Chapter 17: Family planning
Condomfor men (rubber or prophylactic)
A condom is a narrow bag of thin rubber that the man wears on his penis while
having sex. The bag traps the man’s sperm (seed) so that it cannot get into the
woman’s vagina or womb. Condoms work well to prevent pregnancy. Condoms
also help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.
The most effective condoms are made from latex or
polyurethane — not sheepskin.
A new condom must be used each time a couple
has sex.
Lubricant can make sex feel better for both the
woman and the man. It can also keep the condom from
breaking. Use a water-based lubricant like saliva (spit),
K-Y Jelly, or spermicide. Do not use oils, petroleum jelly
(Vaseline), skin lotions, or butter. They can make the
condom break. A drop of lubricant inside the tip of the
condom makes it more comfortable on the penis.
A little lubricant can also be rubbed on the outside of
the condom after the man puts it on.
Condomfor women (female condom)
A female condom fits into the vagina and covers the outer lips of the genitals.
Each condom should be used only once, because it may break if it is reused.
But if a woman does not have any other condoms, she can clean it and reuse it
up to 5 times. The female condom should not be used with a male condom.
The female condom is the most effective of the methods
controlled by women in preventing pregnancy and protecting
against STIs, including HIV.
Female condoms can be expensive and take time to
learn to use. They work best when the man is on top
and the woman is on the bottom during sex.
3 types of female condoms are now available.
The newest are less expensive. The VA female condom
fits more closely to the woman's body, so it is more
comfortable and makes less noise during sex.
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A Book for Midwives (2010)