Male & Female Condom
1. What are male condoms?
Male condom are sheaths that cover the erect penis during sexual intercourse. It is usually made out of latex (rubber).
2. How do I use a male condom?
Male condom is an effective method of contraception provided you use it correctly.
- Read the instruction on the packet.
- Use only good quality condom.
- Put the condom on before ANY contact with the vagina area! Pregnancy can sometimes occur even without any penetration of the vagina.
- Pinch the teat at top end of the condom to remove any air then roll it gently on the erect penis.
- After sex withdraw the penis and take care to not spill any semen into or onto the vagina.
- Use the condom only once.
- Do not use any oil based lubricants during sex for example vaseline or body oils if you are using latex condom as the condom could break or split. Use KY jelly or spermicidal jelly instead. However, you could use any lubricant if you are using the plastic (polyurethane) condom.
3. What should I do if the condom breaks or splits?
Do not panic! Consult your doctor to provide your female partner with emergency contraception within the next 72 hours.
4. What is the effectiveness of male condom in preventing pregnancies?
When used correctly, it is 98% effective i.e only 2 out of 100 women will get pregnant when using condom as a method of contraception. Most pregnancy occurs due to incorrect usage of condom.
5. Are there any side effects?
Allergic reaction. About 2% of people are allergic to latex. If you are allergic to latex, then you should try using the plastic (polyurethane) condom. However, it is much more expensive.
6. In which patients is it suitable?
- Compliant male partner to use the condom during each sexual intercourse.
- Female partner that refuse or could not take oral hormone pills or other methods of contraception
- To prevent sexually transmitted disease.
- Breastfeeding mums.
7. How does a female condom works?
It is a barrier method form of contraception. Basically it prevents the sperm meeting the eggs.
8. What is a female condom?
Female condom is made out of thin plastic (polyurethane). You basically need to place the condom inside the vagina prior to sexual intercourse. The condom loosely lines the vagina.
9. Which condom should I use the female or male?
You could choose whichever condom which suits use best.
10. Where could I get the female condom?
Female condom is let readily available compared to the male condom. You could purchase it from either your nearest family planning clinic, hospital or certain pharmacies.
11. What is the effectiveness of the female condom?
If used correctly, it is 95% effective i.e 5 out of 100 women who uses the female condom will get pregnant. You could use lubricants with the female condom.
12. How do I use the female condom?
- Read the instruction on the packet carefully.
- Check the expiry date on the packet and use a new condom every time you have sex.
- Hold the closed end of the condom and squeeze the inner ring between your thumb and middle finger. Keeping your index finger on the inner ring helps you to insert the condom into the vagina.
- Use your other hand to hand to open the inner lip of your vagina (labia)
- Place your index or middle finger into the open end of the condom until you could feel the inner ring.
- Then push in the inner ring as far back into the vagina. Ensure that the outer ring lies outside your vagina.
- To remove the condom, twist the outer ring to keep the semen inside gently and then pull out the condom.
REFERENCES:
1. Family Planning Association www.fpa.org.uk
