A condom is a latex or animal skin sheath which fits over the penis.
During orgasm, with ejaculation of semen, the sperm are trapped within the condom,
preventing pregnancy.
The condom is very effective, with annual failure rates of about 2%. Reasons for
failure include non-use, breakage of the condom during intercourse, or loss of the condom.
This loss most often occurs after ejaculation as the penis is returning to its' non-erect
size. To prevent loss of the condom at this time, it is important to hold onto the base of
it when the penis is withdrawn from the vagina. Making sure to roll the condom completely
down (rather than partway down) over the erect penis will also help prevent its loss
during intercourse. Use of high-quality, new condoms is also advisable. Tiny pinholes in
the condoms are not likely to be a cause for failure and the process of checking for such
tiny openings is likely to weaken the condom, increasing the chance for breakage.
Some condoms are pre-lubricated. While this makes them somewhat more difficult to put
on (they are slippery), the lubrication increases their heat and surface contour
conduction, making their use seem less "artificial," and improving sensitivity.
For couples in whom vaginal lubrication is insufficient, lubricated condoms can be
helpful. Use of petroleum jelly as a lubricant is probably not a good idea as latex is
soluble in petroleum products and the lubricant may weaken the condom.
Some condoms are packaged with a spermicide (nonoxynol-9). This addition increases
their effectiveness somewhat, but condoms are still considered about 98% effective. That
is, 2 women out of 100 will become pregnant each year if condoms are used as
contraception.
Some couples place the condom on the male just prior to his orgasm, but after
considerable penetrative sexual activity has already taken place. To maintain a
high level of effectiveness, the penis should not come in contact with the vulva or vagina
prior to placement of the condom. During sexual arousal but prior to orgasm, a small
amount of clear liquid may appear at the tip of the penis. This liquid can contain both
sperm and STDs. If the penis were to enter the vagina at this time, both pregnancy and
infection are possible, even though male orgasm has not yet occurred.
Some condoms have a reservoir tip to collect semen after ejaculation. Others have no
such reservoir. For those condoms, it is a good idea to pinch the tip of the condom before
applying it, creating an air-free space that can function as a reservoir tip.
The condom should be rolled completely down to the base of the penis before use
In addition to providing contraception, the condom also provides reasonably good
protection against some sexually-transmitted diseases.The condom provides y good
protection against HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis...those STDs transmitted via
semen or body fluids. The condom does not offer much protection against such STDs as
condyloma (warts) or herpes, because these viruses are transmitted mainly through
skin-to-skin contact and the condom does not totally cover all areas of intimate skin
contact in the male, nor does it cover all of the vulnerable tissues in women. Condoms are
also used to prevent STD transmission during oral sex.
Condoms can be applied by either partner to the erect penis. It is nearly impossible to
apply to a flaccid penis and would not likely remain in place, even if it were possible.
