Male condoms

male condoms

Male condoms , also known as a male condoms or rubber, prevents pregnancy by keeping sperm out of the vagina. Additionally, condoms protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.  Condoms are 98 percent effective when used consistently and correctly every time, but that number drops to about 82 percent effectiveness with “typical use.” Condoms are easy to use and readily available in various sizes, shapes, and materials.

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What are condoms?

A male condoms , also called a rubber or external condom, is a tube-like sheath typically made from thin latex rubber that fits over a man’s erect penis. Male condoms are a barrier method of contraception. A condom prevents pregnancy by keeping sperm out of the vagina. Additionally, condoms are the only birth control method that protects against both sexually transmitted infections (STIs) – including HIV – and pregnancy. Condoms can also provide protection against diseases like Zika and Ebola that can spread through sex.

How effective are condoms?

Condoms are 98 percent effective when used correctly every time you have sex. This means that within a year, about 2 in 100 couples who use condoms consistently and perfectly will get pregnant. But with typical use, about 18 out of every 100 couples who use condoms as their only method of birth control will get pregnant in the first year.

Because a condom can break, tear, or come off, you might want to use a backup form of birth control such as spermicide or the Pill. However, spermicide can cause irritation, making you more susceptible to STIs or a urinary tract infection.

Latex condoms are very effective at reducing your risk of STIs, including HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and somewhat effective at protecting against human papilloma virus (HPV). Still, a condom can slip or break. So even if you use a condom correctly every time you have sex, it doesn’t completely eliminate your risk of acquiring an STI from an infected partner. The best ways to avoid transmission of an STI are to abstain from sex or be in a long-term monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner.

Polyurethane condoms offer similar levels of STI and pregnancy protection as latex condoms – but they are more likely to slip off. Lambskin condoms protect against pregnancy, but should only be used if the risk of STDs isn’t a concern.

Are there different types of condoms?

There are a few different types of condoms. Read on to determine the best condom for you:

Latex condoms

Latex condoms are the most commonly used type of condom. When used consistently and correctly, they’re highly effective at preventing pregnancy and reducing your risk of STIs, including HIV. If you have a latex allergy or latex sensitivity, try one of the condoms below instead.

Polyurethane condoms

Made of thin plastic, polyurethane condoms offer similar levels of protection as latex condoms. However, they don’t fit as tightly, are more likely to slip off, and usually cost more.

Polyisoprene condoms

Polyisoprene condoms are made from synthetic rubber and are stretchier than latex condoms. They provide similar pregnancy and STD protection.

Lambskin condoms

The only condom made of a natural animal product, lambskin condoms prevent pregnancy but do not protect against STIs. Lambskin condoms are typically made of sheep intestines. They contain small pores that are big enough to let viruses through that can cause STDs.

Female condoms

Female condoms are a soft, flexible pouch coated with a silicone lubricant and inserted into the vagina. They offer similar levels of protection as male condoms.

Anal sex condoms

The FDA just recently approved a new condom that is better for anal sex, and which works well for vaginal sex as too.

How to use a condom

  1. Take out a new condom each time you have sex. Inspect the packaging and don’t use it if it’s torn, damaged, or past its expiration date. Open the package carefully so as not to damage the condom.
  2. Squeeze the air out of the condom to leave room for semen. Put the condom on the tip of the erect penis before any genital, anal, or oral contact. If you aren’t circumcised, pull down the foreskin before putting on the condom.
  3. Unroll the condom to the base of the erect penis. It should unroll easily. If it doesn’t, it might be damaged, old, or it is on inside out. If the condom is on inside out, throw it away and use a new one.
  4. Immediately after ejaculation, hold the condom in place and withdraw the penis. Slide the condom off, careful not to spill any semen, even on the vulva, and dispose of it safely in the trash. Remember to use a new condom if you want to have sex again.

Some tips for comfortable, safe condom usage:

  • Use water- or silicone-based lubricants with latex condoms. Oil-based lubricants—such as petroleum jelly, baby oil, mineral oil, olive oil, body lotion, cold cream, or vegetable oil—can weaken latex rubber almost instantly and cause it to rupture. Even foods like whipped cream contain oil and can damage a condom.
  • Don’t use a female condom when your partner is wearing a male condoms. The condoms can stick to each other and cause one or both to slip out of place or break.
  • Vaginal creams and suppositories used for yeast infections, estrogen creams and suppositories, and hemorrhoid medications will also damage a latex condom because they usually contain an oil–based ingredient. If you’re using one of these medications, switch to polyurethane condoms, use another birth control method, or don’t have sex.

How to store a condom:

  • Keep condoms in a cool, dry place. Every condom is checked for defects before it’s packaged, but heat, humidity, and sunlight can weaken latex.
  • Don’t keep condoms in a wallet, back pant pocket, glove compartment, or bathroom for more than a short time.
  • Never use a condom if it’s past the expiration date, if the package doesn’t look right, or if the condom itself is discolored, sticky, or brittle.

Are there different sizes of condoms?

Yes. Standard condoms are about 6 to 8 ½ inches when unrolled, which should fit most men. However, some men get a better fit with a larger or smaller size. Shape can also affect how a condom fits. Some condoms are straight-sided and some are tapered. Condoms also come in a variety of colors, flavors, and textures. Experiment with different brands until you find one that feels good to you and your partner.

What should I do if the condom breaks?

If a condom breaks or slips off, pregnancy and STI transmission are both possible. You may want to consider using emergency contraception which will prevent ovulation in case your body was about to release an egg from the ovary in the following few days after condom breakage. The sooner you use emergency contraception, the more likely it is to be effective. (See our complete article on emergency contraception).

What should I do if I’m allergic to latex?

Latex allergies are uncommon, and mild allergic reactions to latex condoms are rare. If you have a reaction to a latex condom, you might have a similar reaction to rubber gloves or balloons. Signs of a mild reaction include redness, itching, rash, or signs of swelling in the area that came in contact with the condom. A severe allergic reaction can involve hives, dizziness, difficulty breathing, and even anaphylaxis, a potentially life – threatening condition that can cause throat swelling and severe difficulty breathing. In this case, seek immediate medical attention.

Certain fruits – including bananas, avocados, and kiwis – have the same allergens as found in latex. If you’re allergic to these fruits, you’re more likely to have a latex allergy.

Talk to your doctor if you suspect you have a latex allergy and see them when you’re reacting, if possible. In the meantime, avoid latex, as an allergic reaction can become worse with each additional exposure. Switch to polyurethane condoms. If you continue to notice irritation after switching, your symptoms may be caused by something in your lubricant or, more commonly, in a vaginal spermicide (if you’re using one).

Where to get condoms

Condoms are readily available at drugstores and supermarkets, as well as online. They don’t require a prescription.

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