Sexual Health and Contraception - Male condom::Barrier Method of Contraception

Male condom

Condom is the most popular method of contraception among barrier ones. It was invented in the 16-th century and at first was designed for syphilis epidemy precaution. Nowadays condoms protect their users from sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS. That is why this method of contraception is preferred by many people, especially by those who are not too choosy in their sexual relations.Also condoms can be used together with a loop, or when a woman forgot to take birth control pill in time.

How to use it

Condoms are sold rolled-up in a small packet. Unroll the condom when you put it on. Do not unroll it in advance. Pinch the tip of the condom enough to leave a half inch space for semen to collect.Pinch the air out of the condom tip with one hand and unroll the condom over the penis with the other hand. Roll the condom all the way down to the base of the penis, and smooth out any air bubbles. (Air bubbles can cause a condom to break). Try not to touch it with nails. A man must take the penis out immediatedly after ejaculation, trying not to spoil sperm and not to leave the condom in vagina.

Effectiveness: theoretically, the condoms effectiveness can be up to 97%. However, the real effecteviness is 80-90%, because not all couples use it correctly.

Advantages of condoms:

Latex condom is the only reliable mean of AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases precaution

Its efectiveness as a method of contraception is up to 97%, provided you use it properly.

It helps to prolong the intercourse, as it makes the penis less sensible

Condom does not cause hormonal disorders like oral contraceptives sometimes do.

Condoms use can be even amusing , as you can choose its colour, shape, smell and taste

It is easy to stop using this method if a couple decided to have a baby.

Disadvantages of condoms:

You must have a condom at hand every time you make love.

It does not make you feel protected because it can be deteriorated

Some couples think that the condom prevents them from sharing sexual energy and deprives the intercourse of intimacy and passion.

Some men prefer not to use the condom as it makes their sensations weaker.

Men, who do not have strong erection cannot use the condom effectively

With all its disadvantages condom is one of the best methods of contraception and it should be used by everyone who can do it.