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Male Condom

Male condom is very popular form of birth control widely used to protect form unintended pregnancies and to greater extent, protection from STDs or HIV. It is a thin sheath with the tip at the end to collect sperm once the man ejaculates thus preventing it to penetrate into vagina. Male condom is perhaps the cheapest birth control method. Condoms are also known with different names like rubbers, prophylactics, sheaths and so on.

Types of male condoms :
It is available in various materials like polyurethane, latex, scented, lubricated, colors, thickness and various sizes. Some of them are also made of animal tissue or animal membrane like intestine of sheep. The salient characters of male condoms are

- polyurethane or latex made
- transparent or non-transparent (opaque)
- scented or non-scented
- powdered or dry condoms
- available in various colors
- rippled, contoured, studded or nipple-ended
- lubricated with or without spermicides for greater protection.

How to put a condom in 3 seconds?

How to put on a condom Correctly!

How to use male condom :
Male condoms are found to be 87 to 90% effective in protecting against unwanted pregnancies. However, its effectiveness is generally depending upon many factors like type of condoms used and how it is used.

Male condom is worn on the erect penis before deciding to go for intercourse. Do not have intercourse without wearing intercourse because many couples do practice intercourse and then male partner wear condom before he expects ejaculation. Even pre-ejaculation liquid can pass through vagina to uterus and be the cause of pregnancy.

Once it is rolled on the penis, make sure that it is properly inserted and stretched upto the desired length. The nipple-bounded tip of approximately half inch should be kept lose to collect the sperm-filled semen. Partner can check if the tip of the condom is perfect and does not have any holes. Do not touch it frequently specially with lady's fingers and to avoid it from getting torn.

A lubricated male condom can also be used with spermicides so that it can kill the sperm. In fact, this will increase the effectiveness of birth control. Do not use vaginal cream, any form of oil liquid, petroleum based, mineral oil etc that may damage the condoms. Use only water-based condoms for greater protection.

Once the climax is reached, male partner should hold the condom-clad penis from the base firmly while removing it from the penis so the liquid should not fall anywhere near the vaginal walls. It should be flushed out or disposed off properly. Male condom is for one-time use and is not reusable.

Advantages of Male Condom:

- It is very inexpensive form of birth control barrier method
- It can help in protecting partners from getting STDs or HIV viruses to the greater extent. Only latex condoms are recommended to have highest level i.e upto 95% of protection against STDs, HIV and other infections like genital warts, genital herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B and syphilis
- It is very handy, light-weight and convenient "use & throw" product and easily disposable
- Can be bought OTC (over-the-counter) without prescription
- Available in various types of material, sizes, thickness etc for better effectiveness
- Once used, it gives the great protection feeling thus increasing sexual pleasure.
- Men may notice longer erection when used it properly

Disadvantages of Male Condoms:

- Sexual pleasure is not achieved fully; specially male partner does not feel satisfied.
- As condom is worn on erect penis, there is a "miss" of sexual excitement in the middle of the climax
- Couples do not feel intercourse enjoyable, as man must pull out his penis immediately after ejaculation
- Condoms can slip, come off or break during the intercourse so the purpose of protection die as well. "Condom failure" is a concern.
- Some 1-3% men and women may be allergic to latex, however they may choose polyurethane but this is not as strong as latex and may tear often. People who are using animal membrane condoms like those made with the intestines of sheep, may not be very effective in protecting against STDs/HIV due to the holes or pores in the animal membrane may allow viruses to pass through.
- Women who care about warm fluid entering into her body may not experience it while their partners are using condoms
- You need to keep condom ready with you every time you decide to have intercourse. So, you need to have "sexual intercourse" plan in advance
- Its effectiveness largely depends upon how use it. Some men may not have "self-control" in maintaining erection while condom is on.

Storing male condoms :

Male condoms should be stored in dry and cool place. It should be avoided from the direct sunlight, heat, air. moisture or dust. Utmost care should be taken while opening the new piece of condom as frequently touching, playing with condom or even sometimes nail-bites may cause tiny holes therein, which may go unnoticed. Men usually carry them in the wallet or keep them in their back-pocket. Do not remove the condom from the packet unless it is decided to use on the same day. Male condoms have longer life for upto 5 years if not taken out-of-shelf and kept in dry and cool place as instructed.

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