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- Dictionarycondom/ˈkɒndəm/
noun
- 1. a thin rubber sheath worn on a man's penis during sexual intercourse as a contraceptive or as a protection against infection.
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A condom is a barrier device used during sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy or STIs. Learn about the different types of condoms, their effectiveness, history, and cultural aspects.
A condom is a sheath of rubber or other material worn over the penis or inserted into the vagina to prevent pregnancy or disease during sexual intercourse. Learn more about the origin, usage, and examples of the word condom from Merriam-Webster.
Feb 12, 2024 · Condoms are sheaths or coverings that fit over a man’s penis or inside a woman’s vagina to prevent pregnancy and STIs, including HIV. Learn about the global impact, effectiveness, use and WHO response on condoms.
CONDOM definition: 1. a thin rubber covering that a man can wear on his penis during sex to stop a woman becoming…. Learn more.
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- Procedure Details
- Risks / Benefits
- When to Call the Doctor
- Additional Common Questions
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Condoms are the only way to protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as HIV and herpes. As a barrier method of birth control, condoms stop sperm from reaching eggs. There are condoms for men and women, and dental dams for protection during oral sex. For more effective birth control, you can use condoms with contraceptive foam.
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OverviewProcedure DetailsRisks / BenefitsWhen to Call the DoctorAdditional Common Questions
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What are the different types of condoms?
There are different types of condoms. You should only use one type of condom at a time during sexual intercourse. Using more than one condom creates friction, increasing the odds of a rip or tear. Condom types include: External (sometimes called male condoms): These condoms go over the penis to collect ejaculation fluids. Internal (sometimes called female condoms): An internal condom goes inside the vagina to keep sperm from entering the uterus. A soft, flexible ring attached to the condom stays outside the vagina for easy removal. Internal condoms may not be as effective as external (male) condoms in preventing STDs. Dental dams: These thin latex or polyurethane sheets serve as a barrier between a person’s mouth and a partner’s genitals or anus during oral sex. Dental dams reduce your risk of STDs such as oropharyngeal human papillomavirus (HPV). Finger condoms: Sometimes called finger cots, finger condoms are for engaging in sexual penetration with your fingers. Fingering is fairly low-risk, and can’t result in pregnancy. While the chance of catching an STD from fingering is low, a finger condom can further reduce your risk for STDs.
What are condoms made of?
You may hear people refer to condoms as rubbers. That’s because most external (male) condoms are latex, a type of rubber. Some people have a latex allergy that causes skin rashes, itching and other problems. Don’t use latex condoms if you or your partner has a latex allergy. Instead, try: Internal (female) condoms, which consist of a synthetic, non-latex material called nitrile. External (male) condoms made from polyurethane (a type of plastic). Natural skin condoms or condoms made from other natural materials. (Note: Natural condoms prevent pregnancy, but they’re not recommended for the prevention of STDs.)
How do you put a condom on?
You should wait until your penis is erect to put the condom on. Carefully tear open one end of the condom package. Don’t unroll the condom now. Instead, place it on the head (or tip) of your penis so that it will easily unroll down over the length of your penis. (It’s easy to mistakenly try to start unrolling the condom inside out, so check first to make sure it’s correct.) Leave about 1/4 inch of room at the tip and squeeze the air out of the top to form an empty nipple for the sperm to collect in. Some rubbers have a nipple built in. Never use Vaseline or mineral oil as a lubricant with a latex condom. You can buy pre-lubricated condoms. Or, use water-based lube, saliva, or foam to reduce friction. Care at Cleveland Clinic Find a MSM Health Provider Find a Doctor and Specialists Make an Appointment
What are the benefits of using condoms?
For sexually active people, condoms are the only way to protect against STDs. They can also prevent pregnancy. Keep in mind, while condoms greatly reduce your risk for pregnancy and STDs, they aren’t a foolproof solution. There is no type of condom that prevents pregnancy or STDs 100% of the time. This is why many people choose to use spermicide foam or gel as well as condoms.
What are the risks of using condoms?
Condoms can break, tear or slip off, exposing you to another person’s bodily fluids. If this happens, you have a higher risk of an STD or unwanted pregnancy. Other potential problems include: Latex allergy. Urinary tract infections from spermicide-lubricated condoms. Vaginal or penile irritation.
When should I call my healthcare provider?
You should call your healthcare provider if you need emergency contraception or STD testing or if you show signs of: An STD. A urinary tract infection. A latex allergy. Pregnancy.
How old do you have to be to buy condoms?
People of any age, including teens, can buy condoms. You don’t have to be 18, and a cashier legally can’t refuse to sell them to you.
Do condoms expire?
Yes. Condoms have expiration dates stamped on the packaging. You should never use a condom after it has expired. It’s also important to store condoms in a cool, dry place. Don’t keep them in your wallet, purse or pocket where they can become bent or creased. If you open a condom that feels sticky, dry or stiff, don’t use it. Get a new condom.
How do condoms break?
Condoms can break if they come in contact with sharp objects like jewelry, piercings, teeth or fingernails. They can also rip if you don’t use enough lubrication.
Condoms are thin pouches or sheaths that protect against STDs and pregnancy. Learn about different types of condoms, how to use them correctly, and what to do if they break or tear.
Dec 1, 2022 · Why use condoms? How do condoms work? Do I still need to use a condom if I take PrEP or my partner takes PrEP? How effective are condoms? What kind of condoms are there? Types of lubricant? How do I use a condom correctly and what are some of the common mistakes when using condoms?
A condom is a thin sheath of rubber or other material worn during sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy or disease. Learn about the origin, history, and usage of the word condom from Dictionary.com.
