The male condom is a sheath worn over the penis during intercourse. It prevents pregnancy by acting as a barrier and preventing the man's semen from entering the woman's vagina, so sperm can't reach a woman's "egg". Use of condoms allows males to have an active part in preventing pregnancy. Condoms also lessen the chance of males and females getting a sexually transmitted disease, including HIV. They act as a barrier to some organisms that carry sexually transmitted diseases, so these organisms cannot pass from one partner to another. There are dozens of sizes, styles, shapes and features of condoms to choose from, some more effective than others. Condoms can be made out of latex, polyurethane, or lambskin (natural). Condoms may be lubricated or unlubricated. Some contain spermicides already and some do not. It is best to use condoms without spermicide.
Males wear condoms, but this doesn't mean that you can't have some on hand if you are in a sexual relationship with a male. Then you will never be without contraception and you can always practice safer sex.
The best type of condom to use is one made out of latex. It provides the best protection against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. However, if you are allergic to latex, polyurethane condoms are still a good method. They provide just about the same protection against pregnancy and also give some protection against STDs, although they break and slip more often than latex condoms. Lambskin condoms, or natural condoms, are effective against pregnancy, but not effective in the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. It's up to you if you use lubricated or unlubricated condoms, although most teens prefer lubricated.
The answer to this question partly depends on which type of condom used. Latex condoms provide excellent protection against some STDs. Polyurethane condoms provide some protection against STDs, although it is still not clear just how much. Remember, lambskin condoms, or natural condoms, don't protect against STDs. The pores are too large to protect against the small particles that cause some STDs.
The answer to this question also depends on which type of STD. Latex condoms protect against only certain types of STDs. STDs can be spread by sexual activity in a few different ways. They are effective against STDs that travel in bodily fluids (blood or semen), such as the HIV/AIDS virus, hepatitis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Condoms are much less effective against STDs that are caused by organisms that live in sores on the genitals, such as syphilis. STDs like herpes and human papillomavirus (also known as genital warts) that occur on the genital skin can get passed from one partner to another even if a condom is used.
Most importantly, the effectiveness of a condom against STDs depends on whether the condom is stored correctly, and is used correctly and all of the time!
Latex and polyurethane condoms are not 100% effective in preventing STDs, so your best protection. is not to have sex. If you make a decision to have sex, condoms are your best protection. You can also lessen your chance of getting an STD by having sex with only one person who does not have an STD and who is not having sex with anyone else.
