Condom: 6 Riskiest Factors to Avoid

Condoms are an effective method for preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Most brands are very safe, but some offer less protection than others.

Condoms are a popular barrier method of conception.

HOW SAFE ARE CONDOMS FOR PREGNANCY AND STIs?

Male condoms are considered a safe and overall effective form of birth control. According to Planned Parenthood, prophylactic are 98 percent effective at preventing pregnancy when used correctly. If used incorrectly, the effectiveness rate drops to about 85 percent.

By contrast, female condoms are 95 percent effective when used correctly. When people do not use them correctly, this figure drops to 79 percent.

Both male and female condoms also provide protection against STIs that are transmitted through bodily fluids, including semen, vaginal fluid, and blood. Condoms act as a barrier for all of these fluids and can protect against infections such as:

• Gonorrhea
• Chlamydia
• HIV
• Syphilis

Condoms do not protect as effectively against some other STIs, such as herpes and genital warts. These infections are transmitted through skin-to-skin contact affecting the labia, scrotum, and inner thighs, and condoms only cover the shaft of the penis or the inside of the vagina or anus.

People can use the following advice to make sure they are using the right condoms in the safest possible way:

Read More: Sperm Vitality: Navigating Fertility’s Journey

1. Avoid Novelty Condoms

Many manufacturers have designed novelty condoms for stimulation rather than protection. Avoid brands that do not mention STI or pregnancy protection

If a condom does not cover the entire penis, it will not provide complete protection.

2. Read the Packaging

Look for a statement on the label that indicates the condom will prevent STIs. Several brands, including Trojan and Duralex, offer varieties of condoms that can help prevent STIs.

However, as mentioned above, condoms do not protect against all STIs. People may still contract an STI that someone transmits through skin-to-skin contact.

People should always read the label carefully and read up on specific brands to confirm whether the condom meets all safety standards.

3. Use Lubricated Condoms

Not everyone needs to use extra lubrication. The vagina naturally produces lubrication when a person is aroused. However, sometimes this lubrication is not enough.

In these cases, people should either use lubricated condoms or a separate water-based or silicon-based lubricant.

Lubrication on the outside of the condom reduces friction during sex and helps prevent the condom from either slipping off or breaking during sex.

4. Do Not Use Oil-Based Lubricant

Oils, such as baby oil, lotions, or petroleum jelly, can cause the condom to break, and people should not use these with condoms.

Condom

5. Do Not Use Expired Condoms

Condoms have an expiration date written on their packaging. If a condom is past its expiration date, a person should throw it away, as it will be more likely to break than a newer one.

6. Avoid Condoms That Were Not Stored Correctly.

Condoms are affected by heat and friction, so the way people store them is important. Always store condoms in a cool, dry place as they can break down in extreme hot or cold temperatures. Storing condoms in an extreme temperature environment can weaken a condom and make it less effective.

People should not store condoms in their wallet, as they can be exposed to friction and heat which can cause weakness or tears.

Condoms — as is the case with all birth control — are only effective when used correctly.

Always check the condom’s expiration date and inspect the packaging to make sure there are no holes or tears. Store them away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

WHEN USING A CONDOM, A PERSON SHOULD FOLLOW THESE BASIC SAFETY STEPS:

• Always check the packaging for the date and tears.
• Open the package carefully and avoid using sharp instruments, including teeth.
• Put the condom on after the penis becomes erect, but before it comes in contact with the vagina or anus.
• Pinch the tip before unrolling the condom over the penis.
• Use water-based lubrication on the outside of the condom to prevent tears or the condom slipping off.
• Grip the base of the condom after ejaculation and remove from vagina or anus before the penis becomes flaccid.
• Wrap the condom in a tissue and throw it out after use.
• Always use a new condom for each sexual encounter.

For female condoms, people should follow these additional steps:

Guide the penis into the opening of the condom.

Pinch the opening together when removing the condom from the vagina or anus.

WHAT TO DO IF A CONDOM BREAKS

If a condom breaks during intercourse, stop immediately and remove the broken condom.

If there is any risk of an STI, people should see their doctor, as soon as possible. The doctor will do a sexual health screening and advise about how to look for signs of STIs if they appear.

If people are worried about pregnancy, there are a number of emergency contraception options available from doctors, sexual health clinics, or over the counter at a pharmacy.

People can choose between emergency contraception pills or an intrauterine device (IUD). These can help prevent pregnancy when used early after a condom breaks. The sooner a person takes emergency contraception, the more effective it is.

© De-health 2024