Pregnancy and having a child can be one of the most fulfilling experiences for any parent. However, an unplanned pregnancy can come as a shock if you’re not ready to proceed with it physically and emotionally. There are several contraceptive methods to avoid pregnancy, but condoms are one of the safest methods that do not disrupt your hormonal balance.
The first rubber condoms came into the picture around the late 1950s. And, with time, a lot of variations have been made to make condoms more efficient and safer. Using condoms to avoid pregnancy is a common practice across the globe. Therefore, it is safe to use condoms. The same has been certified by doctors and health organizations like WHO. However, it is crucial to note that you need to use condoms correctly, as any negligence would only increase the chances of unwanted pregnancies.
In This Article
- What Are Condoms?
- How Effective Are Condoms?
- What Are The Types of Condoms Available?
- Tips to Help You Use Condoms Effectively
- Dos And Donts of Using Condoms
- FAQ’s
What Are Condoms?
Condoms are pouches or coverings that prevent the sperm from getting into the vagina (1). Different types of condoms are available for both males and females.
A male condom is a sheath worn over an erect penis. Most condoms use latex, a type of rubber, and materials such as polyurethane or polyisoprene (1A) that make condoms safe for people who have latex allergies (1B).
Female condoms are pouches inserted into the vagina. It has flexible rings on both ends. One end is closed and goes inside the vagina. The ring at the other end is open and sits outside the vagina. These condoms consist of non-latex material like Nitrile for the outer ring, and the inner ring is made of polyurethane.
Male condoms are more popular across the globe as they are readily available in retail and medical stores.
How Effective Are Condoms?
Condoms are among the very few of the various birth control options that are highly effective in preventing both pregnancy and STDs when used correctly (1C). Condoms can be 98% effective in avoiding pregnancy when used correctly. However, carelessness in using a condom correctly results in an average of 87% efficacy rate (2). It means, on average, approximately 13 out of 100 who use a condom while having sex end up getting pregnant.
Condoms can leak, slip, or tear. Hence, you can pair condoms with another birth control method to increase their effectiveness. There are several contraceptives like IUDs, implants, and birth control pills. However, make sure to discuss with your doctor to find out which birth control will be best for your situation.
What Are the Types of Condoms Available?
There are various types of condoms available in the market made using different materials.
1. Latex Condoms
These condoms(3) are the most widely used ones, and these are also inexpensive. Latex is a natural substance, also called rubber, found in certain trees. Generally, latex companies utilize to manufacture male condoms. Although, you should be careful while using lubricants as latex can be damaged by oil-based lubes like body lotion, baby oil, or Vaseline.
2. Non-Latex Condoms
Non-latex Condoms are made with materials such as polyurethane or polyisoprene. These are great alternatives for people who have latex allergies. There are many different varieties of non-latex condoms available in the market.
3. Internal Condoms
These are Female Condoms, which are an alternative to male condoms. Female condoms are usually made from non-latex materials, like Nitrile, as These condoms are inserted into the vagina and act as a barrier to prevent STDs and unwanted pregnancies.
4. Specialty Condoms
A variety of speciality are condoms available, like textured, flavored, glow-in-the-dark, and pleasure-shaped. However, not all speciality condoms might be safe to prevent pregnancy and STDs (4). Hence, it is crucial to check whether the condom is FDA-approved before purchasing. If it isn’t, consider choosing a different condom.
[Read: Birth Control Patch: Efficacy, Benefits And Side Effects]
Tips To Help You Use Condoms Effectively
Keep in mind some vital pointers before using a condom to ensure that you are using it correctly.
- Ensure that you are putting the condom on the right side.
- Make sure you always check the expiration date.
- Keep condoms away from light and heat as it can lead to breakage.
- Try to choose condoms made of latex, as these are the most effective. However, if you have latex allergies, use polyurethane condoms instead.
- Avoid using oil-based lubricants like lotions, baby oil, and petroleum jelly, as they can damage the condom. Try using water-based lubricants.
- Carefully open the condom packet to avoid tearing the condom. Use your hands to open the packet, not your teeth.
- It is vital to squeeze the tip of the condom while putting it on to get rid of any air. If you don’t do this, there’s a chance the condom might break.
- Make sure you roll down the condom till completely rolled out, or it can lead to slips.
- Make sure to use the right size of condom, as a size too big might slip away, and a size too small might tear.
Dos and Don’ts of Condoms
Here are some dos and don’ts to consider when using condoms.
Dos of Using Condoms
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- Read all the information available on the package before purchasing. Know what you are using.
- Always check the expiration date on the package. If it is expired, throw it out and buy new ones.
- Condoms come in various sizes, colors, textures, and thicknesses. Communicate with your partner before deciding which one to buy.
- Always check for any tears or defects.
- Use only Latex or Polyurethane condoms because these are the best ones to prevent pregnancy and STDs.
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- Use pre-lubricated condoms to avoid breakage. If you buy a non-lubricated one, use a bit of water-based lubricants. Avoid oil-based lubricants, as they can lead to breakage.
Don’ts of Using Condoms
- Never use two condoms at once.
- Don’t store condoms in your pocket or wallet, as they can get damaged due to friction and heat.
- Never use a condom more than once. Dispose of it correctly after use.
- Don’t use oil-based lubricants with condoms, like baby oil, Vaseline, or lotions. These can lead to breakage. Instead, use water-based lubricants.
- Avoid using condoms that are outdated, expired and/or torn.
The use of condoms to avoid pregnancy has been in demand for decades now and is the go-to method to avoid unwanted pregnancies. It is important to know how to use condoms to avoid pregnancy. Condoms are the only way to prevent both unwanted pregnancies and STDs. Correct use of condoms can increase their efficacy and save you from any unplanned accidents and illnesses.
[Read Also: How to Calculate Safe Period To Avoid Pregnancy?]
FAQ’s
1. Do Condoms Have Expiry Date?
Yes, condoms do have an expiration date. Almost all condoms come with expiration dates printed on their packages. Usually, latex and polyurethane condoms have a shelf life of three to five years. With time, latex and polyurethane, the materials used in condoms, start to degrade and become brittle. Hence, this increases the chances of getting torn. Therefore, using expired condoms can increase the risk of unwanted pregnancy and STDs.
2. Can Sperm Go Through Condoms?
Sperms cannot pass through a condom. The only way it can happen is if there is a hole or a tear on the condom. The semen gets collected inside the condom. However, it is vital to remove the condom right away after sex to avoid leakages.
3. What Is the Best Place to Store a Condom?
It is safe to store condoms in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight, or it may get damaged. You could store them in cupboards and drawers. Avoid storing them in pockets or wallets for a long time, as they can get damaged due to heat and friction.
References
- Mahdy H, Shaeffer AD, McNabb DM. Condoms. [Updated 2023 Apr 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470385/
- Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc. – https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/condom/how-effective-are-condoms
- Marfatia YS, Pandya I, Mehta K. Condoms: Past, present, and future. Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS. 2015 Jul-Dec;36(2):133-9. doi: 10.4103/0253-7184.167135. PMID: 26692603; PMCID: PMC4660551. – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4660551/
