THE MALE CONDOM
THE OLD FAITHFUL.
WRAP IT UP
The male condom is one of the most widely used methods of contraception. It is a thin sheath made of latex or polyurethane that is rolled over the man's erect penis before sex. A reservoir in the tip of the condom catches the sperm, preventing it from reaching the womb and fertilising an egg. It prevents a pregnancy from occurring, but also protects against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Just like the female condom, it is hormone-free and doesn’t require additional contraceptives to work. But it is important to use a new condom each time you have sex.
Male condoms are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials to suit everyone's tastes and sensitivities. Using them is simple – carefully remove the condom from its packaging, pinch the reservoir at the tip, and roll it over the erect penis. After you've had sex, carefully remove the condom – making sure nothing is spilled and there‘s no condom break or tear – and throw it away. Many people prefer to use lubricant with condoms, and it's important to check which lubricant suits the condom's material. For example, oil-based lubricants will cause latex condoms to break more easily, so it pays to be careful.
HOW IT MEASURES UP
CAN A CONDOM BE REUSED?
No. It is not recommended to reuse a condom, even if the man hasn't ejaculated. A new condom should be used each time you have sex.
CAN I USE LUBRICANT WITH CONDOMS?
Yes. Many condoms are already lubricated, but you can always add more as long as the lubricate is water-based or silicone-based. Oil-based lubricants, such as baby oil or petroleum jelly, can weaken latex, so they should not be used. Always check the instructions when using lubricant with a condom.
IS USING TWO CONDOMS BETTER THAN USING ONE?
No. Using two condoms at the same time – either two male condoms, or a male and a female condom – is not recommended as the friction caused when they rub together during sex may cause one or both condoms to tear. If you are concerned about a condom break during sex, or if you want to take extra precautions, it is better to use an additional form of contraception. Using the contraceptive pill, the patch, the ring, or an IUS in addition to a condom will ensure that you are protected from pregnancy, and against sexually transmitted infections.
IS THERE A CONDOM SIZE GUIDE?
Yes, there are many condom size guides available. It’s useful to consult one of these charts to know what size is needed, as this can have an effect on how effective the condom is.
ARE THERE OTHER TYPES OF MALE BIRTH CONTROL?
At present, male birth control methods include condoms, withdrawal and vasectomies. Contraceptive pills and injections that reduce the sperm count are currently being researched and tested.
CAN CONDOMS CAUSE URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS (UTIS)?
Condoms themselves don’t appear to cause UTIs. However, certain lubricants have been shown to increase the risk of UTIs.
THE CONDOM BROKE OR TEAR. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Don’t panic – accidents happen. First, talk to your partner to address any issues. If you’re worried about becoming pregnant, you can take the morning after pill up to 120 hours after intercourse. You may also want to consider getting tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
Make an appointment with your doctor or nurse today.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
1564
Italian anatomist Gabriello Fallopio’s description of the condom appeared for the first time in history.
ONLY
ONE
You should only ever use a single condom during intercourse, as more than one can cause friction and lead to breakage.
10,000
TIMES
The difference in how much safer sex is when using a condom for HIV prevention.
- It’s self-administered and used on demand.
- It can be used when breastfeeding.
- It’s hormone-free and can be an option for women who experience unwanted effects from hormones.
- Many people find male condoms easy to use.
- It provides protection against HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- It must be placed over the erect penis, and may interrupt the spontaneity of sex.
- It can break, tear or come off if not used properly.
- Some people experience allergic reactions to latex condoms.
NEED ADVICE? SPEAK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL.
Seek out an appointment with your doctor or nurse for further support that meets your needs.
