Currently, condoms are the only widely available, proven method for preventing pregnancy and reducing transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during sex. Condoms work. Condoms work best when you know some basic facts and understand how to use them. The facts on this page will help you have a better idea of how to use condoms correctly and protect your (and your partner’s) health.
External Condoms
External condoms are thin, stretchy pouches that go over the penis to prevent pregnancy and STIs. Cave drawings suggest that the idea of condoms has been around for thousands of years. Early condoms were likely made from animal skins but now we have modern materials like latex, polyurethane, and silicone.
These materials are thin (to let you feel your partner) and strong (to prevent sperm or germs from getting through). Condoms are easy to get, easy to use, and inexpensive. They are the only form of birth control that also protects against STIs.
Condoms Prevent Pregnancy
Condoms provide a strong barrier that prevent sperm from getting into the vagina during penis-in-vagina sex. When used consistently (every time) and correctly (the right way) condoms are 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. Condoms are very easy to use, but people make mistakes. In real world conditions condoms are about 87% effective in preventing pregnancy.
Most condom failure is user failure. Studies have found that people sometimes don’t put on a condom at the beginning of sex, or they take it off too soon. The most common condom failure though—not using one at all. We can’t really blame a condom that’s been left in the night table drawer, can we?
To ensure you get the best pregnancy protection, use a condom every time. Put it on before sex starts and leave it on until after ejaculation.
Condoms Can Prevent STIs
Condoms also provide a strong barrier that even the smallest STI germ cannot get through. Studies have found that condoms are highly effective in preventing HIV. They are also very good at preventing STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea that are spread through semen and vaginal/cervical secretions. The condom acts as a barrier that prevents you and your partner from exchanging these fluids.
Condoms can also reduce the risk of STIs like syphilis, herpes, and HPV that are spread through skin-to-skin contact when the infected areas are protected by the condom. Condoms can’t provide complete protection for these STIs because sores and warts can appear in places they don’t cover like on the scrotum or the buttocks.
Using a condom is still an important part of STI prevention. Research shows that most HPV infections in men, for example, are located in areas that are covered by a condom. Studies also show that young women who use condoms are much less likely to contract HPV. Using latex condoms can also reduce an individual’s risk of developing HPV-associated diseases such as cervical cancer.
All Condoms Are Tested
Condoms are a Class II medical device which means they are manufactured to strict FDA and industry standards. Condoms undergo rigorous strength testing. In fact, every condom goes through an electrical current test to make sure there aren’t any holes.
Condoms are Easy to Use
The FDA requires some pretty complicated condom instructions inside the box, but anyone who has ever used one knows it’s pretty easy. Check the expiration date (don’t worry, they last a long time), open the package, and unroll it onto the erect penis. It’s that simple.
When you’re done having sex, make sure you or your partner pull outs and takes the condom off pretty quickly. The condom won’t be as tight around the penis once the erection goes down and semen could leak out.
Throw it away and grab a new one if you’re going to have sex again.
It’s that easy.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
