Condoms are a "barrier" method of contraception. They are made of very thin latex (rubber), polyurethane or polyisoprene and are designed to prevent pregnancy by stopping sperm from meeting an egg. You only need to use them when you have sex – they do not need advance preparation and are suitable for unplanned sex. If you’re using lambskin-based external condoms, though, it is important to note that the material will not protect against STDs like other external condoms. But the material does work as contraception. Right Size

When using a condom, you have to pull out after you have ejaculated and before your penis goes soft, holding the condom firmly in place. Durex Performax Intense condoms are a good choice if prolonging intimate pleasure is your goal. These condoms are made with a desensitizing, climax-control lubricant on the inside, and a ribbed and dotted texture on the outside to maximize the experience. Planned Parenthood delivers vital reproductive health care, sex education, and information to millions of people worldwide. you use oil-based lubricants, such as lotion, baby oil or petroleum jelly, with latex or polyisoprene condoms – this damages the condom External condoms come in a variety of materials for the user, but the most common one you’ll likely find on store shelves is made with latex. This material has proven to work well for external condoms because it is capable of stretching to fit around the penis, all while proving to be strong enough to not tear during intercourse. But not everyone is capable of using latex-based external condoms because they are allergic to the material. “They can also be made of other materials like polyurethane, polystyrene, and lambskin,” says Dr. Gaither.

Kecia Gaither, MD, double board-certified in OB/GYN and Maternal Fetal Medicine, Director of Perinatal Services at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln in the Bronx

However, other forms of contraception will not protect you against STIs. You'll still be at risk of STIs if the condom breaks. Where to get condoms you're using medicine for conditions like thrush, such as creams, pessaries or suppositories – this can damage latex and polyisoprene condoms, and stop them working properly If the external condom is too tight or too loose, it is unable to serve its intended purpose as contraception. Experts recommend people with a penis try on external condoms when their penis is fully erect to best determine what size works well for them. “The average penis size is 5 to 7 inches long, with a girth of 3.5-6 inches in circumference,” Dr. Gaither says. “Most condoms are 7 inches long, and have a reservoir at the tip for semen collection.”There are several key signs to pay attention to that could indicate if the external condom is too small or too big on the penis. If this happens, or if semen gets into your partner's vagina during vaginal sex while using a condom, you may need emergency contraception. You should also consider having an STI test. How to use a condom When used correctly and consistently, they are a reliable method of preventing pregnancy and protecting both partners from STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea and HIV.

Oil-based products – such as moisturiser, lotion and Vaseline – can damage latex and polyisoprene condoms, but they are safe to use with polyurethane condoms. Condoms are the only type of contraception that can both prevent pregnancy and protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Some condoms come with spermicide on them. You should avoid using this type, or using spermicide as a lubricant, as it does not protect against STIs and may increase your risk of infection. Who can use condoms? Using condoms + another form of birth control (like the pill, IUD, or shot) is a great way to get extra pregnancy prevention AND protection against STDs. Using withdrawal (“pulling out”) while also wearing a condom can help keep sperm out of the vagina and lower the risk for pregnancy.

Doctors and nurses work under strict guidelines when dealing with people under 16. They'll encourage you to consider telling your parents, but they will not make you. These condoms are Durex's standard girth of 56 millimeters for a comfortable but secure fit and include a reservoir tip for safety. And we like that they have a pleasant scent that adds to the pleasurable experience. Some condoms come pre-lubricated with a little bit of spermicide (a chemical that helps stop sperm from swimming to an egg). These are called spermicidal condoms. It seems like spermicidal condoms would be more effective than regular condoms, but that’s not true. Spermicidal condoms and regular condoms both work equally well to prevent pregnancy. We like that the condoms are all made with a polyisoprene material that does not contain rubber latex, so they are a good choice for anyone with a latex allergy or sensitivity. This thin but strong material provides a barely-there feeling for increased sensation, and the condoms are lubricated for more comfort. The better you are about using condoms correctly every time you have sex, the better they’ll work. But there’s a small chance that you will get pregnant even if you always use them the right way.It is important to pay attention to the ingredients in lubes if you choose to use one that is separate from what can be provided from external condoms. Oil-based lubricants cannot be used with latex external condoms because it breaks down the material, causing it to be less effective. When using latex external condoms, one should use either a water-based or silicone-based lubricant. If you think sperm has entered the vagina, you may need emergency contraception. You can use emergency contraception up to 5 days after unprotected sex (when sperm entered the vagina). It is important to look at expiration dates because the efficacy and likelihood of breaking is going to be impacted, which defeats the entire purpose of using it.” Condoms need to be stored in places that are not too hot or cold, and away from sharp or rough surfaces that could tear them or wear them away. Jamin Brahmbhatt, MD, urologist with Orlando Health Medical Group Urology and president of the Florida Urological Society