Male Condoms

Male condoms are sheaths made from a thin layer of latex or polyurethane (for those allergic to latex) that are worn over the penis during sexual intercourse. They trap pre-seminal fluid and sperm before, during, and after a man ejaculates. This can keep sperm from entering the vagina, preventing pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Used and stored properly, male condoms can be effective up to 98% of the time.

Male condoms are also effective in preventing the spread of STDs from oral and anal sex.

Efficiency (How safe are they?)

Studies have shown in the United States, when male condoms are stored and used properly, they can be effective up to 98% of the time and break less than 2% of the time. However couples who are new to using male condoms can see their effectiveness drop to 85% because they may not use them properly.
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Proper Usage

1) Men should practice putting male condoms on themselves and women should practice putting male condoms on cucumbers, bananas, or other penis shaped objects before sexual activity. This will help ensure they are put on properly during the “heat” of the moment.

2) It is important to remember, a male condom should be put on before any sexual contact occurs because a man’s pre-seminal fluid can cause pregnancy and transmit STDs.

3) Before opening a male condom’s packaging, make sure it is undamaged and check the expiration date. If the date has passed or you think the package is damaged, use a different male condom and throw the expired or damaged one out.

4) Open the package by tearing off one of its corners but be careful not to rip the male condom with your nails, teeth, scissors, etc.

5) Inspect the male condom to make sure it is in good condition. If you are not sure or think it is not in good condition, throw it out and use another one.

6) If you are a woman, do not put the male condom on your partner with your teeth. That could cause a tear and lead to condom failure during sexual intercourse. You also shouldn’t blow it up.

7) Place the rolled up male condom at the tip of the erect penis (do not try putting it on until the penis is erect). If the male condom has a reservoir top, pinch the air out of it. If it doesn’t have a reservoir top, pinch the tip of it, leaving about half an inch of space for sperm to collect.

8) If the penis is not circumcised, pull back the foreskin before rolling the male condom down.

9) While still pinching the male condom’s tip or reservoir top (to make sure there is no air), roll the male condom all the way down to the base of the penis. If there are any air bubbles, smooth them out because they can cause the male condom to break.

10) Men who lose their erection while trying to put on a male condom should have their partner help put it on to stay erect.

11) If you struggle to unroll the male condom or it takes more than a few seconds, it is likely you have it backwards. Remove it and use a different one, as pre-seminal fluid containing sperm or any viruses present would now be on the outside and could cause pregnancy or STDs.

12) If the male condom is not lubricated or you and your partner wish to use more lubrication, apply it to the male condom now. Do not apply lubrication to the penis until the male condom is on, otherwise it will be more likely to slip off.

13) The lubrication used should be water-based. Oil-based lubricants can weaken male latex condoms, making them more likely to break.

14) The male condom should be removed right after the man has climaxed.

15) To remove the male condom, pull the penis completely out of the vagina while holding it tightly at the base of your penis to make sure it doesn’t slip off.

16) Take the male condom off, wrap it in tissue or paper and throw it away. Do not re-use it. Do not flush it.

17) If you wish to have sex again, wash the penis first, and then apply a new male condom when the penis is erect.
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Proper Storage

Male condoms should be stored in a cool dry place and out of the sun because heat and light can damage them. So male condoms that have been stored in a back pocket, wallet, or left in a car should not be used. However men who plan to have sex should carry a new condom with them. Just make sure it is still in good condition when it is time to use it, and don’t keep it on you for any longer than that night out.
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Anal Sex

Male condoms should be used to make anal sex safer. However anal sex puts more strain on male condoms, making them more likely to break if used improperly, so it may be wise to use a thicker and stronger male condom (and use it properly). If both partners wish to use a regular male condom, it should be just as effective, if it is used properly (as mentioned above) with plenty of lubrication.

Do not use male condoms that use lubricant containing Nonoxynol 9, because Nonoxynol 9 damages the lining of the rectum.

Male condoms used during anal sex, should not be used for vaginal sex. Even if the man has not climaxed and decides to switch, a new male condom must be used because there are bacteria present in the rectum that can cause infections in the vagina.
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Oral Sex

Male condoms should be used during oral sex to make it safer. However do not use a lubricated male condom. Do use a non-lubricated male condom, and a flavored one could also be used to make it more enjoyable to the partner performing.
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Buying Condoms

Male condoms can usually be bought at family planning centers, some supermarkets, and drug stores.

Some people find buying male condoms to be very embarrassing but they shouldn’t. Buying them shows responsibility and is something to be proud of. Even women who buy male condoms shouldn’t be embarrassed.

For people who can not get over the embarrassment, but want to have safe sex, they can buy male condoms online. The male condoms can be sent in discrete packaging, so even the mail carrier won’t know what is inside.

If you are too embarrassed to buy male condoms and would like to buy them online, click here.
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