5 rules of effective and safe use of male condoms
Health / / December 19, 2019
Male condoms - is the available means of contraception. With proper selection, storage and use, they provide a very high degree of protection against unwanted pregnancy and significantly reduce the risk of infection infections, sexually transmitted (STIs). This article - the key rules of effective and safe use of condoms.
1. Pay attention to the material from which made condom
The most popular modern male condoms are madeHow to Use a Condom latex, polyisoprene, silicone, polyurethane or lamb skin.
latex condoms
Indicators of efficiency and safety of latex condoms studied very well (much more so than for condoms made from other materials). This allows a greater confidence to speak about their reliability. In an ideal use of these funds for a year get pregnant only two women out of 100. In normal use (i.e., when the condom is sometimes torn or slides) during the year pregnant women from approximately 18 100.
Systematic and correct use of latex condoms reduces the risk of HIV infection by 80%.
The probability of infection with chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis and hepatitis viruses are also greatly reduced.
The use of male condoms (regardless of the material) does not reduce the risk of infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV), and only slightly reduces the risk of contracting genital herpes.
Upon contact with the oil-based lubricants, or other oily substances latex condoms may lose strength and tear. As such a lubricant for condom can use special water, silicone or glycerol, plain water, saliva or vaginal moistening means for water-based.
Some men and women's contact with the latex is a local allergic reaction, which manifests itself by redness and itching of the skin.
Quality latex condoms are more expensive than condoms made of polyurethane or polyisoprene.
polyisoprene condoms
According to the chemical structure and physical properties similar to polyisoprene latex. Polyisoprene condoms appeared on the market later than latex and yet remain less studied. Presumably they protect as well as latex, and may even be cheaper.
polyurethane condoms
The physical properties of polyurethane can create very thin condoms, which only slightly reduce sensitivity during sex. They can be used with oil-based lubricants without compromising strength. It is usually cheaper latex.
However, the efficacy and safety of condoms made of polyurethane are not well understood. It is assumedCanadian Contraception ConsensusThat their use increases the risk of unwanted pregnancy. This may be due to the fact that polyurethane condoms are torn and slip more often than latex.
Condoms made of leather lamb
Reduce the probability of conception, but does not reduce the likelihood of contracting STIs. The pores of these condoms are impermeable to sperm, but are permeable to viruses hepatitis B and herpes simplex virus HIV.
Condoms treated with nonoxynol-9
Use is not recommended. Apparently, these condoms do not provide higher protection against STIs, but because of the irritation of the vaginal walls, they may increase the risk of HIV infection.
2. Select the appropriate size condoms
Too large or too small condoms are less reliable, as most are broken or slipping.
3. Store condoms correctly
With prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and excessive heat (above 37 ° C) condoms lose strength. It is advisable to store them so that they are not subjected to friction or frequent excesses (eg, in the inner pocket of a jacket or a bag rather than in the pocket of jeans). It is not recommended to use condoms, if from the moment of their production has been more than five years.
4. Correctly use a condom
- Open the condom package carefully, so as not to damage it.
- Use a condom from the beginning of sexual intercourse.
- Wearing a condom, make sure to it that it does not remain under the air. This will reduce the likelihood that it will break or spolzot.
- During intercourse, make sure that the condom is not slid and the outer ring remains outside the vagina.
- To prevent slipping the condom, hold it over the outer rubber ring.
- After use, make sure that the condom is intact.
- Never re-use condoms.
5. Try to minimize the risks, if the condom broke or slipped
Broken or slipping a condom greatly reduces the protection against sexually transmitted infections and increases the risk of unwanted pregnancy. If this happens, a woman may use the tool for emergency contraception Emergency contraception. Evidence-based guidance for women.
In the past, in order to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections was recommended to wash the genitals with warm water and soap. Now, this measure is no longer considered STD Clinical Prevention Guidance effective.
People who were in a situation with a high risk of infection, it is recommended to consult a doctor. It's worth doing if:
- In the past 12 months have you or your partner have more than one sexual partner.
- Have you had sexual relations with a new sexual partner.
- Your sexual partner has other partners.
- Over the last year you have been diagnosed with one of the infections transmitted sexually.
If within a few days or a few weeks after sexual intercourse will be symptoms of infection (Discharge, itching or pain during urination, sores or rashes on the genitals), you need to turn to doctor.
Other preventive measures that can be offered in such a situation:
- Vaccination against hepatitis B. It is necessary for men and women who have not been vaccinated before.
- Early treatment with antibiotics for suppression of gonorrhea, trichomoniasis or chlamydia. It does not prevent infection, but reduces the risk of complications of these infections.
Many people neglect this simple means of contraception, like a condom, but in vain. Remember that it not only protects against unwanted pregnancy (this can be done other methods), But also reduces the risk of STDs. Take care of yourself and partner.