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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffA male condom is a thin sheath placed over the erect penis and left in place during sexual intercourse. Condoms, also called rubbers, are an effective way to protect yourself and your partner from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and to prevent pregnancy. Condoms are simple to use, inexpensive and widely available.
Condoms are usually made of latex, but some are made from polyurethane or lambskin. Latex and polyurethane condoms provide the most protection against STDs (also called sexually transmitted infections). Condoms are available with or without a lubricant and come in a variety of lengths, shapes, widths, thicknesses and colors. Some condoms are textured to increase sensation.
- Stone KM, et al. Male condoms. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 25, 2011.
- Levine JP, et al. Nonhormonal contraceptives. In: Rakel RE. Textbook of Family Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2467-5..50039-7--cesec41&isbn=978-1-4160-2467-5&type=bookPage§ionEid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2467-5..50039-7--cesec42&uniqId=234322173-3#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2467-5..50039-7--cesec42. Accessed Jan. 25, 2011.
- Instructions for male condoms. American Social Health Association. http://www.ashastd.org/condom/condom_male_nopics.cfm. Accessed Jan. 25, 2011.
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