August 22, 2017

Condom

Condoms are one of the most popular forms of birth control. They come in hundreds of shapes, sizes, colors, and flavors, and with or without spermicide and latex. There are two types of condoms: external, male condom and internal, female condom. The male condom slips over the penis to prevent sperm from contacting the vagina. The female condom is inserted in the vagina to prevent contact from sperm.

Details

  • 82% effective!
  • You must use a new condom every time you have sex. One condom per erection!
  • Doesn’t affect your ability to get pregnant after you stop using it.
  • The only method of birth control to protect against STIs.

How to Use It

How to put a condom on:

Step one: check the expiration date (that condom you’ve been carrying in your wallet or purse for three years is more likely to break). Be careful not to tear the condom while unwrapping it. Put the condom on before the penis touches the vulva by unrolling the condom over the penis as far as it will go and smoothing out air bubbles. Leave a half-inch of space at the tip to collect the semen and pinch the air out of the tip.

Bonus Tips!
  • Put a drop or two of lube inside the condom to help the condom slide on.
  • If your partner isn’t circumcised, pull back his foreskin before rolling on the condom.
How to take a condom off:

Pull the penis out before it’s soft while holding on to the base of the condom. Throw the condom away in a trash can. Do NOT flush it down the toilet!

Side Effects

Pros Cons
  • Protects against STIs, including HIV
  • Cheap and easy to get a hold of
  • No prescription necessary
  • May help with premature ejaculation

 

  • Unless you’re allergic to latex, condoms cause no physical side effects (only 1 or 2 out of 100 people are allergic, and if you happen to be one of them, you can always use a plastic condom instead)
  • Some people may be sensitive to certain brands of lubricant (so, if the lube bugs you or your partner, try another brand)
  • Some guys complain that condoms reduce sensitivity
  • Hard to remember to use if you’re drunk (but that might be when you need one most, so keep them on hand anyway!)