THE EXTERNAL CONDOM

The external condom (also known as the male condom) is a widely used method of birth control. It is a thin sheath made of latex or polyurethane that is rolled over the erect penis before sex. A reservoir in the tip of the condom catches the sperm, preventing it from reaching the womb and fertilizing an egg. It prevents a pregnancy from occurring, but also protects against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Just like the internal condom, it is hormone-free and doesn’t require additional birth control methods to work. But it is important to use a new condom each time you have sex.

External condoms are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials to suit everyone's tastes and sensitivities. Using them is simple – carefully remove the condom from its packaging, pinch the reservoir at the tip, and roll it over the erect penis. After you've had sex, carefully remove the condom – making sure nothing is spilled and there‘s no condom break – and throw it away. Many people prefer to use lubricant with condoms, and it's important to check which lubricant suits the condom's material. For example, oil-based lubricants will cause latex condoms to break more easily, so it pays to be careful.