Condom - Insertive
Insertive/Male Condom
The insertive or male condom is made out of latex and is shaped like a penis. It is placed on an erect penis prior to inserting the penis into another person. As birth control, the condom creates a barrier between the sperm and cervix (entrance to the uterus).
Pick up free condoms at any WHS clinic
Condoms are used widely for preventing pregnancy and for preventing sexually transmitted infections. The use effectiveness of preventing pregnancy with insertive condoms is 85-98%. Use effectiveness is not based on theory, but from actual use, so it includes method failure, or people who do not use condoms with every intercourse. Spermicides (see below) can enhance effectiveness when used with condoms.
In addition to birth control, condoms are also highly effective against preventing the exchange of fluids (semen, blood, and saliva) between partners, reducing the chance of spreading sexually transmitted infections. Condoms can be used during vaginal, oral and anal sex, and when using sex toys. The condom should not be reused, but thrown away after the wearer ejaculates inside of it, or after using it with sex toys.
Side Effects
Possible effects that may occur from using condoms are an allergic reaction to the latex in the condom or to the lubricant. If this happens (itching, rash, burning, and swelling of the skin that has come into contact with the condom), try a non-latex condom available in pharmacies, or obtained at the WHS clinic.
Combine Methods To Increase Effectiveness
To enhance effectiveness of insertive and receptive condoms, contraceptive spermicides such as foam, film, suppositories, or jelly can be used with condoms. Spermicides are available over the counter or at a WHS clinic.They have a chemical in them, 9 oxil 9, that kills sperm. Oil and petroleum based products (spermicides or lubricants) should not be used because they weaken the condoms; instead, water based products should be used. Also, it is recommended by manufacturers that male and female condoms should not be used together (they might attach to each other). Spermicides can cause an allergic reaction in some people (irritation, rash, and swelling). Changing brands of spermicide often resolves this problem.
Many women choose to have the morning-after-pill in their possession in case the condom breaks or comes off. In addition, some women use awareness of ovulation (fertility awareness) by either abstaining from penis/vagina sex when ovulation is occurring, or using condoms during their fertile days. Condoms and spermicide are a good way for women to use in-between birth control methods, or in-between partners, or if they have missed taking birth control pills.
Tips For Use
WHEN THINKING ABOUT USING CONDOMS, THINK "SEXY"
S - Keep condoms in the SHADE. Heat degrades condoms, and causes them to break.
E - EXAMINE the condom's packaging. Feel the package for the air bubble, you'll know the condom hasn't been torn or ripped open.
X - Check the EXPIRATION DATE. All condoms expire, make sure any condom you have is still good.
Y - YOU use it correctly. Even if it isn't going on your body, you can make sure you know how to correctly put a condom on your partner or sex toy, and know how to correctly dispose of it.