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Condoms: How to use them effectively
By Mayo Clinic staffMayo Clinic Health Manager
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Definition
A male condom is a thin sheath placed over the erect penis just before sexual intercourse. Condoms, commonly called rubbers, are a very 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 sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms are available with or without a lubricant in a variety of lengths, shapes, widths and thicknesses — and even come in different colors. Some condoms are textured to enhance sensation.
Why it's done
Condoms can prevent both pregnancy and STDs.
If you use them correctly every time you have sex, condoms are effective at preventing pregnancy and the transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS. Condoms also reduce the risk of infection from other STDs, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia.
Condoms don't have the side effects found in some forms of female contraception, such as birth control pills or shots, or potential complications of an intrauterine device (IUD). They are available without a prescription, and are easy to obtain.
Risks
- Some people are allergic to latex, and if either partner is allergic, he or she may react to contact with a latex condom. Reactions to latex include rash, hives, runny nose, swelling and constriction of the airways and loss of blood pressure. In this case, a condom made from polyurethane or lambskin may be an option.
- While condoms are an effective way to prevent the transmission of STDs and to prevent pregnancy, they aren't foolproof. While it's rare, it's still possible to get an STD or get pregnant when using a condom, especially if it breaks or comes off during sex.
How you prepare
Condoms are available without a prescription. They're sold in many stores and from vending machines in some restrooms. Condoms may be less expensive at family planning clinics such as Planned Parenthood. They're also usually available at university health centers.
Condoms come in a number of shapes, sizes and textures. Finding a condom that works well for you can take a little trial and error.
- Fit is important. If it's too tight, a condom is more likely to break. If it's too loose, it may slip off.
- Some men find that condoms decrease sensation or are uncomfortable to wear. You may find that a certain type of condom is more comfortable for you or provides greater sensation during sex.
Some condoms are lubricated with nonoxynol-9, a spermicide meant to help prevent pregnancy. However, condoms without spermicide appear to be a better option for several reasons:
- Spermicidal condoms don't appear to be any more effective than other lubricated condoms at preventing pregnancy.
- Nonoxynol-9 may irritate or damage skin cells in the vagina and rectum. This could potentially increase the risk of getting an STD.
- Spermicide doesn't help protect you or your partner against HIV/AIDS or other STDs.
- Spermicidal condoms cost more than other types of condoms and have a shorter shelf life.
Condom safety tips
- Store condoms in a cool, dry place. Exposure to air, heat and light increases the chance that a condom will break. Don't keep condoms in a billfold, back pocket or glove compartment for an extended period of time. Friction, perspiration and changes in temperature can cause condoms to break down and become less reliable.
- Check the expiration date. Don't use a condom after its expiration has passed.
- Check condoms for damage — brittleness, small tears or pinprick holes — before using.
- With latex condoms, be sure to use only water-based lubricants, such as K-Y jelly. Don't use oil-based lubricants, such as petroleum jelly, baby oil, cooking oil or lotion. They can weaken a latex condom and cause it to break.
- Never reuse a condom. If a condom is inside out and does not unroll easily, don't flip it over because there may be semen in it. Use another condom.
- If you're concerned about preventing STDs, use a latex or polyurethane condom. Lambskin condoms don't protect against STDs as well as latex or polyurethane condoms do. Read the label on the package to see what the condom is made of and whether it's labeled for STD prevention.
- For the best protection from STDs, use a condom during any sexual activity, whether vaginal, oral or anal.
What you can expect
It's important to use condoms carefully, correctly and consistently.
- Open the package carefully. Don't use teeth or fingernails.
- If you use condoms that aren't already lubricated, apply lubricant inside and outside of the condom.
- If you're not circumcised, make sure you pull your foreskin back before putting on the condom.
- Place the tip of the rolled-up condom over the erect penis. The rolled rim should be on the outside.
- Gently press the tip of the condom to remove air.
- Unless the condom has a reservoir tip, unroll the condom down over the entire penis while leaving room — a half-inch space — at the tip to collect the semen.
- Remove any air bubbles to make sure the condom fits correctly. An air bubble could cause the condom to tear or come off.
- After intercourse, withdraw the penis while holding the base of the condom so that the condom doesn't come off. Then remove the condom and dispose of it in the trash. Don't flush condoms down the toilet.
Results
Condoms are an effective form of birth control. However, about 1 in 50 couples who use condoms correctly will get pregnant in a year. Chances of pregnancy increase if you don't always wear a condom during intercourse, or you use condoms incorrectly.
Although there is still some risk for getting or transmitting STDs, condoms are very effective at preventing the transmission of most STDs. When used correctly, a condom creates a barrier that limits your exposure — and your partner's exposure — to semen or other body fluids that can carry STDs.
- Warner L, et al. Male condoms. In: Hatcher RA, et al. Contraceptive Technology. 19th ed. New York, N.Y.: Ardent Media; 2007:297.
- Flannagan J. Promoting sexual health: Practical guidelines on male condom use. Nursing standard. 2008;21:67.
