Male Condoms
Male condoms are thin sheaths, or coverings, that fit over a man's erect penis. They create a barrier that keeps semen and other body fluids out of the vagina, rectum, or mouth.
Synopsis
Most male condoms are made of thin latex rubber, but they can also be made from other materials, including polyurethane, polyisoprene, lambskin, and nitrile. They are considered a “barrier method” of contraception as they work by forming a literal barrier that keeps sperm out of the vagina, preventing pregnancy. They also help protect people from sexually transmitted diseases by keeping infections in semen, on the penis, or in the vagina from infecting the other partner.
Most male condoms are made of thin latex rubber, but they can also be made from other materials, including polyurethane, polyisoprene, lambskin, and nitrile. They are considered a “barrier method” of contraception as they work by forming a literal barrier that keeps sperm out of the vagina, preventing pregnancy. They also help protect people from sexually transmitted diseases by keeping infections in semen, on the penis, or in the vagina from infecting the other partner.
Key Points
- Male condoms help protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Condoms are the only contraceptive method that can protect against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
- Male condoms require correct use with every act of sex for greatest effectiveness. (The male condom has a typical-use failure rate of 13%, and a perfect-use failure rate of 2%.)
- Male condoms may dull the sensation of sex for some men.
Effectiveness
Risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infection (STI) is greatest when condoms are not used with every act of sex. Very few pregnancies or infections occur due to incorrect use, slips, or breaks.
Protection against pregnancy:
Protection against HIV and other STIs:
Risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infection (STI) is greatest when condoms are not used with every act of sex. Very few pregnancies or infections occur due to incorrect use, slips, or breaks.
Protection against pregnancy:
- As commonly used, about 13 pregnancies per 100 women (13%) whose partners use male condoms over the first year. This means that 87 of every 100 women whose partners use male condoms will not become pregnant.
- When used correctly with every act of sex, about 2 pregnancies per 100 women (2%) whose partners use male condoms over the first year.
Protection against HIV and other STIs:
- Male condoms significantly reduce the risk of becoming infected with HIV when used correctly with every act of vaginal or anal sex.
- When used consistently and correctly, condom use prevents 80% to 95% of HIV transmission that would have occurred without condoms.
- Condoms reduce the risk of becoming infected with many STIs when used consistently and correctly during vaginal or anal sex.
- Protect best against STIs spread by discharge, such as HIV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.
- Also protect against STIs spread by skin-to-skin contact, such as herpes and human papillomavirus.
- Protect best against STIs spread by discharge, such as HIV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.
Nuts & Bolts: Male Condoms
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