Condoms are one of the most popular forms of contraception.
In this article:
What is barrier method contraception?
Background to condoms
Male condoms
How to use male condoms
Female condoms
Emergency contraception
How Chemist Online can help
Advice & Support
What is barrier method contraception?
Contraception is designed with the intention to prevent pregnancy. However, some methods are known as barrier methods. As well as preventing pregnancy, barrier methods are also designed to help prevent the spreading of sexually transmitted diseases.
Background to condoms
Condoms originated in Ancient Egypt, where a linen sheath was used. This was carried on through Roman times until over the centuries linen was replaced by rubber. At different points in British history the syphilis and gonorrhoea epidemics engendered a heightened focus upon condoms being used not only to prevent pregnancy, but also as a barrier method against sexually transmitted diseases. In fact, condoms being publicly perceived primarily as a preventative measure against pregnancy did not come until much later in Britain.
Now available in pubs, retail outlets and even 24-hour petrol stations, condoms come in a whole range of different colours, textures and flavours. They also come in different sizes and shapes.
Male condoms
What are they?
Male condoms fall into the category of barrier method contraception. They are designed to prevent sperm meeting the egg and also to protect both sexual partners from transmitting or catching a sexual infection, such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and Syphilis.
The Term Paper on Human Sexuality and Contraception
... of contraception worldwide. In typical use, male condoms are 84 percent effective in preventing unwanted pregnancy. The female condom, a later invention to the male condom, is ... provides an overview of birth control methods and provides typical use statistics. Barrier methods Barrier methods generally provide a physical barrier which help avoiding the sperms ...
How do they work?
Condoms are made of latex or polyurethane. They are designed to slide over the penis, but to grip tightly so that they do not come off or break during penetration. As the man ejaculates, his sperm collects in the tip area of the condom – thus preventing his sperm from meeting the egg.
Who can use them?
Men.
How reliable are they?
They are reliable if used properly and also with a water-based lubricant, such as KY jelly. However, for some men (and women), certain lubricants can cause allergies.
Advantages?
Male condoms are affordable, widely available and also extremely effective. In fact, male condoms are free on the NHS.
How to use male condoms
Although most men have used a condom at some time or other, or are aware of them and how to use them in general, it is important that condoms are used properly if they are going to be relied upon as an effective barrier method contraceptive.
Some condom usage rules:
Never use a condom more than once. Always dispose of a condom carefully and use a fresh one next time.
Do not wait to put on a condom until after foreplay as, sometimes, droplets of sperm can leak from the tip of the penis and create the risk of pregnancy. Put the condom on as soon as you become erect.
Carefully and slowly unroll the condom down to the shaft of the penis, while all the time holding the tip gently but firmly between finger and thumb. Without allowing air to inflate the tip of the condom, ensure that you leave enough space in the tip to allow for sperm during and after ejaculation.
Use adequate lubricant
After ejaculation (and while holding the tip of the condom so as not to risk leakage), withdraw from your partner immediately
Female condoms
Condoms for women are also available. Although not quite as effective and reliable as male condoms, female condoms are proven as a barrier method contraception.
The Essay on Religion: Pregnancy Contraception
Outline and explain the religious and secular arguments surrounding both prevention and termination of pregnancy Contraception is the deliberate prevention of pregnancy using several methods available today. Family planning is the method that refers to the making decisions about when and how many children to have, and choosing way to achieve this. Catholics believe that sex should be procreative, ...
Placed high in the vagina – with the outer end or ‘ring’ forming a mouth-shaped opening at the outside of the vagina – female condoms are not uncomfortable and also carry the CE quality mark as well as the Kite mark as signs of assurance that they have been tested and passed as reliable and safe.
Emergency contraception
An overview: If you have had unprotected sex, or there was mistake with contraception which could mean that you may be pregnant, then one possible solution is emergency contraception – a single emergency hormonal contraception pill, or a copper IUD (a small device made of copper and plastic) which is fitted in the womb by a doctor or nurse.
The advantages of emergency contraception are that it is:
proven as being highly effective, and
free from your GP, Family Planning Clinic and some pharmacies
The disadvantages:
If not used correctly, it may not work
There may be side effects such as nausea and vomiting
You will not be protected from sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea and herpes.
How Chemist Online can help
Through this website we have a range of contraception options available to buy. You can also purchase pregnancy tests from us.
www.chemistonline.co.uk
Advice & Support
bpas (British Pregnancy Advisory Service)
Tel: 0845 730 4030
Website: www.bpas.org.uk
Family Planning Association (fpa)
Helpline: 0845 122 8690 (9am-6pm Monday-Friday)
Website: www.fpa.org.uk
This information and advice is not intended to replace the advice of your GP or chemist. Chemist Online is also not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based upon the content of the Chemist Online website. Chemist Online is also not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites.
