Condom

In this method, the erectile penis is completely covered by a very thin layer of rubber/latex (condom) which is used only once and then discarded.

Should you use something along with a condom?

It is desirable to use a condom with a water-based spermicidal agent to improve the efficacy of the method.

There are 2 types of condoms:

• Male condoms (worn externally on the penis)
• Female condoms (worn internally inside the vagina)

Advantages

• Cheap, widely available, easy to carry and free from side effects
• Protect against STIs (sexually transmitted infections) including HIV, chlamydia and gonorrhea and HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)
• Only reversible “male method”
• Highly effective in preventing pregnancy
• Ensures male involvement and is immediately effective
• Decreases incidence of cervical cancer in women whose partners use condoms

Disadvantages

• High failure rate, pregnancy rate of 10-14 per 100 woman years users (mostly due to bursting of condom/slipping away/non-compliance)
• Vaginal irritation/allergy to the latex
• Inability to achieve full sexual satisfaction
• Method is male dependent