Many birth control options available that help prevent unplanned pregnancy exist, but of these, condoms are convenient and among the least expensive---particularly because many community centers offer them for free. Further, they are one of only two contraceptive devices that also offer protection from sexually transmitted infections, making them an option for safer sex.
History
Historical evidence suggests that the history of condoms is a long one indeed. According to Avert, an organization dedicated to preventing the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, ancient Egyptians as far back as 1000 BC used linen sheaths to prevent disease and unwanted pregnancies during sexual intercourse. By the 1700's animal intestines replaced leather or fabric, and the effectiveness of the condom as a pregnancy prevention measure increased. Rubber condoms debuted during the 19th century, and by the early 1900's, the advancing science of plastic production opened additional options for condom materials.
Types
Today, latex has replaced animal skin and rubber as the preferred material for condom manufacture, notes Avert. The latex condom has the benefit of being exceptionally thin while still preventing the transmission of semen and pathogenic bacteria or viruses. Polyurethane, a type of plastic, is also used to make some modern condoms. While these condoms are thinner than latex varieties, and may therefore offer more sensation to the wearer, they prove more expensive. Some condoms made of "lamb skin"---actually lamb intestine---generally prove difficult to find in stores and they cost quite a bit more than other materials. Further, they don't prevent transmission of pathogens and prove ineffective at preventing sexually transmitted infections.
Considerations
Planned Parenthood suggests that one of the most important considerations in using a condom includes adequate lubrication---not only will intercourse likely become uncomfortable for both parties without it, improperly lubricated condoms can tear. Both latex and plastic condoms can dissolve in Vaseline and other oil-based lubricants, so water-based solutions like K-Y Jelly remain the best choice.
Use
While condoms are easy to use and effective, it's important to put them on correctly. Planned Parenthood recommends putting on a condom before initiating any genital-genital contact for prevention of pregnancy, while disease prevention also requires condom protection for genital-mouth and genital-anus contact. They further note that it's important to use a fresh condom for each new sexual encounter---after ejaculation, they recommend removing and discarding the condom promptly. Condoms are heat-sensitive and can disintegrate over time, meaning that it's not safe to carry them in a wallet or store them in a glove box. Planned Parenthood recommends checking the expiration date on a condom wrapper prior to use, and never using an expired condom.
Expert Insight
Many men feel that condoms reduce their sensitivity and diminish their ability to enjoy sex. The American Social Health Association provides information on negotiating condom use with a partner to ensure that the sexual encounter proves enjoyable and safe for both individuals. They note that for many people, the emotional stress associated with worrying about pregnancy or disease diminishes sexual pleasure far more than a condom would. They also emphasize that for people in non-committed relationships, it's important to remember that other birth control methods provide protection against unwanted pregnancy, but don't protect against disease.
