Male Condom Looking for more information on this topic?

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1 2010 Male Condom

2 Male Condoms What is a male condom? A condom is a thin cover worn over the erect penis. There are latex, lambskin and polyurethane condoms. Some condoms are prelubricated with a water-based lubricant or a small amount of spermicide. How does a male condom work? The condom catches semen, which contains sperm. This prevents the sperm from reaching the egg to fertilize it. How effective is a male condom? A condom is about 87%-98% effective in preventing pregnancy if used properly every time you have vaginal intercourse. A condom will be more effective if used along with a spermicidal gel or foam. What are some advantages of a male condom? easy to obtain in drugstores, supermarkets, bars small and easy to carry by both sexes latex and polyurethane condoms protect against sexually transmitted diseases and other infections gives a man a role in birth control may be used along with other forms of birth control as a back-up method of contraception 1

3 no side effects from hormonal types of birth control What are some disadvantages of the male condom? a new condom has to be used each time you have vaginal intercourse it may break, leak, or fall off it may reduce sensitivity during intercourse latex condoms cannot be used by anyone with a latex allergy. Lambskin condoms cannot be used by anyone with a lanolin sensitivity. condoms may not protect against genital warts (human papilloma virus) or herpes some women may be sensitive to the lubricant or spermicide used on some condoms and develop a rash Precautions when using a male condom store condoms at room temperature in their protective wrapper in a dry location away from heat and light. Damage to condoms may occur if kept in a wallet or a back pocket. oil-based lubricants deteriorate rubber. Use waterbased lubricant only. Check expiry date on each package. Using a male condom Place the opened end of the condom over the erect penis. 2

4 Press or squeeze the tip of the condom between your fingers(this prevents breakage). You may lubricate inside the condom, on the penis, or on the outside of the condom using water-based lubricants. This helps to prevent irritation. Unroll the condom over the entire length of the penis (if the condom does not unroll to the base of the penis it has been put on wrong and should be replaced). Smooth out any air bubbles. Withdraw penis while still erect. Hold the condom at the base of the penis to prevent condom from slipping or leaking. Throw the condom in the garbage, not in the toilet. For more information check (How to Use a Condom, C under the A-Z Index). If the condom breaks immediately insert a spermicidal foam or gel if available see a doctor or a family planning clinic for emergency contraception (the morning after pill) within 72 hours. Reluctance to use condoms Some partners do not want to use condoms. It is important to discuss your feelings about pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases before you have sex. Abstinence is still a choice until you both agree. (There are many other satisfying sexual activities other than vaginal intercourse) 3

5 How to Talk about Condoms with a Partner If the partner says You can say I m on the pill. You don t need I want to use it anyway. We will be a condom. protected from infections we may not realize we have. Condoms aren t romantic. What s more romantic than making love and protecting each other s health at the same time? I know I m clean of disease. I As far as I know, I am disease-free haven t had sex with anyone in too, but I still want to use a condom X months. since a person can t always tell if they have an infection. I can t feel a thing when I use a Maybe that way you ll last even condom. It s like wearing a rain longer, and that will make up for it. coat in the shower. OR I think I am woman (man) enough to make you feel something. I don t stay hard when I put on a I can do something about that. condom. Putting it on interrupts everything Not if I can help put it on. OR and destroys the romantic We can make it erotic together. atmosphere. But I love you. Then if you love me, you ll help me protect myself. I guess you don t really love me. I do, but I m not risking my future to prove it. Just this once. Once is all it takes. You carry a condom around with I always carry condoms because you? You were planning on having I care about myself and I care sex? about us. I won t have sex with you if you OK. Let s put if off until we can insist on using a condom. agree. Let s satisfy each other without intercourse. I don t have a condom with me. I do. Table printed with the permission of Journal SOGC, June 1998, page 675 4

6 Looking for more information on this topic? Contact your local public library for books, videos, magazine articles and online health information. For a list of public libraries in Nova Scotia go to Capital Health promotes a smoke-free and scent-free environment. Please do not use perfumed products. Thank you! Capital Health, Nova Scotia Prepared by: TPU, QEII, Halifax Designed and Printed by: CH Audio Visual and Printing Departments WP Reviewed 12/2010 The information in this pamphlet is to be updated every 3 years.