What is it?

The male condom is a sheath made of thin latex that covers the erect penis to prevent semen, vaginal fluid and blood from being passed between sexual partners. 

Male condoms made of polyurethane or natural membranes are also available for those allergic to latex, though these are more expensive. 

The female condom is a sheath made of polyurethane with two flexible rings at either end that is inserted into the woman’s vagina to prevent  semen, vaginal fluid and blood from being passed between sexual partners.

How does it work?

Before sexual intercourse begins, a male condom is placed over the erect penis; space must be left at the end to collect the sperm, though air must not be trapped there. 

After ejaculation, the condom should be held in place when removing the penis so semen does not spill into the partner’s body. 

The female condom can be inserted into the vagina up to eight hours before intercourse. 

One of the rings of the condom is used to insert the condom into the vagina and to hold it in place, while the other ring stays outside the vagina. 

The female condom does not have to be removed immediately after ejaculation.

To remove it: squeeze and twist the outer ring, pull out and throw away in a wastebin.

The condom can also be used during oral sex to protect against STIs. 

To use over a vagina or anus, a condom can be unrolled and cut down the middle so that it opens out in the form of a rectangle.  Dams specifically designed for this purpose can sometimes be obtained from sexual health clinics or plastic wrap can also be used. 

Neither the female or male condom should be re-used. 

Individuals should learn how to use a condom before they need to use it.

Condoms should be bought in advance and the expiration date must be checked.

When can you use it?

During vaginal, anal and oral sexual intercourse

Advantages

• Excellent protection against STI
• The male condom may help delay ejaculation
• The male condom promotes male involvement and the female condom gives the woman full control
• Inexpensive (especially male condoms) and often given free from public health agencies
• Usually easy to obtain and do not need to see a medical professional
• Best method of protection against STI and HIV, especially for men having sex with men (MSM)
• Intercourse may be more pleasurable because of the stimulation provided by the female condom
• Intercourse may be more pleasurable because fear of pregnancy and STIs is decreased
• There are very few side effects, unless one of the partners is allergic to latex or to the lubricant or spermicide used with the condom
• The female condom can be a good alternative for people with latex allergies 

Disadvantages

• May fall off, leak or break if used incorrectly
• May interfere with spontaneity
• Couples may be embarrassed to purchase or to apply condoms due to taboos about touching genitalia, stigma of concern about STDs/HIV
• The female condom requires a high level of comfort with one’s body and may be difficult to insert
• Condoms do not protect against infections that may be transferred by skin to skin contact from skin that is not covered by the condom during sexual activity (e.g. genital herpes or warts or HPV)

What does it protect against?

If used correctly, condoms are between 95 and 98% effective in preventing pregnancy. 

Spermicidal condoms are no longer recommended because they provide no additional protection against pregnancy; they are more likely to cause irritation and increase likeliness of STI transmission; they are more expensive and have a shorter shelf-life.

Male condoms also offer effective protection against STI and HIV and recent studies show that female condoms also prevent the transmission of infections.