by What are condoms?
A condom is a thin sheath-shaped barrier device used during sexual intercourse to reduce the probability of pregnancy or spreading sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV/AIDS. Made from natural animal intestine or synthetic materials like latex, condoms work by collecting semen and preventing its entry into the body. While condoms are most commonly associated with contraception, their most important use is for disease prevention.
How condom prevent pregnancy
Condoms work as a physical barrier that blocks semen from entering the vagina, thereby preventing fertilization and pregnancy. When used correctly during every act of sexual intercourse, condoms have been shown to be about 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. Some key factors that determine effectiveness include using condoms with proper storage, open and close techniques and consistency of use. While not as effective as other contraceptive options like birth control pills, condoms are still a highly recommended choice globally due their affordability and dual protection against STIs.
Condoms come in both male and female varieties. Male condoms are used by placing over an erect penis before any genital contact occurs and held in place during intercourse. Female condoms consist of a loose-fitting polyurethane sheath or pouch that is inserted into the vagina before intercourse. While they offer a choice for women to directly control contraception, they require advance preparation and tend to be less preferred due lack of spontaneity. The success rates for pregnancy protection are approximately 95% perfect use for male condoms as compared to about 79% for female condoms.
Condom use for STI prevention
One of the most important functions of condoms is in preventing the transmission of sexually transmitted infections or diseases between sexual partners. By providing an effective barrier against contact with infectious bodily fluids like semen, vaginal fluids and blood, condoms greatly lower the risk of passing or acquiring common STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV/AIDS and human papillomavirus (HPV). This protection depends on consistent and correct condom use from start to finish of each act of intercourse.
Some key STIs that condoms are highly effective against include:
– HIV: When used correctly every time, condoms reduce the risk of getting or spreading HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, by approximately 98%. This makes condoms a critical tool in HIV prevention.
– HPV: Human papillomavirus is the most common STI worldwide and known to cause cancers. Condoms lower the likelihood of getting HPV by approximately 70%.
– Hepatitis B: A vaccine-preventable liver infection, hepatitis B spreads through bodily fluids like semen. Condoms reduce the risk of transmission by at least 95% as they block contact with infectious fluids.
– Herpes: Both HSV-1 (oral herpes) and HSV-2 (genital herpes) can be limited from spreading via consistent condom use, which blocks contact with sores or sites of viral shedding.
While not 100% effective against all STIs due to possible contact with infected skin, condoms remain the best approach available for protection when used properly and in combination with other prevention methods. Their widespread use has helped drive down rates of curable STIs globally.
Safety and side effects of condom
When used as directed, condoms are remarkably safe for most users. Natural latex condoms do not contain chemicals or hormones that could cause unwanted side effects. Rare allergic reactions to latex in condoms, lubricants or spermicides do sometimes occur and should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Other potential though mild side effects that some condom users report include:
– Loss of sensation. While thinner latex formulations aim to counter this, condoms can marginally decrease sensitivity during sex.
– Slippage or breakage. This is typically due to user error like improper storage, fitting or rushing application/removal. Newer condom designs and materials help minimize these risks.
– Vaginal irritation. For some women, latex or lubricant components in condoms can potentially lead to irritation, itching or discomfort. Non-latex and hypoallergenic options aim to solve this issue.
Overall, modern condoms are quite well-tolerated physically. Any severe or persistent reactions should be discussed with a doctor. But their strong benefits of pregnancy and disease protection overwhelmingly outweigh minor potential side effects for most condom users. With practice, condoms need not interfere with sexual enjoyment either.
Choosing and using condoms properly
There are important considerations when selecting and using condoms to maximize their effectiveness:
-Check the expiration date and do not use out of date condoms.
-Inspect for tiny holes or damage before opening package.
-Use ample lubrication (water-based lubricants like KY Jelly) to reduce breakage risk.
-Pinch the air out of the tip while rolling condom on to prevent breaks.
-Use proper technique by rolling condom all the way down to base of erect penis.
-Withdraw while flaccid and before fluid contact to avoid spills.
-Use a new condom for every act of intercourse.
Popular condom brands nowadays offer more choices in fit, feel and materials. But regardless of type, correct and consistent use is key to achieving the highest level of pregnancy and STI protection possible with condoms. They remain an invaluable resource for sexual health worldwide when used as directed.
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.
