Condoms are thin sheaths made of rubber, vinyl or natural
products which may be treated with a spermicide for added protection. They are placed on
the penis once it is erect.
Types
Many types of condoms are available, differing in such qualities as shape, color,
lubrication, thickness, texture and addition of spermicide (usually nonoxynol-9). Condoms
are made of:
- Latex (rubber)
- Plastic (vinyl)
- Natural (animal products)
Mechanisms of Action
- Prevent sperm from gaining access to female reproductive tract
- Prevent microorganisms (STDs, including HBV and HIV/AIDS) from passing from one partner
to another (latex and vinyl condoms only)
Benefits
Contraceptive
- 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)
Noncontraceptive
- Promote male involvement in family planning
- Only family planning method that provides protection against STDs (latex rubber
and vinyl condoms only)
- May prolong erection and time to ejaculation
- May help prevent cervical cancer
Limitations
- Moderately effective (2–12 pregnancies per 100 women during the first year)
- Effectiveness as a contraceptive 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 the client’s home
- Supplies must be readily available before intercourse begins
- Resupply must be available
Who Can Use Condoms
- Men who wish to participate actively in family planning
- Couples who need contraception immediately
- Couples needing a temporary method while awaiting another method
- Couples needing a backup method
- Couples who have intercourse infrequently
- Couples in which either partner has more than one sexual partner (at high risk for STDs,
including HBV and HIV/AIDS), even if using another method
Who Should Not Use Condoms
- Couples in which pregnancy would pose a serious health risk to the woman
- Couples who are allergic to the materials from which condoms are made
- Couples who need a highly effective method of contraception
- Couples who want a long-term contraceptive method
- Couples who want a method not related to intercourse
- Couples not willing to use correctly and with each act of intercourse
Management of Common
Side Effects and Other Problems
SIDE EFFECT/ PROBLEM
|
MANAGEMENT |
| Condom broken or breakage suspected (before
intercourse) |
Check condom for a hole or demonstrable leak. Discard
and use new condom. |
| Condom breaks or slips off (during intercourse) |
If condom breaks or leakage is suspected, consider
using a method of emergency contraception. |
| Suspected allergic reaction (condom) |
Rule out infection, allergic or mechanical reaction.
If allergy, help the client choose another method. |
| Suspected allergic reaction (spermicide) |
Allergic reactions, although uncommon, can be
uncomfortable and possibly dangerous. If symptoms persist after intercourse and no
evidence of GTI, provide another spermicide or a nonmedicated condom or help client choose
another method. |
Client Instructions
- Use a condom every time you have intercourse.
- Use a spermicide with the condom for maximum effectiveness and protection.
- Do not use teeth, knife, scissors or other sharp utensils to open the package.
- The condom should be unrolled onto the erect penis before the penis enters the
vagina, because the pre-ejaculatory semen contains active sperm.
- If the condom does not have an enlarged end (reservoir tip), about 1–2 cm should be
left at the tip for the ejaculate.
- While holding on to the base (ring) of the condom, withdraw the penis before losing the
erection. This prevents the condom from slipping off and spilling semen.
- Each condom should be used only once.
- Dispose of used condoms by placing in a waste container, in the latrine or burying.
- Keep an extra supply of condoms available. Do not store them in a warm place or they
will deteriorate and may leak during use.
- Do not use a condom if the package is broken or the condom appears damaged or
brittle.
- Do not use mineral oil, cooking oils, baby oil or petroleum jelly as lubricants
for a condom. They damage condoms in seconds. If lubrication is required, use saliva or
vaginal secretions.
Who Can Provide
- Physicians
- Nurses, Midwives, Paramedics
- Community-based Workers
- Pharmacists and Shopkeepers
Where They Can Be Provided
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Health Posts
- Private Offices
- Community-based Distribution Programs
- Pharmacies and Shops
 
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