Sheaths
Condoms made from animal skins, bladders or bowel have been in use for many centuries but probably more for the prevention of infection than pregnancy. Rubber condoms first became available in the middle of the nineteenth century. In the UK, about 20% of couples use condoms. In Japan, where the pill only became available in late 1999, 75% of couples use condoms. Recognition of the dangers of sexually transmitted diseases, and HIV in particular, have provided an additional benefit for condom use.
With motivation and correct use, failure rates of just one pregnancy per 100 woman years have been reported although the average for careful users is about 4 pregnancies per 100 woman years. The addition of vaginal spermicides probably reduces the failure rate.
The condom is likely to fail if not used correctly. If there is genital contact before the condom is applied there could be some sperm around the penis from previous intercourse. Withdrawal should occur before the penis becomes flaccid and care be taken to ensure that there is no spillage of semen. Sharp fingernails can damage the sheath during application. Several local treatments for vaginal infections, hormone preparations applied within the vagina, baby oil, sun tan preparations and vaseline can weaken the sheath. It is probably best not to rely on condoms if there has been any recent vaginal treatment. The lubricating KY jelly does not damage condoms.
The advantages and disadvantages of sheaths are summarised in Table 13.2.
Table 13. 2 Advantages and disadvantages of condoms (sheaths).
|
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|
Easily obtained. |
Interruption of foreplay. |
|
Cheap (free on NHS). |
Reduced sensitivity for male partner. |
|
Very effective. |
Great care required. |
|
Protects against sexually transmitted disease. |
Occasional allergy for either partner. |
|
Possibly reduce risk of cervical cancer. |
Vaginal treatments may damage sheaths (10) |
Please click on the required question.
- 1 How important is effective contraception for the world's population?
- 2 How long can my partner's sperm survive in me?
- 3 How long are my eggs capable of fertilisation?
- 4 How long does my fertile phase last?
- 5 What is an ideal contraceptive?
- 6 How can the effectiveness of a contraceptive method be measured?
- 7 Can knowledge of the fertile phase be used for effective contraception?
- 8 I am breast-feeding my baby. Do I need contraception?
- 9 How effective is coitus interruptus?
- 10 How effective are condoms (sheaths)
- 11 What are the advantages and disadvantages of condoms?
- 12 How long have vaginal methods of contraception been available?
- 13 How can I get a diaphragm (cap)
- 14 How can the cap be checked?
- 15 How effective are diaphragms and caps?
- 16 What are the advantages and disadvantages of vaginal methods?
- 17 What is the contraceptive sponge?
- 18 How effective is the contraceptive sponge?
- 19 What is the female condom?
- 20 What are the advantages and disadvantages of female condoms?
- 21 How effective are spermicides?
- 22 What are the advantages and disadvantages of spermicides?
- 23 Which contraceptives are appropriate for an adolescent?
- 24 Which contraceptives are appropriate for a woman in her forties?
- 25 If I am taking the combined oral contraceptive pill or cyclical HRT, how can I tell when I have reached my menopause?
- 26 How effective is the Persona Unipath Personal Contraceptive System?
- 27 Where can I obtain further information about contraception?
- 28 Support Groups.
Thank you for choosing to visit us.
This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London - Specialist Interests - Reproductive Medicine including Infertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause and HRT.
I do hope that you find the answers to your women's health questions in the patient information and medical advice provided.
