Condoms: The Most Effective Birth Control Method

Male condoms are made of plastic, animal membrane or - more commonly - latex, and are rolled on to an erect penis to prevent semen from entering the woman's vagina both during and after the intercourse. This is also one of the most effective methods for preventing the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.
How to use condoms?

1. Use the Easy-Tear Edge - Use the edge with zig-zag, known as the easy-edge to open the wrapper of the condom. It is designed to open easily and quickly. Prevent the use of scissors, machetes, teeth or any other sharp instruments to open the wrapper, as you may risk damaging the condom in the process.
2. Determine where the condom is rolled - This could be difficult in some instances, particularly when you are in a dark place. The best thing that you can do is to feel which way it is supposed to be rolled on by using your fingers. Otherwise, note that most regular lubricated condoms are only lubricated on the outside, which means that you should be able to determine which way it points by finding the lubricated side of the condom.
3. Penis must be fully erect - Condoms should always fit tightly - but not too much - without any wrinkles on the condom. If it is rolled onto a penis that is not yet fully erect, it may fall off or break during the intercourse.
4. Check for damage or breaks - Check the condom periodically. If you notice that it is loose or has broken during sex, you must replace it immediately. Use emergency contraception such as pills, to prevent pregnancy and avoid fertilisation. If you are in doubt, don't hesitate or be afraid to consult your doctor for advice.
5. Remove condom after ejaculation - Withdraw the condom by grasping the bottom, to prevent it from spilling or slipping. This will also prevent the condom from getting stock inside the vagina.
6. Dispose properly - After withdrawing the condom, tie its open end and consider wrapping it with toilet or tissue paper. Dispose of the condom by throwing it in the trash can.

Female Condoms
A female condom is worn before sex by inserting it inside the woman's vagina. It is typically made of a synthetic rubber called nitrile. Just like male condoms, it also serves as a barrier to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
How to use?

1. Carefully take the female condom out of its pocket. Do not open the package by using your teeth or any sharp materials to prevent it from being damaged.
2. The condom's smaller ring has to be squeezed at the closed end and then inserted carefully in the vagina.
3. The penis needs to enter the female condom.
4. Gently pull out the condom immediately after sex, to prevent the semen from leaking out.
5. Throw the condom in a trash can and remember not to flash it in the toilet.

How Does It Work?
The main role of condoms is to prevent the semen (sperm) from reaching the egg. It serves as a barrier to make sure that there will be no fertilization ocurring. Condoms for males can feature lubrication and spermicide which will kill the sperm cells quickly and efficiently.
To use the condom effectively, it is advised that the condom should always be worn before having sex, since sperm is likely to appear even before the man's ejaculation or climax.
Aside from preventing pregnancy, condoms help stop sexually transmitted diseases from spreading. Always remember to use condoms, even when having oral sex, since it can be a route for STDs. Condoms must be rolled on properly before sex and withdrawn immediately after ejaculation.
Benefits of Using Condoms
A condom is the easiest way to prevent pregnancy, and much more effective than other contraceptive methods that are available to couples. Here is a list of the main benefits, when used properly.

• It protects and prevents the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STD's).
• It prevents unintended pregnancy.
• It is a reliable and an efficient method when used properly.
• It can be used by all couples.
• It is not a hassle to use and easy to bring wherever you go.
• It is easy to use and can improve pleasure (depending on the type of condom).
• It doesn't need an examination or prescription.
• It is almost available anywhere and very inexpensive.
• It is harmless and safe for health, as opposed to birth control pills.
• It has no side effect for neither the man nor woman.

Important Things to Remember when Using Condoms

• Avoid tearing the condom while opening it from its wrapper.
• It is highly advised to always use a condom whenever you have sex.
• It is not recommended to use male and female condoms simultaneously. Either should be sufficient.
• Condoms should be worn before having sex.
• Use a new condom every time you initiate a sexual intercourse.
• Withdraw the condom while the penis is still erect.
• Effectiveness of using a condom depends on how properly it was rolled on and used.
• Always use condoms particularly when doing sexual activities that could spread STD's.
• Checking the expiration date of the condom is very important, because over time its material may degrade and could easily break if it is used beyond the expiration date.

Where to get or buy a condom?
Condoms are commonly available at drugstores and family panning health clinics. But, you can also get them in supermarkets and buy condoms online, for better convenience. One example could be to find them on Amazon, and saving them to a wishlist if you want to purchase them later, or you can order them right away (example: http://www.amazon.com/registry/wishlist/1SD6WX3W2GXZY/ ). Sometimes, condoms can be bought in a vending machine, and today many family planning clinics are giving condoms away for free.
When Should It Be Used?
Condoms should and can be worn every time you are having a sexual intercourse with your partner. The effectiveness of the condom depends on its proper usage. Both partners are responsible for using a condom during the intercourse.

I blog about love problems, relationships and condoms for GoCondom.com, and I love to help my audience with guides on how to approach a lot of common problems when having an intercourse with your partner. To buy condoms online is my first hint for many couples, and I always recommend having the condoms delivered discreetly to your home address.

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