Condoms are nothing new. The earliest illustration of one is more than 3,000 years old. Early condoms were made of linen or the intestines of fish or animals. Condoms became known as rubbers after 1844, when Charles Goodyear patented his process for vulcanizing rubber and factories began mass-producing rubber condoms. To decide if condoms are the best method of birth control for you, find out what they're all about.
Causes of Condom Usage To Prevent Stds
A condom is a thin sheath that's placed over the erect penis just before sexual intercourse. Condoms may be made of latex, lambskin or polyurethane. Those made of latex provide the most protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Condoms are available with or without a lubricant in a variety of lengths, widths and thicknesses. Fit is important. A condom that's too tight is more likely to break, and a condom that's too loose may slip off. Using a condom with a spermicidal cream or jelly further decreases the risk of pregnancy. A spermicide is a sperm-killing substance that's inserted into the vagina before intercourse or used as a lubricant on the condom.
Signs and Symptoms of Condom Usage To Prevent Stds
By blocking the exchange of body fluids that might be infected, the latex condom provides better protection against STDs than any other form of birth control. Polyurethane and lambskin condoms do not protect as well against STDs. Read the label on the package and make sure that the condom is latex and labeled for disease prevention. Used consistently and correctly, condoms are highly effective at preventing the transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS, and at reducing the risk of infection from other STDs.
advertisement
Find more information
Advertisement
Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
Disclaimer
The information contained on this site is for the sole purpose of
being informative. This information is not and should not be used or relied upon as medical
advice. Always seek the advice of your physician, nurse
Or other qualified health care provider before you undergo any treatment or
for answers to any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
If you believe you have a medical emergency, please discontinue use
of MyElectronicMD and call 911 now.
Nothing contained on or provided through the service is intended to be or is
to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.
Your use of this site is subject to certain terms and conditions.
