Condoms (Male): Counseling Outline

• Prevent sperm from gaining access to female reproductive tract
• Prevent microorganisms ( STDs) from passing from one partner to another (latex and vinyl condoms only)

• Men who wish to participate actively in family planning
• Couples who need contraception immediately
• Couples needing a temporary method while awaiting another method (e.g., implants, IUD or voluntary sterilization)
• Couples needing a backup method
• Couples who have intercourse infrequently
• Couples in which either partner has more than one sexual partner, even if using another method
• Women/men at risk for STDs (e.g., HBV, HIV/AIDS)

• Effective immediately
• Do not affect breastfeeding
• Can be used as backup to other methods
• No method-related health risks
• No systemic side effects
• Widely available (pharmacies and community shops)
• No prescription or medical assessment necessary
• Inexpensive (short-term)

• Promote male involvement in family planning
• Only family planning method that provides protection against STDs (latex and plastic condoms only)
• May prolong erection and time to ejaculation
• May help prevent cervical cancer

• Moderately effective (2–12 pregnancies per 100 women during the first year of use)
• Effectiveness as contraceptives depends on willingness to follow instructions
• User-dependent (require continued motivation and use with each act of intercourse)
• May reduce sensitivity of penis, making maintenance of erection more difficult
• Disposal of used condoms may be a problem
• Adequate storage must be available at client's home
• Supplies must be readily available before intercourse begins
• Resupply must be available