Use a water-based lubricant such as KY jelly or Astroglide. Don’t use an oil-based lubricant like Vaseline, massage oil or hand lotion. The oil destroys the latex.
4. Pinch the tip and roll the condom onto the erect penis.
5. Leave about a 1/2″ space at the end of the condom for the semen to collect in. Some condoms have a nipple at the end for this purpose.
6. The penis must be withdrawn as soon as the male ejaculates because his penis gets smaller quickly and the condom can slip off and leak. He should hold the condom against the base of the penis and pull both the condom and the penis out of the vagina together.

How to Put on a Condom

Advantages

What are the advantages?

Condoms are easy to buy and to use.

They don’t cause any health problems or cause any side effects. A small percentage of people develop a rash when they use latex condoms because they are allergic to latex. If a rash develops when using latex condoms, use polyurethane male or female condoms instead.

Latex condoms give very good protection against pregnancy.

Condoms provide a good protection from most STDs.

Some say that wearing a condom helps to maintain an erection longer. Disadvantages

What are the disadvantages?

Condoms can break if they are kept in a place that is too warm or cold. (Don’t keep condoms in your wallet, in your backpack where they could get pierced by keys, or the glove compartment, ashtray or change bin of your car. Carry your condoms in a container that protects them from sharp objects or keep them near the bed.)

Some people find that condoms “interrupt the mood” and reduce sensitivity.

Cost

What do they cost?

Condoms can be purchased at drug stores, grocery stores and some convenience stores. Each condom costs about 75 cents.

Condoms are available free from youth clinics and some school counsellors have free condoms available.

Lubricant

Have a Smooth Ride! Lubricant is a fluid that is used to make vaginal or anal intercourse safer and more comfortable. It can also be used when inserting a finger or dildo into the vagina or anus. It’s important to use lubricants that are made specifically for sex, because they are water-based. This kind of lubricant is not harmful to the body. Do not use oil-based lubricants such as baby oil or Vaseline with a latex condom, because they will break down the latex condom.

Most condoms are made already lubricated…but it’s a good idea to check that they are lubricated before using them. If not, use extra lubricant. You don’t need to use a lot of lubricant, just a few drops on the outside of the condom before penetration.

PS: Oil-based lubricants do not break down polyurethane condoms.

Barriers for Oral Sex

Some STDs (such as herpes and genital warts) can be spread by oral sex (mouth to genitals). If you have oral sex you need to be careful… look where you put your mouth. However, it is also true that in some cases you cannot see STDs, such as herpes and genital warts.

To protect yourself from getting an STD through oral sex, you can use a barrier. For oral sex on a man, you can put a condom on the penis before you put your mouth on it. If you are giving oral sex to a woman you can put a barrier over the vulva (vagina area). Examples of barriers to use on a woman are a non-lubricated condom cut in half, piece of Saran wrap, or a dental dam.

Note! When using a condom as a barrier for oral sex it’s a good idea to use non-lubricated condoms because the lubricant is not the most pleasant tasting.

Talk the Talk

Talking to a boyfriend or girlfriend about safer sex can be difficult and embarrassing. Often the person who brings up the topic can feel like they are admitting that they have an STD, or that they sleep around. This is not true!!!! Talking about sex does not mean that you are having sex and talking about safer sex does not mean you have an STD. It means you are playing it smart!

Here are some tips for bringing up the issue of safer sex with a potential partner:

Consider your own thoughts about sex. How do you feel about it? What do you want?

Find out what your potential partner thinks about safer sex before you decide to be sexual.

Start a casual conversation about sex-”I saw a TV special on STDs and it made me nervous. What do you think…?”

Ask your boyfriend/girlfriend: “What do you think about condoms?”

Try not to preach or judge. This may make a person less able to talk openly and honestly.
Remember that talking about STDs does not mean you don’t trust your partner. You’re not blaming or assuming your partner has a disease. Talking about it protects you both.

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