Condoms: Fast Facts
Reviewed By:
Joanne Poje Tomasulo, M.D., ACOG
- Condoms come in a variety of sizes, textures and colors, and
there are both male and female forms.
- Both the male and the female condoms are reversible forms of
contraception -- meaning they do not affect the long term
reproductive function of either partner.
- With the exception of abstinence, condoms are the least
expensive and most available method of preventing pregnancy and
sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
- Condoms do not provide 100 percent protection from STDs;
however, they do greatly reduce the risk.
- Most male condoms are made of latex. But some are made from
lamb intestines (lambskin condoms or natural condoms) or
polyurethane.
- Lambskin condoms can protect against pregnancy but not STDs.
They have microscopic holes that allow viruses to pass through to
the organs.
- The use of the male condom results in approximately 11
pregnancies per 100 women in the United States each year, according
to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- Female condoms offer less protection than male condoms:
Approximately 21 out of every 100 women become pregnant while using
a female condom each year.
- Male condoms are available with or without lubricant.
Currently, there is only one female condom available, and it is
available only with a lubricant.
- Male condoms are available in a variety of lengths, widths and
thicknesses. The fit of a condom is important because a condom that
is too tight is likely to break, and a condom that is too loose may
slip off the penis.
- When used consistently and correctly, latex condoms offer
protection during all sexual activities, whether vaginal, oral or
anal.
- Condoms can also protect an unborn child from STDs when an
uninfected pregnant woman engages in sexual intercourse.
- Condoms do not offer protection from infections spread from
sores on the base of the penis, scrotum or other areas not covered
by the sheath.
- Condoms can break, leading to the leakage of sperm. The risk of
tearing may be reduced by using condoms that are lubricated or
applying lubricant to non-lubricated condoms.
- To further reduce the risk of tearing, do not use teeth,
fingernails or other sharp objects to open the condom wrapper.
Also, be careful of jewelry, zippers and belt buckles.
- The FDA links the use of drugs and alcohol with an increased
risk of using a condom incorrectly or forgetting to use one at
all.
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