Condoms are over the counter, barrier methods of birth control. They are sheaths of thin latex, polyurethane, or animal tissue worn on the penis during intercourse.

How Condoms Work:
Condoms collect semen before, during, and after ejaculation and can keep sperm from entering the vagina.

How Well Condoms Work:
Of 100 women whose partners use condoms, about 14 will become pregnant during the first year of typical use. Only two women will become pregnant with perfect use.

Latex condoms offer very good protection against HIV. They also reduce the risk of other sexually transmitted infections, including gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, chancroid, trichomoniasis, HPV (which causes the symptom genital warts), and herpes.

Advantages of Using Condoms:

• allows men to share the responsibility for birth control and prevention of sexually transmitted infections
• no side effects, except for people who are allergic to latex (for which polyurethane is available)
• very easy to get
• can be used with other methods
• can help relieve premature ejaculation
• can be put on as a part of sex play

Who Can Use Condoms:
Just about any man can use a condom. People who are allergic to latex may use plastic or animal tissue condoms. However, these may not provide the same protection against sexually transmitted viruses as latex condoms. Condoms may be purchased by women or men, and women and men can put them on as part of sex play.

Possible Problems Using Condoms:

• Condom effectiveness decreases if used inproperly. Visit health education's website for information regarding How to Put On a Condom
• Although condoms are the best defense against it, they are not as effective at protecting against HPV (whose symptoms can lead to genital warts) as other sexually transmitted infections because HPV is a skin-to-skin contact STI.

Our Recommendations for What Types of Condoms to Buy:

• Lubricated:
• Reservoir Tip: Sperm has been clocked exiting the penis at approximately 28mph. A reservoir tip on a condom acts as a shock absorber reducing the risk of the condom breaking under this stress.
• Non-Spermicide: The amount of spermicide present on a spermicide coated condom has been shown to not significantly reduce the risk of pregnancy, if used properly condoms are extremely effective on their own. In addition to this it has been shown that many people are allergic to spermicide which if exposed to the genitals may irritate the skin and increase the risk of sexually transmitted infection transmission.
• If Allergic to Latex: We recommend polyurethane condoms. They are a little more expensive, but unlike animal skin condoms (the other option if you are allergic) they prevent STI transmission as well as pregnancy. In addition to this people report that polyurethane feels better than latex because it is thinner and transmits heat better.

For more information contact your provider or ask MSU's Bodyline Blog

Back to other methods of birth control

To compare this method to other methods of birth control click here (pdf)*

Adapted from Facts about Birth Control, Planned Parenthood

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