CONTRACEPTION..CONTINUED

Barrier Methods of Contraception

These first started with males in Egyptian culture. They were like decoration’s to cover the penis, often they were made of cloth, moistened by some chemicals to work as a spermicide.

Later on these penis covers were called Condoms and they were made from animal intestines.

By 1930 they were being made from latex. These became popular as a method of contraception to be used during intercourse. It protected the probability of pregnancy and STI’S as well as HIV and other infections. This does not totally protect against Human Papilloma virus, the virus which is implicated in the causation of cervical cancer. This (HPV) can be contracted by skin contact outside the vagina.

It is put on an erect penis; it blocks the ejaculated semen from entering the vagina thus preventing pregnancy and spread of STI’s. The male partner has to be very careful so that no semen ejects before he puts the condom on. Spermicides can be used with the condoms. Latex condoms cause allergic reactions and are damaged by oil based lubricants. A new polyurethane condom was launched in the UK in 1997; this was stronger, less sensitive to humidity and heat and caused less sensitivity reactions.

Things improved further a new non latex condom made from polyisoprone was again launched in the UK in 2005.

Condom’s come in different colours and packaging. Many of them are already impregnated with spermicide (N9) and microbicides. Recent research so far has not shown any great  benefit  either as a spermicidal or microbicide. However research continues.

A male condom is the only method of contraception as it not only protects against pregnancy but also protects from STD’s.

When you buy a condom see that it is FDA approved. If so it will tell you that you are protected from STD’s. If it does not say so on the packaging it may not be a standard condom. Also look at the expiry date. Old condoms become dry and frail and tear easily.

If used properly it provides 99% protection from pregnancy. If you are using a latex condom do not use oil based lubricant these include baby oil, Vaseline, hand creams and lipstick. I mention lipstick in case you are having oral sex; please make sure you remove your lipstick. Although the risk of pregnancy is not there you can still get sexually transmitted diseases.

When you are going to start to using condoms, look around to find the one that suits you best either for size or sensitivity so that you can still get the pleasure and not break the condom. Do not use two condoms together as there is friction and this can cause them to break.Two condoms: male and other one female; have also not proven to be satisfactory. Use only water based lubricants. If you are not able to roll the condom down properly, you are putting it on incorrectly. Do not use old condoms or condoms past their expiry date and do not use a condom twice. Even if you are on the pill, and your partner does not use a condom you are not protected from STI’s. At times such as using Antibiotics or you have gastro, even if you are on the pill request your partner to use a condom because antibiotics and gastro compromise the pill.

If by chance your condom bursts you can ask for help by going to emergency contraception, which we will discuss later and also have yourself tested for any STI’s.This can protect you from getting pregnant for up to 5 days, the sooner you do this the better. If used properly the success rate of condoms is 98 % safe. That means if 100 women use it for one year only 2 can get pregnant at the end of the year.In my view the male condom is an excellent method of contraception for all ages.  Initially you need to learn how to use it and which one is best for you and your partner. It has no medical contra indications except for latex allergy, if so you can get non latex condoms. They are in fact safer and can be used with oily lubricants; they are finer in   texture and better in sensitivity. Cost wise they are cheaper than most contraceptives. They do not require any medical input, do not alter your hormones or menstrual cycles, and above   all  at  present they are the only method of contraception that protects you from STD’s.If you have a fast life style it is not a bad idea to keep a condom and lubricant in your handbag. However change it often so that it is not dry or gone past its expiry date. As I have said before it is better to be safe than sorry.