The Gynecologist

Condoms: A little something for everybody

May 25, 2010 at 2:31 pm 4 comments

Condoms are one of the cheapest and most widely available methods of pregnancy prevention. They are a type of barrier protection. This means that they work by forming a physical barrier between sperm and egg. Most condoms are made of either latex or lamb skin and may be lubricated (or not) with spermicide (a chemical intended to kill sperm).

A condom is placed over the penis prior to intercourse. If the condom is put sometime in the middle of intercourse (ie prior to ejaculation), unintended pregnancy is still possible. This is because the penis does emit some pre-ejaculatory fluid which can (and often does) contain sperm.

Female condoms are also availabe. These are placed in the vagina and are held in place by a flexible plastic ring. They are a little more expensive than male condoms and a little trickier to put in place, but they work essentially the same way.

So if you choose to use condoms, the rules are

1. put one on before intercourse

2. leave it on until after intercourse is complete

3. use a new condom with each act of intercourse

4. never “double-wrap” with more than one condom at a time (this causes friction and can lead to breakage)

Condoms come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some have features like flavor (a plus if you are using one to protect your partner during fellatio [oral sex]), texture (ie “ribbed for her pleasure”), color (to match your partner’s dress and/or eyes?), or glow in the dark (for… I don’t know what– A sudden loss of electrical power?!).  In short, there’s something for everybody.

Condoms are cheap and, when used correctly, over 90% effective in preventing pregnancy.  They are also one of the only methods of birth control that can also help prevent the transmission of a number of sexually transmitted diseases, including gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, syphillis, HPV (human papilloma virus), herpes and other unpleasant nasties.

So what do you do if the condom breaks, falls off, or never made it out of your partner’s wallet? Plan B is a medication intended to prevent unintended pregnancy if used within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. It’s more effective the sooner it is taken (ie 24 hourse is better than 48 hours is better than 72 hours). It contains progesterone, a hormone that is one of the 2 main components of conventional birth control pills.

Plan B is not the abortion pill and won’t bring an end to an already-established pregnancy. It is available over the counter at a number of major pharmacy chains nationwide. If you have questions about how to use it properly or how to make sure it was effective, or you need testing for sexually transmitted diseases, you should call your doctor.

Entry filed under: Gynecology. Tags: abortion pill, cheap contraception, Condom, contraception, female condom, gynecologist, gynecology, how to use a condom, Plan B, pregnancy prevention, sexually transmitted disease, spermicide, STD prevention.