Male Condoms

What is it?

The male condom is a protective barrier that fits over the penis during oral, vaginal or anal intercourse. The condom collects ejaculate, or pre-ejaculate (cum/semen) and protects both partners from body fluids during intercourse. Therefore, condoms are useful for both preventing pregnancy (they are rated between 86.2% and 97.4% effective in preventing pregnancy) and protection against transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Some sexually transmitted infections (herpes, HPV or Human Papilloma Virus or warts) are passed through skin to skin contact so a condom will not provide protection.

Condoms are available in a variety of sizes, colours, and textures. Flavoured condoms are available for oral sex. They can be made of latex, polyurethane or lambskin. Condoms made of animal tissue (e.g. lambskin) do not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Polyurethane condoms can be used if you or your partner has an allergy to latex. Condoms are available with:

* no lubricant
* a water-based or silicone lubricant
* a spermicidal lubricant.