A male condom helps protect partners from pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS. A male condom is shaped like a penis and is usually made of latex. It fits over an erect penis or a similarly-shaped sex toy. A male condom can be used for vaginal or anal intercourse, oral sex, or sex toys. It works by putting a barrier between partners so that bodily fluids, like semen, blood, and saliva, are not shared. This helps ensure that sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are not passed and pregnancy does not occur. Male condoms are the only currently available effective and reversible birth control method for men. Male condoms are 85-98% effective.

Use

Male condoms are only effective when placed just before intercourse or oral sex. At first, male condoms can be awkward to use; take your time and become familiar with them. It may be helpful to practice prior to sexual play. Either partner can put a condom on the penis as part of sexual play. For some people, learning how to put on a condom before sex play can help reduce anxiety with a partner. During sex, water-based lubricants can be used with male condoms.

DO NOT use two condoms at once. Male condoms and female condoms should not be used at the same time. Placing two male condoms on a penis can raise the chance of tearing.

After sex play, throw away the condom. Do not reuse it. Also, do not use the same condom if you engage in both vaginal and anal intercourse.

Intercourse:

The male condom is placed on a man's erect penis. Before putting on the condom, uncircumcised men may find it useful to pull back the foreskin. With one hand, squeeze a half-inch of the tip to remove air and leave room for semen. With your other hand, you can unroll the condom to the base of the penis. The band of latex at the open end of a male condom helps to keep it from slipping during intercourse.

After ejaculating, withdraw the penis before losing the erection. To keep sperm from leaking out, hold the condom on the penis during withdrawal. Throw away the condom and use a new one if sex continues. Maintain distance between you and your partner's genitals to help prevent infection or pregnancy. Sperm may still be on the penis after the condom is taken off.

Oral Sex:

Most people prefer using male condoms without spermicide for oral sex. You can also buy flavored male condoms.

For oral sex on a woman, male condoms can be used as dental dams to protect against the spread of infections. Cut off the closed tip of the condom. Make another cut along the side of the condom. This will give you a rectangular sheet. Place the sheet over the genitals or over a partner's mouth. Be careful to keep any areas of contact fully covered by the condom during oral sex. After oral sex, throw away the condom.

Cautions:

There is a chance that a male condom could break or slip during sex. If this occurs, women may consider taking Emergency Post Coital Contraception or the "Morning After" Pill.