Condoms can keep sex safe by lessening the risks of unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
If you want to prevent both pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), then condoms may be your best bet.
But how do you choose a condom? Isn't a condom just a condom? Actually, there are many different kinds, made of all kinds of materials. Here's a rundown on types of condoms, the materials they can be made from, their effectiveness, and other details.
Condoms for Men
Some facts about condoms for men:
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- They're usually made of latex or polyurethane, though lambskin condoms are available as well.
- They prevent pregnancy and STDs by blocking the release of sperm and semen into the vagina.
- They cost around $1 each and are sold in packs at grocery stores or drug stores without a prescription.
- They're sold with and without lubricant.
- They're 84 to 98 percent effective, when used correctly.
- They're unrolled onto the penis just before intercourse.
- They're removed and thrown away after sex.
- A condom can only be used one time.
Risks and drawbacks:
- Some people can't use latex condoms because they're allergic to latex.
- Condoms can break, which could result in pregnancy and transmission of disease. Polyurethane condoms are more prone to breakage than latex condoms.
- Lambskin condoms don't prevent STDs.
- Condoms may deteriorate with age and the wrong temperature conditions, such as excessive heat.
Condoms for Women
Some facts about female condoms:
- They were approved by the FDA in 1993.
- They're made of polyurethane.
- They're long sacks pushed deep into the vagina before intercourse, with a ring on the end that stays outside of the body.
- They prevent pregnancy and disease by blocking the release of sperm and semen into the vagina.
- They cost around $4 each and are sold at grocery and drug stores without a prescription.
- They're 79 to 95 percent effective when used correctly.
- They're removed and thrown away after intercourse.
- They can only be used one time.
Risks and drawbacks include:
- Some people can't use them because they're allergic to polyurethane.
- Shifts in position of the condom during sex may allow semen to enter the vagina.
- They're not as effective as a male condom against STDs.
Pros and Cons of Condom Materials
Latex, lambskin, and polyurethane are the materials most often used to make condoms. While latex is the most effective for STD prevention, many people are allergic to this material. Polyurethane condoms offer effective protection, but they're more likely to break during sex than a latex condom. Lambskin (also called "natural") condoms don't break as often (for those worried about pregnancy), but are also not resistant enough to protect against STDs. If you're not in a monogamous relationship, you should avoid using lambskin condoms.
Using Spermicides and Lubricants With Condoms
Spermicides and lubricants are often used with condoms. Some condoms may already contain spermicide and/or a lubricant, but you can also purchase these products separately. Spermicide is a chemical that kills sperm and offers added protection against pregnancy. Lubricants can help minimize friction and make sex more enjoyable. When using a lubricant with condoms, always choose a water-based lubricant. Oil-based lubricants (including baby oil, mineral oil, petrolatum and most lotions) weaken condoms and dramatically increase your risk of pregnancy and STDs.
Both male and female condoms offer good protection against STDs and pregnancy — and spermicide can provide even more protection against pregnancy. But if you're allergic to latex, keep in mind that lambskin condoms won't protect you from STDs, so use polyurethane condoms instead. Safe sex is smart sex, and becoming educated about the risks and benefits of condoms is part of this important process.