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What Is a Condom?

Amanda Barnhart
Amanda Barnhart

A condom is a sheath made of latex, polyurethane, polyisoprene, or lambskin that creates a barrier between the penis and the vagina, anus, or mouth to protect against pregnancy and sexually-transmitted diseases. Male condoms that fit over the penis are the most commonly used, although there are condoms for females as well. The female condom looks like a flexible tube, and has one closed end which is inserted into the vagina and one open end that fits around the entrance of the vagina.

Using a condom during sexual activity is particularly important for couples who are not monogamous, since this presents an increased risk of contracting sexually-transmitted diseases, including HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Choosing a condom for pregnancy protection is convenient for many couples because condoms do not require a prescription. They can be used at the time of sexual activity instead of requiring a daily, weekly, or monthly use like other birth control methods, such as birth control pills, patches, and vaginal rings.

A condom is a type of sheath that creates a barrier during sexual intercourse to prevent the spreading of STDs or the start of an unwanted pregnancy.
A condom is a type of sheath that creates a barrier during sexual intercourse to prevent the spreading of STDs or the start of an unwanted pregnancy.

Most people do not experience any negative reactions when using a condom, though some are allergic to the materials they are made from, especially latex. People with a latex allergy can choose condoms made from other materials. Lambskin condoms are made from sheep intestines and do not cause irritation for people with latex allergies, but they are not suitable for protection against sexually-transmitted diseases because they have small holes that the virus can slip through. The holes are too small for sperm, however, so these condoms are effective in protecting against pregnancy.

Men and women with latex allergies should avoid contact with latex condoms, as the allergy symptoms can cause wheezing, hives, tearing of the eyes, nasal congestion and rash.
Men and women with latex allergies should avoid contact with latex condoms, as the allergy symptoms can cause wheezing, hives, tearing of the eyes, nasal congestion and rash.

Couples who choose to use a condom have many choices. Condoms are available in many different brands, sizes, colors, and textures to suit different couples' preferences. Dry condoms are available, but lubricated condoms often make sexual activity more comfortable for both partners.

Most countries have agencies and organizations that regulate condom sales and test the products for quality. The World Health Organization has recommended requirements for condom quality that many countries follow. These procedures include testing the products for bursting pressure and to reveal defects that could render the products ineffective.

Condoms are sometimes used with other forms of birth control.
Condoms are sometimes used with other forms of birth control.

Female and male condoms should not be used simultaneously. Condoms that contain the spermicide nonoxynol-9 are not recommended for couples using condoms for anything other than protection against pregnancy because the chemical can increase the risk of contracting HIV. It's also important to put condoms on correctly according to the instructions to increase their effectiveness, which studies show ranges from 85 to 98 percent, depending on the brand and if they are properly used.

Discussion Comments

mrwormy

I didn't realize condoms came in different sizes until I went to a drugstore to buy a few. I just assumed they were "one size fits all", but apparently some men require a larger circumference for a comfortable fit. I mostly use lambskin condoms, because I don't like the feel or smell of latex rubber.

My partner is on birth control, so we don't use spermicidal condoms very often. I think she may have had an allergic reaction to one years ago, so she's not going to insist I use one, anyway.

RocketLanch8

I went to one of those high schools where the school nurse handed out free condoms to any student who asked for them. They weren't a name brand or anything, and I think most of us ended up using them as water balloons. A condom can hold a surprising amount of water, so the idea of breaking them during sex is a little far-fetched to me.

AnswerMan

I know some men try to get out of wearing a condom because they claim it decreases their sensitivity during sex. I have never experienced that problem personally. Some condoms are better than others when it comes to "invisibility", but I've never used one that completely numbed me. In fact, I think the slight desensitization is a good thing, especially for men who tend to get overexcited during sexual intercourse.

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    • A condom is a type of sheath that creates a barrier during sexual intercourse to prevent the spreading of STDs or the start of an unwanted pregnancy.
      By: Yvonne Weis
      A condom is a type of sheath that creates a barrier during sexual intercourse to prevent the spreading of STDs or the start of an unwanted pregnancy.
    • Men and women with latex allergies should avoid contact with latex condoms, as the allergy symptoms can cause wheezing, hives, tearing of the eyes, nasal congestion and rash.
      By: MarieC
      Men and women with latex allergies should avoid contact with latex condoms, as the allergy symptoms can cause wheezing, hives, tearing of the eyes, nasal congestion and rash.
    • Condoms are sometimes used with other forms of birth control.
      By: Jacob Kearns
      Condoms are sometimes used with other forms of birth control.
    • Most people do not have any negative reactions to condoms.
      By: vgstudio
      Most people do not have any negative reactions to condoms.
    • Those with a latex allergy may opt for lambskin condoms for protection against unwanted pregnancy.
      By: yaskii
      Those with a latex allergy may opt for lambskin condoms for protection against unwanted pregnancy.
    • Female condoms may be inserted into the vagina for protection during sexual activity.
      By: isyste
      Female condoms may be inserted into the vagina for protection during sexual activity.
    • Male condoms fit over the penis and are the most commonly used type of condom.
      By: tomschoumakers
      Male condoms fit over the penis and are the most commonly used type of condom.