Condoms (Birth Control): Types, How They Work, Proven Effectiveness

Condom – In a world of fast-paced romance and brief affairs, where the hearts are faster than the minds, people do require condom’s that can protect them from accidental pregnancies and STIs. As 1 in 25 people worldwide and 6% of Indian adults are experiencing a minimum of one STI, it’s the need of the hour to use the only contraceptive method that protects against STIs like AIDS/HIV, etc. According to NFHS, only 9.5% of males use condoms. In this article, we will discuss condom’s in more detail.

What is condom?

It’s one of the contraceptive methods that both males and females can use, structure and material vary, but the aim to protect from accidental pregnancy and STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) is the same. Generally, latex condom’s called external condom’s are used by males, it’s a thin covering over the penis to stop the sperm from reaching eggs and it also declines the contact of semen with genital organs like the vagina and anus of females, resulting in increased chances of protection from STIs.

Internal condoms made up of synthetic material are used by females that they can insert into their vagina. Lubricants like water, oil, lotions, etc. can be used to fix these condoms based on the material of the condom.

What are the various types of condoms?

When you visit the medical shop or search on online platforms you will find numerous condoms with different brand names, flavored ones, grow-in-the-dark, ribbed or dotted, tingling, thin or ultra-thin condoms, etc., but mainly there are only two types of condoms-

Even dental dams are used while performing oral sex, they reduce the risk of STIs and are made of latex as well as non-latex material. And lubricated condoms are also present that one can use without thinking of which lubricant to opt for, it also decreases the friction from vaginal dryness.

What are male condoms?

These are the soft, thin rubber coverings just like a tube that one uses to cover his erect penis externally, it’s open from one end and closed from the other side. Usually, latex is used as the material for condoms but those who do have latex allergy can shift to synthetic condoms also named non-latex condoms, these are made up of polyurethane, polyisoprene, etc., approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It’s recommended not to go for lubricants with oil-base if you are using latex condoms, as that can increase the chances of breakage of condoms and raise the risk of STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) and conception.

It’s better to use water and silicon-based lubricants with latex condoms and water and oil-based lubricants with non-latex condoms for better results. Even lambskin and spermicide condoms can be used but are not recommended as lambskin is ineffective with STIs and less effective with protection against unwanted pregnancies, on the other hand, spermicide can cause allergic reactions despite 79% effectiveness at prevention from pregnancies.

What are female condoms?

It’s a soft and thin object with 2 rings, one inner thick ring, and the other outer thin ring, that needs to be inserted into the vagina to protect oneself from STIs and unwanted pregnancy. It provides an option to insert it even 8 hours prior to sexual intercourse. It’s usually made from synthetic substances, both oil-based and water-based lubricants can be used. Oil-based lubricants can comprise vaseline, lotions, massage oil, etc.

They are 79% effective less than external condoms for men, as inserting it inside a vagina is quite more complex and chances of tearing and slipping are always there. It’s better to use it for birth control with other contraceptive methods like pills, patches, etc. Also, No one should use both condoms (i.e. internal and external condoms) or double condoms at the same time as the risk of breakage of both condoms rises. Don’t be fooled to think that double condoms provide extra protection. Females can also use spermicide but should check for allergic reactions.

How to use male condom?

A person should first check on the expiry date before buying a condom’s and while using it should carefully open the packet such that it doesn’t get damaged. And then put it on the erect penis making sure air cannot enter inside by holding the tip of that condom, make sure it’s fully covered by rolling it to the base of the penis. Check if it’s covered correctly and in the right direction and then only get involved in sexual intercourse, if it gets damaged or inserted in the wrong way go for a new condom’s and dispose of the old one. After the sex, remove it carefully from the base and throw it into the dustbin.

How to use female condom?

While opening the sealed packet make sure the condom’s does not tear or damage the condom. Hold the condom such that the inner thick ring gets squeezed and then insert it into the vagina just like that of mensural cups and with the help of your finger push that ring till it covers the cervix, while doing so keep in mind that it doesn’t get twisted and the thin ring remains outside. After it’s usage one can remove it by twisting it and taking it out carefully. After removal, it can be disposed of properly in the dustbin.

Other forms of birth control

To completely prevent pregnancy, it’s essential to be using a backup method of birth control. The following are the alternatives to condom that do not provide effectiveness as compared to condom.

Oral contraceptive pills
Non-Hormonal Pills
IUD (hormonal)
Shot
Implant
Patch
Vaginal ring
Diaphragm
Cervical cap
Sponge
Spermicide (gel, foam, cream, depository)

A note from kamarth

If the condom slips, breaks, or tears then one might be concerned about the accidental pregnancy, in that case, one can use emergency contraceptive pills. But if the person faces complications and does feel the risk and symptoms of STIs should definitely consult a medical expert and go for a test for STIs.

It’s always better to use protection in both general and sexual life. Both men and women are responsible for their reproductive health and make it much more streamlined. Condom is a cheap and easily available solution, that can be used with other contraceptives as well like pills, patches, etc. to prevent pregnancies and only birth control that shields against STIs. If a person faces any complications and symptoms related to STIs and accidental pregnancy then should consult the doctor immediately.

Some Additional Doubts

Question: Can a person re-use condom?
Answer: Definitely not, as it can break and can lead to STIs and accidental pregnancy.

Question: Is condom actually effective?
Answer: Condom is genuinely really effective when used correctly. With perfect use, male condom is 98% effective but generally, it is around 85% because of not so proper usage by people. The female condom is 95% effective with perfect use and approx 80% effective in day-to-day life. So, they are no such guarantee but the chances of both unwanted pregnancies and STIs are drastically low.

Question: What if a condom breaks?
Answer: If a condom breaks during sex, there is no need to panic one should use emergency contraception if it’s once in a while case, within 72 hours if you are worried about pregnancy. If in doubt, test for STIs.

Question: Will using a condom have an impact on pleasure?
Answer: There are various condom such as flavored for taste in oral sex, ultra-thin condoms designed such that they can enhance pleasure even by providing protection, and water-based lubricant inside male condoms can also help.

Question: Can virgins use condoms?
Answer: Condoms can be used even for the first or the n^thtime. It should be used to prevent oneself from STIs and accidental pregnancy.

Reference links:
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/condoms
https://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/birth-control-condoms
https://www.who.int/health-topics/sexually-transmitted-infections#tab=tab_1
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/womens-health-topics/birth-control#BarrierMethods
https://journals.lww.com/aoam/fulltext/2018/17020/nanotechnology_and_the_future_of_condoms_in_the.1.aspx
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470385/?report=classic
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/barrier-methods-of-birth-control-spermicide-condom-sponge-diaphragm-and-cervical-cap
https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/condoms/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262098378_Contraceptive_Technology_Revised_20th_edition