There are various birth control methods in which condoms are one of the barrier types of birth-control methods. There are various kinds of condoms based on lubrication and materials used by males and females. A condom is a thin, loose sac or sheath which protects human beings against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or infections (STIs) such as HIV-AIDS, Yeast infection causes and hepatitis. Let us learn more about condoms, their types, risk factors, and other important aspects.
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Definition
Condoms come under the category of birth control methods. It is a thin, loose sac or sheath which protects human beings against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or infections (STIs) such as HIV-AIDS and hepatitis.
As a barrier method of birth control, it prohibits the mobility of sperm and stops it from reaching the egg of a female. There are a variety of condoms used by both males and females; however, it is known as femidom in the case of females. For more effective results, other contraceptive methods are used simultaneously. One can purchase condoms from pharmacies, supermarkets and general stores.
Function
Condoms act as a barrier between the bodies of human beings. They restrict the pregnancy by stopping the sperm after ejaculation. It also helps decrease the rate of infectious diseases by preventing the transfer of body fluids, directly lowering the risk of STDs. STDs include chlamydia, gonorrhoea, hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus (HSV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), etc.
One should use only a single condom at a time during intercourse; otherwise, it will cause more friction and lead to the breakage of condoms. Commonly used condoms are Regular condoms used by male partners as they cover the penis to restrict the mobility of sperm and gather the released semen. Internal condoms can be used by female partners during sexual intercourse. It is kept inside the vaginal part of females to stop the entry of sperm. Dental dams are thin, sheath-like and act as a barrier between the person’s mouth and a partner’s genitals or anus during oral sex. It helps in reducing the rate of infections of STDs like oropharyngeal human papillomavirus (HPV).
Yeast infectious diseases
It is a sexually transmitted disease (STDs). It is also known as vaginal yeast infection and candidiasis. In this condition, the vagina captured the bacteria and yeast cells, and this caused the multiplication of yeast cells. It causes itching, swelling, and irritation. Hence, condoms also reduce the infection rate of yeast infection diseases.
Materials used to prepare condoms:
It is generally made up of latex, a kind of rubber. If people are allergic to latex, they tend to have skin-related issues such as skin rashes, itching etc. People with latex allergies should not use condoms but can use internal condoms (female).
Female condoms are made up of synthetic, non-latex substances known as nitrile.
Regular condoms (male) are made up of natural substances such as lambskin. Natural condoms reduce the chances of pregnancy; however, they do not protect against STDs.
Distinguish between the lubricated and non-lubricated condoms.
Lubricated condoms consist of a substance that decreases friction during intercourse. Friction force enhances the risk of tearing a condom. Few condoms are covered with spermicide material, which reduces the mobility of sperm.
Non-lubricated condoms do not consist of any lubrication substance in them.
Advantages of condoms:
It helps in the reduction of STDs during intercourse activity. It also inhibits the pregnancy rate.
Risks associated with condoms
Their functioning is highly effective. However, as per the data, 15 out of 100 people dependent on condoms as a birth control method get pregnant. There are many reasons behind this, such as condom tear, leakage, or slip off. The reliability of condoms can be enhanced by using other birth control methods with them. Some of them are spermicide (jelly or foam that disables the movement of sperm) and oral pills (oral contraceptives).
Conclusion
Thus, couples are using condoms as a birth control method which also helps in reducing the risk rate of STDs. There are lubricated and non-lubricated condoms based on the materials present in them. Generally, condoms are thin, loose sac or sheath which protects human beings against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or infections (STIs) such as HIV-AIDS and hepatitis.