Male condoms are made of very thin latex. Before sexual intercourse, they are put on the erect penis of men to collect semen and prevent it from flowing into the female uterus to achieve the contraceptive effect.
Q: Can male condoms be used by everyone?
A: Male condoms are an external contraceptive method. They are simple to use and basically available to everyone. They can be purchased without a doctor's prescription.
Q: How effective is male condoms in contraception?
A: According to research data, the chance of accidental pregnancy after using this contraceptive method in the first year is 2-18%. Since male condoms are worn before each sexual intercourse, the success rate will be affected by human factors during use. Therefore, couples who choose condoms must be persistent and use them correctly to achieve the ideal contraceptive effect.
Q: How to use male condoms correctly?
A: The correct steps for using male condoms are as follows:
1. Check the expiration date on the package and ensure that the packaging bag is intact.
2. Carefully tear open the package along the corner and squeeze out the condom. Do not pull it out with sharp nails to avoid damaging the condom.
3. The condom must be put on before the penis touches the woman's vulva or vagina.
4. Squeeze out the air in the small bag at the tip of the condom by hand so that there is space at the top to store semen. (Refer to Figure 1)
5. Put the condom on the erect penis and unfold the rolled part of the condom until it covers the entire penis. (Refer to Figure 2)
6. After ejaculation, the penis should be withdrawn from the vagina together with the condom in time to prevent semen from flowing into the vagina from the condom mouth after the penis relaxes.
7. Use a brand new condom for each sexual intercourse.
Q: Is it necessary to apply lubricant when wearing male condoms?
A: Some male condoms are already coated with appropriate lubricants during the manufacturing process. Please remember not to use oily lubricants to avoid damaging or corroding the condom.
Q: Are male condoms easy to break?
A: According to the toughness standard of male condoms published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), they must be able to withstand inflation of 13 to 15 liters, so condoms that meet the standard are not easy to break. However, when purchasing, you should choose some high-quality condoms that have not expired, and be careful when wearing them to avoid sharp nails or rings from breaking the condoms.
Q: What should I do if the condom breaks?
A: If the condom breaks while wearing it, you should take it out and discard it, and wear a new condom.
If you find that the condom is leaking after ejaculation, semen may remain in the vagina, and there is also a chance of accidental pregnancy. Therefore, you must see a doctor or go to the Family Planning Association clinic as soon as possible to consult whether you need to use emergency contraception methods.
Q: Will male condoms reduce sexual pleasure?
A: The material of early condoms is thicker and rougher, which may reduce sexual pleasure. However, condoms in recent years are made of extremely thin and soft materials, with an average thickness of only 0.04 to 0.07 mm, so it basically does not affect the feeling of sex.
Q: Are there any side effects of using male condoms?
A: According to many research data, there are no side effects of using male condoms. Only those who are sensitive to the chemicals in rubber products or contraceptive creams should not use them.
Q: Can male condoms reduce the infection of sexually transmitted diseases?
A: The main transmission route of sexually transmitted diseases is sexual intercourse with patients. Since male condoms can isolate the contact of sexual organs, they can reduce the chance of sexually transmitted diseases. If one of the couple is infected with a disease that can be transmitted through sexual intercourse, such as hepatitis B, they should consider wearing condoms.
In addition, after using condoms, women are significantly less likely to suffer from pelvic inflammation and cervical cancer.
Q: Can wearing male condoms prevent AIDS?
A: There is currently no medical method to prevent acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), but since the virus can be transmitted through sexual intercourse, wearing condoms will help reduce the risk of contracting AIDS.
Q: Will male condoms affect fertility?
A: Male condoms will never affect fertility, and you will have the opportunity to get pregnant immediately after stopping use.
Q: How should male condoms be stored?
A: Since male condoms are made of rubber, they should not be placed in humid, hot or bright places, but in a cool place. If there are young children at home, condoms should be stored in a place where children cannot play with them at will.
Q: Do male condoms have an expiration date?
A: Generally speaking, if condoms are stored in a proper environment, they can be stored for up to five years after they are made. Therefore, before purchasing or using, you must check the expiration date on the package to avoid using expired condoms. In addition, if the wrapper is torn or the condom has lost its elasticity, it should not be used.
