External condoms are a popular method of birth control with a 98% effective rate. However it is important to use them correctly. Alternative options exist if this method does not suit you.
Many people use external condoms as they are convenient and have a high effectiveness rate. There are many types and varieties available.
Read on to learn more about the different types, how to use them properly, and what to do if the condom breaks.
Male condoms are also known as ‘external’ condoms. They’re typically inexpensive and are readily available at most convenience stores, supermarkets, and pharmacies.
Some health clinics also offer them for free. You may even be able to find them in some vending machines.
Internal condoms (also known as ‘female condoms’) are another type of condom. Both external and internal condoms prevent pregnancy by physically containing the semen. During sexual intercourse, they block sperm from entering the vagina. You can also use them during oral or anal sex.
External and internal condoms are the only forms of birth control that can also help protect you and your partners from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
External condoms are a very effective form of birth control. When used correctly, they’re about
In addition to preventing pregnancy, condoms also lower the risk of contracting or transmitting STIs. When used correctly, external condoms
For STIs that can be transmitted via skin around genital areas, such as genital herpes, syphilis, and human papillomavirus (HPV), condoms provide slightly less protection.
While external condoms are highly effective, they cannot offer 100% protection against pregnancy or STIs.
The two main types of condoms are external and internal condoms. An external (male) condom is a sheath that covers the penis. An internal (female) condom is a sheath that’s inserted into the vagina.
Most condoms are made out of:
- latex
- polyurethane
- polyisoprene, which is a synthetic form of latex
You can find many varieties of external condoms. They come in a wide range of:
- sizes
- styles
- textures
- colors
- flavors
Condoms also come in both lubricated and unlubricated varieties. Some lubricated condoms contain spermicide. This substance often contains the chemical nonoxynol-9, which kills sperm.
While spermicides are typically safe for most people, they can cause vaginal irritation and burning. Some people can be allergic to it, too. Talk with your partner before deciding to use an external condom with spermicide to make sure everyone is OK with that choice.
How to put on a condom
Male condoms are relatively easy to use. To put one on yourself:
- Wait for your penis to become fully erect.
- Carefully tear open the condom package.
- Unroll the condom by about a 1/2 inch.
- Place the condom on your penis while pinching the tip of the condom to remove air and leave space for semen. This is important to help prevent the condom from breaking.
- Roll the condom all the way down your penis.
- Smooth out any air bubbles.
You can also use this method to put a condom on your partner.
After you put on the condom, if preferred, you can apply condom-safe lubricant to the outside.
It’s important not to use oil-based lubricants with latex condoms. They can damage latex and cause the condom to break. Instead, look for water-based options.
How to remove a condom
Hold the base of the condom as you withdraw your penis from your partner’s vagina, anus, or mouth. Carefully remove the condom and throw it away. Don’t flush the condom down the toilet.
Always remove your penis from your partner’s vagina, anus, or mouth while it’s still erect. Otherwise, your condom may slip off during withdrawal.
Do not reuse external condoms.
Always check the expiration date
It’s important to check the expiration date on a condom packet before using it. Avoid using condoms that are expired or damaged.
Also be careful about keeping condoms in your wallet or bag. If you use your wallet or bag regularly, bending and friction can cause the condoms to deteriorate, dry out, and crack over time. Instead, try a small case that’s made of hard plastic to store condoms.
If you do find it helpful to keep a condom in your wallet, check it to make sure it’s not dry or brittle before you use it. As a general rule, the longer the condom is in there, the more likely it is to be damaged or defective.
External condoms are very effective when used correctly. Keep these general tips in mind to increase their effectiveness:
- Make sure you or your partner puts on the condom correctly.
- If you put on a condom backward, use a new one.
- Never reuse a condom.
- Don’t use external and internal condoms at the same time. This can damage the condoms and decrease their effectiveness.
- Don’t use oil-based lubes and medications with latex condoms.
- You can use oil-based products with synthetic condoms, such as polyurethane condoms.
- You can lower your chance of pregnancy even further by combining condoms with other methods of birth control, such as hormonal birth control.
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If you notice the external condom you’ve been using is torn or broken, make sure you:
- stop what you’re doing
- withdraw your penis
- throw the broken condom away
- consider your emergency contraception options
If you’re concerned about pregnancy, it’s a good idea to call a doctor or local health clinic right away to ask them about emergency contraception options.
Plan B, also called the “morning-after pill,” is available over the counter in many pharmacies across the United States.
If you’re concerned about STIs, consider visiting a local testing site or using a home test kit. There are many free and low cost options available.
External condoms are a popular method of birth control as they are convenient.
The risks and side effects of using condoms are low.
Using external condoms has a few risks and disadvantages.
If you are unsure if you want to use an external condom, talk with your partner about other safer sex options, including internal condoms, spermicide, or hormonal birth control.
External condoms are the best method, aside from abstinence, for lowering your risk of STIs.
If you have latex allergies and want to use condoms, consider choosing varieties made from polyurethane or polyisoprene:
- Polyurethane condoms are made out of plastic. While they feel different than latex condoms, they’re highly effective.
- Polyisoprene condoms are made out of synthetic latex. They’re safe for most people with latex allergies because allergic reactions are usually triggered by natural contaminants in latex rather than the rubber itself. Polyisoprene condoms feel more like latex condoms than polyurethane options.
If you find that a specific brand of latex condom triggers an allergy, but things like balloons or your doctor’s gloves don’t, you may be allergic to something other than the latex.
Different brands use different lubes, spermicides, and chemicals. It may help to try a different brand of condoms.
External and internal condoms are accessible options for birth control for many people. They’re also two of the best ways to protect yourself against STIs.
However, the effectiveness of a condom is directly related to proper usage, so if you’re unsure about how to use one, take some time to practice. This way, when the moment comes, you can be sure you’re putting it on correctly.