s*xual Health; Condoms And Risks

A male condom is a
thin sheath placed
over the erect man-
hood and left in place
during s*xual
intercourse. Condoms,
also called rubbers,
are an effective way to protect yourself and your
partner from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
and to prevent pregnancy. Condoms are simple to
use, inexpensive and widely available.

Condoms are usually made of latex, but some are
made from polyurethane or lambskin. Latex and
polyurethane condoms provide the most protection
against STDs (also called sexually transmitted
infections). Condoms are available with or without
a lubricant and come in a variety of lengths, shapes,
widths, thicknesses and colors. Some condoms are
textured to increase sensation.

Why it’s done:
If you use them correctly every time you have s*x,
condoms prevent pregnancy and the transmission
of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the
virus that causes AIDS. Condoms also reduce the
risk of infection from other STDs, such as gonorrhea
and chlamydia.
Condoms don’t have the side effects found in some
forms of female contraception, such as birth control
pills or shots, or potential complications of an
intrauterine device (IUD). They are available
without a prescription and are easy to obtain.

Risks:
Condoms are generally safe and effective. However,
there are a few things you should consider:
Condoms can trigger a latex allergy. Reactions to
latex can include rash, hives, runny nose and in
severe cases, tightening of the airways and loss of
blood pressure. If you or your partner is allergic to
latex, a polyurethane or lambskin condom may be
an alternative.
Condoms aren’t foolproof. There’s still a risk of
getting an STD or becoming pregnant when using a
condom, especially if it breaks or comes off during
s*x.

How you prepare:
Condoms are available without a prescription.
They’re sold in many stores and from vending
machines in some restrooms. Condoms may be less
expensive or may be free at family planning clinics
such as Planned Parenthood. School nurses and
university health centers often have condoms
available for free.
Finding a type of condom that works well for you
can take a little trial and error. Fit is important. If
it’s too tight, a condom is more likely to break. If
it’s too loose, it may slip off. Some men find that
condoms decrease sensation or are uncomfortable
to wear. You may find that a certain type of condom
is more comfortable for you or provides greater
sensation during s*x.
Some condoms are lubricated with nonoxynol-9, a
spermicide meant to help prevent pregnancy.
However, condoms without spermicide appear to be
a better option for several reasons:
Spermicidal condoms don’t appear to be any more
effective than other lubricated condoms at
preventing pregnancy.
Nonoxynol-9 may irritate or damage skin cells in
the v**ina or rectum. This could potentially
increase the risk of getting an STD.
Spermicide doesn’t help protect you or your
partner against HIV/AIDS or other STDs.
Spermicidal condoms cost more than other types of
condoms and have a shorter shelf life.