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Male Condom
What is a male
condom?
The male condom is a
sheath that is rolled over the penis to prevent semen from
entering the vagina. Condoms are a barrier method of birth
control made of latex, polyurethane or lambskin, to be disposed
of after each use.
How does a male condom
work?
Most male condoms have a
small reservoir at the tip of the condom used to catch the
sperm during ejaculation. The male condom reduces the
likelihood that the vagina and cervix will come in direct
contact with the penis or with secretions from the penis. Some
condoms come with a spermicidal agent designed to kill the
sperm.
2 Out of every 100
condoms break. Lubrications may be used to help prevent condoms
from tearing, but not all lubricants are safe to use with latex
condoms.
How effective is a male
condom?
The typical use of male
condoms, which is the average way most people use them, has a
failure rate of 14-15%. This means that 14-15 people out of
every 100 will become pregnant during the first year of use.
Spermicidal agents increase the effectiveness to over 95% when
used correctly and consistently. You should take a pregnancy
test if you are experiencing any pregnancy symptoms.
What are the side effects or health
risks of male condoms?
Male condoms do not have
any side effects except to individuals who are allergic to
latex.
Is a male condom
reversible?
Yes. It is possible to
get pregnant immediately if condoms are no longer
used.
How much does a male condom
cost?
The cost of male condoms
depends on the style (ribbed, lubricated) and the type (latex,
lambskin, polyurethane). Most condoms are purchased in packages
from 3 to 12. Some health facilities may distribute condoms
free.
What about male condoms and sexually
transmitted diseases (STD's)?
A condom is the only
means of birth control that provides any reduction in the
transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. However condoms
are not "Safe Sex," but rather "Safer Sex." According to the
workshop summary, "Scientific Evidence on Condom Effectiveness
for Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Prevention," July 2001,
The National Institute of Health and the National Institute of
Allergy and Infectious Diseases report:
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Condoms provide no reduction in
the transmission of the human papilloma virus (HPV)
or Trichomonas vaginalis.
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Syphilis transmission is
reduced 29% for typical use. It is reduced 50 to
71% when condoms are used correctly 100% of the
time.
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Gonorrhea and Chlamydia
transmission is reduced by approximately 50% even
when condoms are used 100% of the time.
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Genital herpes transmission is
reduced by approximately 40%
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HIV transmission is reduced by
approximately 85% when condoms are used correctly
100% of the time.
Condoms help prevent the
transmission of STD's by reducing the likelihood of partner
exposure through genital contact or fluid secretions. Condoms
only reduce the likelihood of exposure, they do not
prevent exposure.
What are the pros & cons for male
condoms?
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