Condoms provide reliable protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They are available in drugstores without a prescription.
Some people claim that they experience less or reduced pleasure when using a condom as their birth control method. This is due to the latex barrier that becomes a part of their intercourse.
1. Irritation
Condoms protect against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) when used properly during sex. However, they can irritate the genital area. This irritation is most common in the vagina. It can be mild or severe and often occurs after prolonged use of a condom. It is also common after using a condom with a lubricant that contains an ingredient that can cause an allergic reaction in some people.
Some people complain that condoms reduce sensitivity during sex because they create a latex barrier that can limit sensation. This may be especially true if the person is using a synthetic condom, such as polyurethane or polyisoprene. If this is the case, switching to a non-latex condom may help.
Many people find it uncomfortable to insert a condom during sex. It is possible to avoid this discomfort by putting in the condom before starting foreplay. Some couples even make putting in the condom part of the foreplay to increase pleasure.
Some condoms are lubricated with spermicidal foam, jelly or cream to increase sensitivity and reduce friction. However, if you have an allergy to these ingredients, they can trigger an allergic reaction and cause you to have a rash or other symptoms. If you are allergic to these substances, you should use a non-lubricated condom. You can also try a different lubricant or an internal condom, such as a diaphragm.
2. Infection
Condoms can help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea. But they’re not 100 percent effective. And it’s important to use them consistently and correctly. This will reduce your risk of infection and improve the health of your vaginal microbiome.
Some types of condoms have spermicide, which is meant to stop sperm from getting in. But some research has found that this ingredient can also kill the protective bacteria in your vaginal microbiome. This can lead to an overgrowth of a yeast (candida) fungus that causes itching, burning, and white, clumpy discharge.
Yeast infections are the most common vaginal infections, and they can be caused by a lot of things. But one thing that can make them worse is using condoms that are lubricated with an oil-based lubricant or cream. This type of lubricant can increase irritation and cause the condom to break.
Using a water-based lubricant will prevent this from happening. It’s also a good idea to avoid scented or flavoured condoms and those with spermicide, which can increase irritation. You should also avoid using any other products on your genitals, including baby oil, creams, or pessaries, as these can reduce the contraceptive effectiveness of a condom. If you’re worried about irritation, try a latex-free condom or nitrile condoms. Most health insurance plans and community organizations provide female condoms, and they’re usually available in your GP’s office.
3. Damage to the cervix
Condoms are the best method for preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). When used correctly, they can prevent up to 95% of unplanned pregnancies.
When a condom tears or ruptures during sex, it can cause serious damage to the cervix and increase your chances of getting an STD. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about your cervix or have any other questions about birth control.
In one study, women who reported their partner’s use of condoms 100 percent of the time had a lower risk of incident cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions than did those reporting less consistent use. There was a linear categorical dose-response relationship, meaning that each additional day of a condom use was associated with a reduced risk of lesion development.
Female condoms are soft plastic devices with a ring on each end that fit inside the vagina, where they collect sperm and block it from entering the uterus. They’re available over-the-counter at most pharmacies and some family planning clinics. Some are made from latex, but there are also versions that are safe for people with latex allergies.
A diaphragm is a soft silicone cap that sits inside the vagina and covers the cervix, blocking sperm from entering the uterus. It’s 94 percent effective at preventing pregnancy and STIs when it fits well and is used every time you have sex.
4. Infertility
Condoms and diaphragms with spermicide don’t use hormones to prevent pregnancy, but instead create a physical barrier that keeps sperm from reaching the egg. They also protect against sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, which can cause pelvic inflammatory disease that leads to inflammation, scarring, and blockage of the fallopian tubes.
Women who use a barrier birth control method like a female condom or diaphragm with spermicide don’t experience any long-term problems such as infertility, according to one study. In addition, researchers have found that using condoms with spermicide during sex helps lower a woman’s risk of the bacterial infection pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can lead to infertility, menstrual pain, and cervical cancer.
If used correctly, male and female condoms are up to 95% effective. They must be placed on the penis before skin-to-skin genital contact and removed immediately after sex. Oil-based lubricants, creams, and some baby oil should not be used with condoms because they can reduce their effectiveness. Also, a condom that is creased or dry will not work properly. For best results, condoms should be stored in a cool place out of direct light. They can last up to five years if they are not crushed or damaged. It is important to remember that even new condoms can break, so it’s a good idea to always have back-up contraception on hand.
