Barrier contraceptives - Male condoms

These are the oldest and most widely used contraceptive devices.
Also known as French letters, prophylactics, protectives or rubber sheaths, or by brand names like Nirod, Durex etc.
Male condom is a thin sheath usually made up of rubber (latex) that is placed on erect penis before intercourse.
Mechanism of action: Condoms serve as a physical barrier, preventing sperms from entering the female genital tract.
They also serve as barriers for infectious microorganisms, preventing transmission of STDs(sexually transmitted diseases) and HIV from one sexual partner to another.

Condoms can be used by:
Men and women at risk of STDs / HIV.
Men and women of any reproductive age and parity who want to use condoms as a regular method of contraception.
Men and women needing a temporary method while waiting for a regular method.
Men and women who have sexual intercourse infrequently.

Advantages:
They are safe Readily available in most places, need no prescription and no medical help for use. Prevent both pregnancy and STDs like syphilis, gonorrhea, tricomoniasis, moniliasis, chlamydia, herpes etc and HIV when used consistently and correctly.
In later months of pregnancy they give protection against amniotic fluid infections.
Easy to initiate and discontinue. Immediate return to fertility after stopping the usage.
They have virtually no side effects except rare allergy to latex.
When used for more than 5 yrs , decrease the chance of developing severe cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer according to Oxford/ FPA study in Briton.
New types: Prelubricated condoms are sealed capsules containing glycerin are glycol.
Silicon used to produce semi-dry lubricated condoms.
Spermicidal condoms are coated with nonoxynol-9 on inner and outer surfaces.
Poly urethane condoms also available in UK, USA and other countries.
Small sized condoms meant to cover only the glans of the penis called, American or Grecian cap are much less safe and not used now-a-days.

Effectiveness: Typical average failure rate of condom as commonly used is 12%.
But only 3% when used correctly and consistently.
If spermicidal condoms are used the failure rate is 3.6 / 100 women years among married couples who were using condoms for a longtime, average 16 yrs.

Contraindications:
Only one medical condition prevents use of condoms , that is severe allergy to latex rubber which is very rare.
The average life span of condoms is 5 yrs, from the date of manufacture.
They should be kept in cool & dry place.
Sunrays, heat & moisture affect the condition of condoms.