Condom how does it work

When used correctly, a condom creates a barrier that limits your exposure — and your partner's exposure — to semen or other body fluids that can carry STIs. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.

Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Sections for Male condoms About. Overview A male condom is a thin sheath placed over the erect penis. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Choosing a birth control method: Male condom.

Association of Reproductive Health Professionals. Accessed Dec. Male condom. Department of Health and Human Services. Stone KM, et al. Male condoms. National Health Service. Latex allergy. It is unrolled all the way to the base of the penis while holding the tip of the condom to leave some extra room at the end. This creates a space for semen after ejaculation and makes it less likely that the condom will break.

After t he male ejaculates, he should hold the condom at the base of the penis as he pulls out of the vagina. He must do this while the penis is still erect. This prevents the condom from slipping off when he gets soft, which could let sperm enter the vagina.

The female condom is inserted into the vagina using the closed-end ring. The other ring creates the open end of the condom. The condom then lines the walls of the vagina, creating a barrier between the sperm and the cervix. The female condom can be inserted up to 8 hours before intercourse.

It should be removed immediately after sex and before standing up. The male and female condoms should not be used at the same time because friction can break them, make them stick together, or make one or the other slip out of place during intercourse.

If a condom breaks or slips, semen can get through, making the condom less likely to prevent pregnancy or STDs. For added protection , many couples use condoms along with another method of birth control, like birth control pills or an IUD. For condoms to have their best chance of working, they must be used every time a couple has sex. A condom cannot be reused. A new condom should be used each time a couple has sex and it must be used from start to finish to protect against pregnancy and STDs.

Never use oil-based lubricants such as mineral oil, petroleum jelly, or baby oil with condoms because they can break down the rubber. Condoms also can be damaged by things like fingernails and body piercings. If a condom seems dry, sticky, or stiff when it comes out of the package, or is past its expiration date , throw it away and use a new one instead. Condoms Female condoms Diaphragm or cap.

Condoms Female condoms. Female sterilisation Vasectomy male sterilisation. Contraception after having a baby. Using contraception effectively Will antibiotics stop my contraception working? What if my partner won't use condoms? Where can I get emergency contraception morning after pill, IUD? How effective is emergency contraception? When can I use contraception after a baby or while breastfeeding? Where can I get contraception? Missed pills and extra pills What should I do if I miss a pill combined pill?

What should I do if I miss a pill progestogen-only pill? What if I've lost a pill? What if I've taken an extra pill by accident? What if I'm on the pill and I'm sick or have diarrhoea? How do I change to a different pill? Will a pregnancy test work if I'm on the pill? Does the pill interact with other medicines? When will my periods return after I stop taking the pill? How do I know I've reached menopause if I'm on the pill?

What is the male pill? Condoms are available free from: contraception clinics sexual health or GUM genitourinary medicine clinics some GP surgeries some young people's services You can also buy condoms from: shops pharmacies supermarkets websites mail order catalogues vending machines in some public toilets some petrol stations Always buy condoms that carry the British Standards Institution BSI kitemark or the European CE symbol as proof of quality.

This means they have been tested to the required safety standards. Also, check that the expiry date is clearly visible on the packet. Types of condom There are 2 basic types of condom available in the UK: male and female.