Condoms

A condom is device for preventing pregnancy and transmission of sexual diseases. Made of latex, polyurethane, this birth control device is used during sexual intercourse. A condom is a one of the safest and easiest method of contraception. It has few side effects and offers protection from sexually transmitted diseases including HIV, Syphilis etc.

Condoms are easily available in family planning and sexual health clinics, chemist shops, supermarkets, convenience stores and petrol/gas stations. In certain countries you will find vending machines selling condoms. You can also order then online from different manufacturers and wholesalers.

Types of Condoms

There are two main types of condom:

• Male condom: It is a sheath worn over the penis to prevent sperm ejaculating into the vagina. The condom must be put on before the penis comes into contact with or enters the vagina.
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• Female Condom: A female condom fits inside the vagina. It is also called vaginal sheath. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved just one female condom: the FC2 female condom. Though there are other varieties sold across the world. The female condom has two rings which are used to keep the condom in place. One ring is placed over the female's cervix and the other one is placed over her vulva. This way the condom creates a covering over the vagina's outside , which prevents sperm from contacting the area.

Condom Sizes, Shapes and Varieties

Condom manufacturers across the globe have diversified into making condoms of different colors, shapes, and thicknesses. The average dimensions are: Length: 190 mm, circumference: 52 mm, thickness: 0.07 mm.

There are various shapes of condoms like as condoms with plain tips, condoms with reservoir tips, regular shaped condoms with straight sides, form fit condoms which are indented below the head of the penis, or the flared condoms which are wider over the head of the penis. There are ribbed condoms with textured ribs or bumps, which can increase sensation for both partners. Certain manufacturers add spermicidal lubricant to the product, however, it is not an effective substitute for separate spermicide use.

There are condoms in a variety of colours. Condom manufacturers are also producing flavoured condoms to make oral sex more enjoyable.

Condoms Effectiveness and Advantages

Why Condoms should be Used?

• If a condom is used properly, it is very effective at preventing pregancy.
• Using condoms effectively is also helpful in reducing the risk of HIV infection during sexual intercourse.
• Condoms also provide protection against other sexually transmitted diseases.
• They don't have any serious medical side-effects as compared to other birth control methods.
• There is more fun in having sex with condoms with the varieties in colors, shapes and flavors.
• You don't need to visit a doctor or have a prescription for using condoms.
• Using condoms make sex less messy.
• The condom frequently prolongs a man's ejaculation
• Condoms also protect women against cervical cancer and the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Materials Used in Making Condoms

Latex Condoms:

• In the modern times, most condoms are made from latex. The material has outstanding elastic properties. and its tensile strength exceeds 30 MNm2. Latex condoms are very helpful at blocking transmission of HIV because the pores in latex condoms are very small to let the virus to pass through.

Polyurethane Condoms

• Polyurethane condoms are considered better than latex counterparts in several ways. This type of condom is a better conductor of heat, not as sensitive to temperature and ultraviolet light , has longer shelf life and can also be used with oil lubricants. The condom doesn't cause any allergies or odor.
• These condoms are thinner than latex condoms but are more likely to slip or break than latex, are more expensive, and may not be as effective in protecting against STDs