Condom
OB-GYN 101 ©2003
checking for such tiny openings is likely to 98% effective. That is, 2 women out of
A condom is a latex or animal skin sheath
weaken the condom, increasing the
100 will become pregnant each year if
which fits over the penis. During male
chance for breakage.
condoms are used as contraception.
orgasm, semen is trapped within the
condom, preventing pregnancy.
Some condoms are pre-lubricated. While In addition to providing contraception,
this makes them somewhat more difficult the condom also provides reasonably
The condom is very effective, with annual
to put on (they are slippery), the
good protection against some sexuallyfailure rates of about 2%. Reasons for
lubrication increases their heat and
transmitted diseases. (HIV, chlamydia,
failure include non-use, breakage of the
surface contour conduction, making their gonorrhea and syphilis...those STDs
condom during intercourse, or loss of the
use seem less "artificial," and improving
transmitted via semen or body fluids)
condom. This loss most often occurs after
sensitivity. For couples in whom vaginal
The condom does not offer much
ejaculation as the penis is returning to its'
lubrication is insufficient, lubricated
protection against such STDs as
non-erect size. To prevent loss of the
condoms can be helpful. Use of
condyloma (warts) or herpes, because
condom at this time, it is important to hold
petroleum jelly as a lubricant is probably
these viruses are transmitted mainly
onto the base of it when the penis is
not a good idea as latex is soluble in
through skin-to-skin contact.
withdrawn from the vagina. Making sure
petroleum products and the lubricant may
to roll the condom completely down
weaken the condom.
(rather than partway down) over the erect
penis will also help prevent its loss during
Some condoms are packaged with a
intercourse. Use of high-quality, new
spermicide (nonoxynol-9). This addition
condoms is also advisable. Tiny pinholes
increases their effectiveness somewhat,
in the condoms are not likely to be a
but condoms are still considered about
cause for failure and the process of