This chapter describes male latex condoms. Female condoms, which usually are plastic and inserted into a woman’s vagina, are available in some areas (see Female Condoms, and Comparing Condoms).

What Are Male Condoms?

• Sheaths, or coverings, that fit over a man’s erect penis.
• Also called rubbers, “raincoats,” “umbrellas,” skins, and prophylactics; known by many different brand names.
• Most are made of thin latex rubber. Work by forming a barrier that keeps sperm out of the vagina, preventing pregnancy.
• Also keep infections in semen, on the penis, or in the vagina from infecting the other partner.

How effective?

Effectiveness depends on the user: risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infection (STI) is greatest when condoms are not used with every act of sex.

Very few pregnancies or infections occur due to incorrect use, slips, or breaks.

Protection against pregnancy:

• As commonly used, about 15 pregnancies per 100 women whose partners use male condoms over the first year. This means that 85 of every 100 women whose partners use male condoms will not become pregnant.
• When used correctly with every act of sex, about 2 pregnancies per 100 women whose partners use male condoms over the first year.

Return of fertility after use of condoms is stopped: no delay

Protection against HIV and other STIs:

Male condoms significantly reduce the risk of becoming infected with HIV when used correctly with every act of sex.

When used consistently and correctly, condom use prevents 80% to 95% of HIV transmission that would have occurred without condoms (see Question 2, p. 208).

Condoms reduce the risk of becoming infected with many STIs when used consistently and correctly.

– Protect best against STIs spread by discharge, such as HIV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.

– Also protect against STIs spread by skin-to-skin contact, such as herpes and human papillomavirus.

None

• Risks of pregnancy
• STIs, including HIV

May help protect against:

Conditions caused by STIs:

− Recurring pelvic inflammatory disease and chronic pelvic pain

− Cervical cancer

− Infertility (male and female)

Known health risks

Extremely rare:

Severe allergic reaction (among people with latex allergy)

• Have no hormonal side effects
• Can be used as a temporary or backup method
• Can be used without seeing a health care provider
• Are sold in many places and generally easy to obtain
• Help protect against both pregnancy and STIs, including HIV

Some women find it hard to discuss their desire to use condoms with their partners. Others have difficulty persuading their partners to use condoms every time they have sex.

Men give different reasons for not using condoms. Some do not like the way condoms can dull the sensation of sex. Sometimes men’s reasons are based on rumors or misunderstanding. Having the facts can help a woman respond to her partner’s objections (see Correcting Misunderstandings, p. 202).

Talking First Can Help.

• Emphasizing use of condoms for pregnancy prevention rather than STI protection.
• Appealing to concern for each other—for example: “Many people in the community have HIV infection, so we need to be careful.”
• Taking an uncompromising stance—for example: “I cannot have sex with you unless you use a condom.”
• Suggesting to try a female condom, if available. Some men prefer them to male condoms.
• For pregnant women, discussing the risks that STIs pose to the health of the baby and stressing how condoms can help protect the baby.

Also, a woman can suggest that her partner or the couple together come to the clinic for counselling on the importance of condom use.

Male condoms:

• Do not make men sterile, impotent, or weak.
• Do not decrease men’s sex drive.
• Cannot get lost in the woman’s body.
• Do not have holes that HIV can pass through.
• Are not laced with HIV.
• Do not cause illness in a woman because they prevent semen or sperm from entering her body.
• Do not cause illness in men because sperm “backs up.”
• Are used by married couples. They are not only for use outside marriage.