Condoms: The Most Effective Birth Control Method

Male Condoms

Male condoms are made of plastic, animal membrane or – more commonly – latex, and are rolled on to an erect penis to prevent semen from entering the woman’s vagina both during and after the intercourse. This is also one of the most effective methods for preventing the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.

How to use condoms?

1. Use the Easy-Tear Edge – Use the edge with zig-zag, known as the easy-edge to open the wrapper of the condom. It is designed to open easily and quickly. Prevent the use of scissors, machetes, teeth or any other sharp instruments to open the wrapper, as you may risk damaging the condom in the process.
2. Determine where the condom is rolled – This could be difficult in some instances, particularly when you are in a dark place. The best thing that you can do is to feel which way it is supposed to be rolled on by using your fingers. Otherwise, note that most regular lubricated condoms are only lubricated on the outside, which means that you should be able to determine which way it points by finding the lubricated side of the condom.
3. Penis must be fully erect – Condoms should always fit tightly – but not too much – without any wrinkles on the condom. If it is rolled onto a penis that is not yet fully erect, it may fall off or break during the intercourse.
4. Check for damage or breaks – Check the condom periodically. If you notice that it is loose or has broken during sex, you must replace it immediately. Use emergency contraception such as pills, to prevent pregnancy and avoid fertilisation. If you are in doubt, don’t hesitate or be afraid to consult your doctor for advice.
5. Remove condom after ejaculation – Withdraw the condom by grasping the bottom, to prevent it from spilling or slipping. This will also prevent the condom from getting stock inside the vagina.
6. Dispose properly – After withdrawing the condom, tie its open end and consider wrapping it with toilet or tissue paper. Dispose of the condom by throwing it in the trash can.

Female Condoms

A female condom is worn before sex by inserting it inside the woman’s vagina. It is typically made of a synthetic rubber called nitrile. Just like male condoms, it also serves as a barrier 飛機杯 to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

How to use?

1. Carefully take the female condom out of its pocket. Do not open the package by using your teeth or any sharp materials to prevent it from being damaged.
2. The condom’s smaller ring has to be squeezed at the closed end and then inserted carefully in the vagina.
3. The penis needs to enter the female condom.
4. Gently pull out the condom immediately after sex, to prevent the semen from leaking out.
5. Throw the condom in a trash can and remember not to flash it in the toilet.

How Does It Work?

The main role of condoms is to prevent the semen (sperm) from reaching the egg. It serves as a barrier to make sure that there will be no fertilization ocurring. Condoms for males can feature lubrication and spermicide which will kill the sperm cells quickly and efficiently.

To use the condom effectively, it is advised that the condom should always be worn before having sex, since sperm is likely to appear even before the man’s ejaculation or climax.