How To Use Condoms To Avoid Pregnancy

What are Condoms?

A condom is a contraceptive measure to prevent pregnancy. There are two types of condoms. The first is a narrow, fitting tube worn over an erect penis during intercourse (male condoms), while the second is placed within the vagina during intercourse (female condoms).

Condoms also help prevent STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia, herpes and HIV (the virus that causes AIDS). Thus, it is advisable to always use a condom as a preventive measure, whether it is for vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse.

How effective are condoms in preventing pregnancy?

Male condoms are 98% effective, i.e., only 2 out of 100 women whose male partners use condoms during sex are likely to get pregnant. On the other hand, female condoms are 94% effective when used correctly.

There are many contraceptive measures, but the best one is a condom, which also helps prevent STDs. Also, how well a condom works just depends on how correctly you use it.

There are different male condoms available, i.e., latex, plastic or lambskin, lubricated, spermicide-coated and textured condoms.

Female condoms are of only one type, made of synthetic latex. Female condoms are accessible in India in local stores or online.

How to use condoms to avoid pregnancy?

Here is the correct way of using condoms to prevent pregnancy:

• Always wear a condom over your erected penis.
• Don’t use male and female condoms simultaneously, and ensure you use them in the right way to avoid pregnancy.
• If your partner is using a male condom, ensure it is always new.
• After intercourse, throw away the condom and don't reuse it.
• Always make sure your partner wears a condom for any form of intercourse, whether it's vaginal, oral, or anal. Oral sex without protection can lead to STDs.
• You should use condoms for period sex to avoid pregnancy and STI transmission.

How to use male condoms properly to prevent pregnancy?

Please follow the steps below:

1. Always check for the expiry date on the package while using a condom. Also, make sure that it is not torn or damaged.
2. Wear the condom after the penis gets erect. Take out the condom and place it on the tip of an erected penis. The rolled side should be facing out. The rim of the condom should form a circle around the penis. If you place it the wrong way, don’t reuse it. Start with a new one.
3. Leave a half-inch space on the tip to collect the semen when you ejaculate. Some condoms already have reservoirs that leave the space for you.
4. Pinch the tip of the condom and roll it over the erected penis to the base.
5. Use lubricants to feel better during sex. Always use a water-based lubricant such as K-Y jelly or Astroglide. Don’t use an oil-based lubricant such as Vaseline, body lotion, baby oil, massage oil and petroleum jelly, as it weakens the latex and can cause condoms to break. If you feel the condom breaks or tears during sex, stop right away and put on a new condom.
6. Don't remove the condom until you are finished.
7. After intercourse, remove the condom, taking care the semen doesn’t spill out.
8. Wrap the condom and dispose of it so that others do not come into contact with it.

How to use female condoms properly to prevent pregnancy?

Here’s a quick guide on how to use a female condom:

1. Carefully open the package and take out the condom.
2. Place it inside the vagina by standing with one foot on a chair or squatting. You should insert it before you plan to have sex.
3. Unroll the condom and squeeze the sides of the inner ring at the closed end of the condom.
4. Insert the condom into the vagina with your finger, just as inserting a menstrual cup or tampon. Use lubricant to help it move quickly. Also, avoid twisting it while inserting.
5. Use a water-based lubricant to avoid slipping and tearing.
6. Push the condom deep inside so that it rests around your cervix.
7. If you feel the penis slithering between the condom and your vagina, pause the intercourse.
8. After sex, pull it out and throw it in the trash. Don't flush it or reuse it.

You may also like: How to Use Female Condoms

Takeaway

Condom usage reduces the risk of pregnancy and the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases to your partner. Contraceptives, on the other hand, are the only way to ensure that you do not become pregnant. However, contraceptive tablets do not protect you from STDs such as HIV.

Though condoms are 98% effective in preventing pregnancy, latex condoms that cover the penis provide the best protection against most STDs. Thus, the only way to reduce the risk of pregnancy is to use a condom correctly. If you wish to know how to use condoms properly to avoid pregnany, you can also ask you GP to guide you.

References:

1. NHS. How do I use a condom?-Your contraception guide. www.nhs.uk

2. CDC. (2022). Male (External) Condom Use. https://www.cdc.gov/condomeffectiveness/external-condom-use.html

3. Haddad LB, Feldacker C, Jamieson DJ, Tweya H, Cwiak C, Chaweza T, Mlundira L, Chiwoko J, Samala B, Kachale F, Bryant AG, Hosseinipour MC, Stuart GS, Hoffman I, Phiri S. (2015). Pregnancy prevention and condom use practices among HIV-infected women on antiretroviral therapy seeking family planning in Lilongwe, Malawi

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