Male Condom

A male condom is a sheath of thin rubber used to cover the erect penis. The condom prevents semen from entering the vagina, preventing pregnancy and reducing the amount of genital skin–to–skin contact, which reduces the transmission of some STIs. Use only latex and polyurethane condoms, because condoms made of animal skins ("natural skin" and "lambskin") or other materials have small pores that allow viruses to pass through.

Advantages:

• Protects against STIs (including HIV/AIDS) during vaginal, oral or anal sex
• Easy to use and accessible– available at drug stores and convenient stores
• Does not affect future fertility
• Delays premature ejaculation

Disadvantages:

• May slip off, leak, or break
• May interfere with spontaneity and/or sexual sensations
• Must be stored in a cool, dry place
• Must be used correctly

How to Put on a Male Condom

• Check the expiration date.
• Carefully open an edge of the package without damaging the condom. Don’t use scissors or teeth.
• Inspect the condition. Condoms in damaged packages or showing signs of deterioration (brittleness, stickiness, or discoloration) should not be used regardless of the expiration date.
• Before there is any sexual contact, but after the penis is erect, squeeze the tip of the condom and place the rolled condom on the head of the penis.
• Continue to squeeze the tip of the condom and with the other hand roll the condom down over the shaft of the penis, leaving a half–inch space at the tip of the condom to collect the semen.
• Roll the condom down so that it covers the entire penis, down to the base of the penis.
• After ejaculation, withdraw the penis while still erect so the semen stays inside the condom.
• Hold the rim on the condom as you withdraw to make sure that the condom does not slip off.
• Carefully remove the condom without spilling any semen.
• Wrap the condom in tissue and put it in the trash. Don’t flush the condom down the toilet.
• Use a new condom for every act of vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse.
• If you think the condom broke, tore, or leaked contact your doctor immediately to get emergency contraception.

Condom DO’s and DON’Ts

• Do use a fresh condom for each erection.
• Do put a condom on before any skin–to–skin contact, and leave it on until sex is finished.
• Do use water–based lubricants. Don’t ever reuse a condom.
• Don’t use two condoms at once.
• Don’t use a male condom and a female condom at the same time.
• Don’t keep condoms in a car, wallet, pocket or any place where heat and friction can weaken the rubber.
• Don’t use oil–based lubricants.