Family Planning of Clallam County
Client Information
CONDOMS AND FEMALE CONDOMS
Before using a condom or female condom, you need to know the possible advantages and disadvantages. We have listed them here for you. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s information, too. We are happy to answer your questions.
There are other methods of birth control, too. We may offer you information about their use, effectiveness, advantages, disadvantages, risks, and warning signs. You should read about them, as well. Let us know if you have any questions.
You may notice some differences between the information the manufacturer provides and the information we provide. Please consult your clinician if you have any questions about any difference you observe.
Condoms and female condoms are barriers. They prevent sperm from entering the vagina and joining with an egg.
Condoms fit over the penis. They are made of latex, polyurethane, or animal tissue. Of 100 women whose partners use condoms, about 15 will become pregnant in the first year of typical use. Only two will become pregnant with perfect use. Some condoms are coated with spermicide. There is no evidence that they are more effective than other condoms.
Female condoms fit into the vagina. They also cover part of the vulva. They are made of polyurethane. Of 100 women who use female condoms, 21 will become pregnant in the first year of typical use. Five will become pregnant with perfect use.
Using a spermicide cream, film, foam, jelly, or suppository with condoms or female condoms can lower the risk of pregnancy even more.
Nonoxynol-9 (N-9) is the active ingredient in most spermicides made in the United States. Using it many times a day may irritate tissue in the vagina or anus. This can increase the risk of getting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Latex condoms and female condoms are the best way for sexually active people to reduce the risk of STIs. Use them every time if:
• you or your partner has other sex partners
• one or both of you has an untreatable STI, such as HIV or herpes.
Don’t use condoms and female condoms together. Read and follow the instructions that come with the condom you use. There are different directions for latex, polyurethane, animal tissue, and female condoms.
Be sure to:
• Use lubrication. It will increase sensitivity and help prevent rips and tears.
• Use only water-based lubricants with latex condoms.
• Put the condom in place before the penis goes in or near the vagina.
• Pinch the air out of a half-inch space at the end of the condom. This leaves room to catch the sperm and reduces the chance of having the condom break.
• Withdraw the penis and condom from the vagina before the penis softens after a man’s orgasm.
• Hold the rim of the condom against the penis during withdrawal to make sure the condom doesn’t slip off and spill semen into the vagina.
• Only use a condom once.
Advantages of condoms and female condoms
• They are inexpensive.
• They can be put on or in as part of sex play.
• Women and men of any age can buy them without a prescription.
• Condoms can be used for vaginal or anal intercourse and for oral sex.
• Condoms may help a man last longer.
• Female condoms can be used for vaginal or anal intercourse.
• A man doesn’t have to stay hard to keep a female condom in place.
Disadvantages of condoms and female condoms
• Some people feel they dull sensation.
• Some men feel condoms make them too self-conscious to stay hard.
• Some people are allergic to animal tissue, latex, polyurethane, or certain brands of spermicide coatings. Signs of allergy include burning, itching, rashes or redness, swelling of the areas touched by the condom or spermicide, or rarely, a severe, overall, body reaction to latex. If you think you may have an allergic reaction, call the health center or seek care with another provider or at an emergency room.
• Some people think female condoms are too noisy.
We strongly recommend that all sexually active women and men have regular physical examinations for routine health care and screening for STIs and cancer.
3/09 FPCC 8.18