Condom

I

Introduction

Condom, type of birth control in the form of a physical barrier that prevents sperm from reaching and fertilizing an egg. There are both male and female condoms. The male condom is a thin, form-fitting sheath worn on the erect penis during sexual intercourse (see Human Sexuality). The female condom consists of a thin polyurethane pouch with a ring on each end. The smaller, closed ring is placed inside the vagina and the larger, open ring remains outside the body at the opening of the vagina.

II

Male Condom

Male condoms have been used for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Egypt when men wore colorful sheaths to cover their penises. Condoms were first used to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy in the 1600s when King Charles II of England used condoms made of sheep intestines. Early versions of the modern condom were developed and became popular in the 18th century.

Today, about 13 percent of American women 15 to 44 years old who use contraception rely on male condoms. Condoms are the most common form of birth control among teenagers, single women, women with no children, and women who want to have additional children. With typical use, condoms are 86 percent effective in preventing pregnancy.

The male condom must be placed on the erect penis before the penis is inserted into the vagina. The condom catches and holds sperm after ejaculation (the release of sperm from the penis). After ejaculation, a man should withdraw his penis from the vagina before his penis loses its erection and the condom leaks or slips off. A condom can be used only once.

---

---

Most male condoms are made of latex or polyurethane, although a small number of condoms available in the United States are made of animal tissue such as sheep membrane. Only latex and polyurethane condoms provide protection against STIs, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). People who are sensitive or allergic to latex should use a polyurethane condom.

Male condoms are available without prescription in retail stores. They may be dry or lubricated and may contain spermicide (foam or jelly that kills sperm). Condoms with spermicide provide additional contraceptive protection, especially if the condom accidentally breaks or slips off. Condoms with spermicide may also increase protection against STIs. Lubricated condoms do not offer additional contraceptive or STI protection, but lubrication may help prevent the condom from tearing during intercourse. Latex or polyurethane condoms can be lubricated with water-based products or contraceptive foams or jellies, but only polyurethane condoms should be coated with oil-based products such as petroleum jelly, since these products can weaken latex and cause a latex condom to tear.

Condoms may break, tear, or slip off during intercourse. Latex condoms stored close to the body, such as in a pants pocket, may break or tear more readily because heat harms the latex. Some people feel that condoms hinder sexual spontaneity because a couple must interrupt sexual activity to put on a condom before sexual intercourse. In addition, some men feel that wearing a condom lessens their sensation.

III

Female Condom

The female condom acts as a barrier by forming a sheath between the penis and the vagina, preventing sperm from reaching and fertilizing an egg. The female condom is made of polylurethane so it can be used with both water- and oil-based lubricants. Like the male condom, it should be used only once and removed immediately after ejaculation. With typical use, the female condom’s effectiveness in preventing pregnancy is 79 percent. The female condom reduces the risk of many STIs.

The female condom is available without a prescription in retail stores. It can be inserted in the vagina several hours before intercourse. Some users find it difficult to insert. In addition, the outer ring can slip into the vagina and the condom can twist during intercourse. Some couples find it irritating to the penis or the vagina.

	More from Encarta
	•  Presidential Myths Quiz •  Coffee break: Recharge your brain