Reproductive System & Sexual Disorders: Current Research
Open Access

Condom Use

Condoms are physical barriers that can reduce the risk of a sexual exposure to HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They are made of materials that do not allow HIV or STIs to pass through them. Condoms can be highly effective against HIV and STI transmission when used consistently and correctly. They are much less protective if used inconsistently and/or incorrectly. Condoms are barrier methods of contraception. They help prevent pregnancy by stopping sperm meeting an egg. They also help protect you from sexually transmitted infections. An external condom fits over an erect penis. It’s made of very thin latex (rubber), polyurethane (soft plastic) or polyisoprene. It’s sometimes called a male condom. An internal condom is put in the vagina and loosely lines it. It’s made of polyurethane or nitrile polymer (synthetic rubber). It’s sometimes called a female condom.The male condom, also known as the external condom, is a sheath made from polyurethane, latex, or polyisoprene that covers the penis during sexual intercourse. There are many types and brands of male condoms available. They vary in shape, colour, size, texture and flavour. • The female condom, also known as the internal or insertive condom, is a pouch made of polyurethane or a synthetic latex material called nitrile. The pouch is open at one end and closed at the other end. It has a flexible ring at both ends. The ring at the closed end is used to insert the condom into the vagina and hold it in place. The ring at the open end of the pouch remains outside of the vagina and covers the external parts of the female genitalia. There are only two types of female condoms available