Condoms are devices that create a barrier and prevent contact of the vagina with semen. There are both male and female condoms available and both are effective in preventing pregnancy. Male condoms are made of latex, polyurethane or lamb skin, while female condoms are made of latex or polyurethane.
Proper Use
The male condom is rolled over the penis. The tip of the condom, which is called a reservoir tip, should have enough space to catch the sperm during ejaculation. The female condom has two rings: one at the closed end and a larger one at the open end. The American Pregnancy Association explains that the smaller ring holds the condom in place inside the vagina, and the larger ring covers the outer part of the vagina.
Effectiveness
The typical use of the male condom has a failure rate of 14 to 15 percent. Female condoms have a failure rate of 21 percent with typical use. According to "Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach," using condoms in conjunction with other barrier methods, such as a spermicidal agent, increase the effectiveness to 95 percent.
Precautions
Never use teeth or fingernails when handling condoms to keep from making tears or holes. Mineral oil-based vaginal creams, lotions and lubricants can decrease the strength of latex by 90 percent in 60 seconds, explains "Pharmacotherapy." Water-soluble lubricants do not have this effect and are preferable.
References
- American Pregnancy Association: Female Condom
- "Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach"; Joseph T. Dipiro, Robert L. Talbert, et al.; 2008
- American Pregnancy Association: Male Condom
