What is it?

• It is a latex sheath that covers the erect (“hard”) penis.
• Some may have a chemical called spermicide added to them that kills sperm.

How does it work?

• It acts as a barrier by preventing entry of the sperm and other bodily fluids.
• Protects both partners against sexually transmitted infections during vaginal, anal or oral sex.

Latex condoms offer good protection against:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Syphilis
• HIV/AIDS
• Hepatitis B

Latex condoms offer some protection against:

• HPV (Human Papilloma Virus), which can cause genital warts.
• HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus) that can cause genital herpes.

How effective are they?

·        Condoms alone are 88% effective in preventing pregnancy.

·        They are 98% effective with spermicide in preventing pregnancy.

 How to put on a condom?

• Check the expiry date.
• Open the package with your fingers and be careful not tear the condom.
• Put the condom on as soon as the penis is erect (“hard”).
• Place the condom on the head of the penis.
• Leave about 1cm of space at the tip of the condom for the semen to collect.
• Squeeze the tip of the condom to remove any air and unroll it all the way down to the base of the penis.
• Make sure the condom is put on the right way and can be unrolled down the penis.  If the condom was upside-down, dispose of the condom and apply a new one.  Semen may have touched the outside portion of the condom.

How to take off a condom?

• Remove the condom immediately after ejaculation (“cuming”).
• To do so, hold the condom at the base and slowly pull out of your partner.
• Move away from your partner before taking the condom off.
• Hold the condom at the base of the penis and slide it off.
• Knot the condom and throw it in the garbage.

Important points

• Make sure the condom is not upside-down when putting it on.
• Use a new condom for each act of vaginal, anal or oral sex.
• Store condoms at room temperature. Extreme heat or cold causes the condom to breakdown.
• If you decide to use lubricant, use only water-based lubricants (K-Y jelly).
• Do not use any oil-based lubricant such as Vaseline or baby oil, because the condom will break down.
• Extra lubrication on the outside of the condom or in the vagina can decrease the irritation and prevent the condom from breaking.

Male condoms are free at the Sexual Health Clinic at the Windsor Essex County Health Unit.  For more information call (519) 258-2146 ext 1200 or 1201

Reviewed May 1, 2007

T/Sexual Health/Old Website Files/Fact Sheets/Birth Control