NDSU
Student Health Service
Choices Program
Your Reproductive Health - Condoms
Condoms
The condom is a type of barrier method
of birth control. This type of birth control is designed to
block the sperm from entering the cervix. For barrier methods
to be successful, correct and consistent use is necessary.
If you choose to use condoms, whether male or female, learn how to use them properly and be sure to use a water-based lubricant to reduce the possibility of breakage.
In addition to preventing pregnancy, condoms have been shown to provide some protection against HIV infection and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Effectiveness & Reliability
- What Do I Need to Know About Using Condoms?
- How to Use the Male Condom
- Plan Ahead
A condom is the most common barrier method of birth control. It is a sheath that fits over the erect penis to collect the sperm, preventing it from entering the uterus. Condoms are inexpensive, available without a prescription, and come in a variety of styles, shapes, and materials. Some are pre-lubricated and include a spermicide.
The most common types of condoms are:
- Latex - offers significant protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy. Condoms are packaged individually and are available with or without lubrication. Avoid latex condoms if you or your partner are allergic to other latex products.
- Polyurethane - acceptable for use by those allergic to latex; offers significant protection against STIs; packaged individually; less likely to tear than latex.
All condoms are designed for one-time use only - a new condom must be used each time sex is repeated. Condoms are readily available. For students at North Dakota State University, condoms are available at no cost in the Wellness Center. Women are encourage to keep condoms available for their partner to use.
Effectiveness and Reliability of the Male Condom
When used correctly, male condoms are 86 - 97% effective in preventing pregnancy.
What do I Need to Know About Using Condoms?
- Check the EXPIRATION DATE found on each condom package. An expired condom may break or tear more easily and should not be used.
- Simply tear the corner of the condom package to open it. Use of teeth or sharp objects may cause damage to the condom.
- For optimal effectiveness, put the condom on BEFORE any genital contact occurs. It MUST be in place before any penetration occurs because sperm can be present in pre-ejaculate fluid. A man has no control over the natural release of pre-ejaculate fluid. The penis must be fully erect before a condom can be put on.
- If a man has not been circumcised, it will be necessary to pull the foreskin back before placing the condom on the penis.
- Pinch the reservoir tip of the condom before placing it on the penis. This will make sure there is no air in the condom tip and will leave room for the ejaculate to collect. This will help decrease condom breakage. Unroll the condom so that it covers the length of the fully erect penis.
- Use additional WATER BASED lubricants to help reduce condom breakage. Water based lubricants can be applied directly on the condom and also inserted into the vagina. Use of lubricants can also increase sexual sensation and stimulation. Water based lubricants are available at the Student Health Service.
- Before sex, the male condom is placed over the erect penis, then unrolled to cover the penis.
- The condom should be removed immediately after sex to prevent semen from leaking out.
- Throw the used condom away in the trash
and use a new one if you have sex again.
- Keep condoms in your purse, bedside drawer or bathroom - any place that you can get to them quickly and easily.
- Condoms come in many different shapes, sizes, colors, textures and flavors.
- Condoms can and should be used in combination with hormonal birth control methods to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections; specifically gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, Hepatitis B and HIV. Condoms may help decrease the transmission of genital warts.
- NEVER use oil-based products such as baby oil, mineral oil, suntan lotion, hand creams, etc. These products may damage the condom and cause breakage. They can also cause vaginal irritation and inflammation.
- Men and women may be allergic to latex. Allergic reactions may include redness, itching, swelling, and discomfort. If you suspect that you have a latex allergy, you should discuss it with a health care provider.
- NEVER try to reuse a condom. Properly dispose of them in the trash after each use.
- Store condoms in a cool, dry place. Avoid extreme heat. Long-term storage in a wallet or car is not advised.
Condoms are encouraged when a woman is performing oral sex on a male partner. Latex barriers are recommended when performing oral sex (cunnilingus) on a woman, or when there is oral stimulation to the anus of a man or woman. To make a latex barrier, simply open and unroll a condom, (try using a flavored one). Use a scissor to cut both ends of the condom and cut down the length of the condom. You now have a sheath to place over the vagina or anus. Latex barriers (dental dams) can be purchased in drug stores and are also available at the Wellness Center.
Female Condoms
The female condom is a soft, loose-fitting polyurethane sheath approximately 3 inches in diameter and 6 3/4 inches in length. It has 2 flexible rings - one at either end. The end of the sheath is held in place inside the vagina by a small, flexible ring. The second, larger ring remains outside the vagina.The sheath collects the ejaculate and prevents sperm from entering the uterus. A special lubricant is provided with the female condom. This lubricant is placed INSIDE the pouch and on the penis. When penetration occurs, the penis is placed inside the pouch.
Effectiveness & Reliability of the Female Condom
Female condoms are 79 - 95% effective when used according to instructions and with every act of intercourse. Since female condoms are made of polyurethane material, they are less likely to break or trear, but they may be pulled out of the vagina during the natural motions of intercourse unless adequate lubrication is used inside the sheath. They are also safe to use if you or your partner has a latex allergy.
What Do I Need to Know About Using the Female Condom?
- The female condom has an EXPIRATION DATE on the package and should not be used if the product has expired.
- Female condoms can be damaged by using sharp objects to open the package. Simply tear the package across the top to open.
- For optimal effectiveness, the female condom must be in place before any penetration occurs. Wash your hands before insertion.
- Female condoms may be inserted several hours prior to intercourse.
- DO NOT attempt to use a male condom in combination with the female condom.
- Female condoms are designed for one-time use only. Properly dispose of it in the trash after use.
To remover the condom after intercourse, twist the outer ring so the semen does not spill and gently pull. It will slip out of the vagina easily and without discomfort.
- A woman needs to be comfortable with touching and inserting her finger into the vagina to be comfortable using a female condom. It may require some practice to become comfortable inserting it and having it in place.
- Female condoms offer protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).