Male Condoms
The male condom is a thin sheath that covers the erect penis during sexual intercourse.
It is one of the most widely practiced methods of birth control around the world. It is more commonly used than either oral contraceptive pills or IUDs and much more effective than the rhythm method.
Condoms are meant to cover the erect penis and collect the semen, thus preventing the sperm from coming in contact with the ovum.
The condom is generally made of thin latex. But it can also be made of plastic (polyurethrane), lambskin or tactylon, a non-latex synthetic polymer from which hypo-allergenic surgical gloves are made.
The condom comes in various sizes and colors. It may be lubricated and may also contain spermicides to make it more effective.
Advantages of Condoms :
- Simple technique of use.
- If used in the right method, chances of pregnancy are as less as 3%.
- Prevents spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STD), including HIV.
- It can be used by older couples and those around the time of menopause, when the frequency of sexual intercourse decreases.
- It is freely available without a prescription.
- There are no side-effects since hormones are not used.
- Does not affect furture fertility.
- No risk of developing infertility.
Disadvantages of Condoms :
- Relatively expensive since a condom can be used only once and then thrown away.
- Decreases the pleasure of the sexual act since it reduces sensation to some extent.
- Can cause allergy in sensitive men.
- Makes entry into the vagina somewhat more difficult.
- May break or leak, making the condom ineffective.
- May interfere with sexual foreplay.
- It puts the responsibility of contraception on the man who may refuse to use it.
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