What if the Pill is Not for You? Reversible Contraceptive Choices
(continued)
Reversible contraceptive options to the pill:
Barrier Methods:
- The Male Condom:
The male condom is a latex rubber, plastic or lambskin sheath placed over
the erect penis before vaginal intercourse, preventing pregnancy by blocking
the passage of sperm. Condoms can be used only once. Some have a spermicide
(e.g. nonoxynol-9) added to kill sperm, but this has not been proven to provide
any additional contraceptive or STD protection over the condom alone. Because
it acts as a mechanical barrier, a condom prevents direct contact with semen,
infectious genital secretions, and genital lesions and discharges thus providing
contraception and STD protection.
Except for abstinence, latex condoms are the most effective method to reduce
the risk of infections causing AIDS, other HIV-related illnesses, and other
STDs, although they do not provide protection against all STDs. For people
who are allergic to latex, polyurethane condoms are a good alternative.
- Proper lubrication may reduce condom tearing. If the vagina or the condom
is not well lubricated and external lubrication is desired, select a water-based
lubricant, such as K-Y jelly. Oil-based lubricants, such as petroleum jelly
(Vaseline), lotions, or massage or baby oil, should not be used because
they can weaken the condom and cause it to break. These lubricants are also
not healthy for the vagina. Some condoms are prelubricated. These lubricants
do not increase birth control or STD protection, just comfort.
- If you feel a condom break or slip, withdraw immediately and consider
using emergency contraception if pregnancy is an unacceptable option. To
use condoms properly, the penis should be removed from the vagina immediately
after ejaculation, taking care to secure the condom while doing so.
- Of the different condoms, latex provides the best protection against
STDs. Plastic/polyurethane condoms have been shown to protect against HIV
as well, but they are recommended only as a second choice for those with
latex allergies, an increasingly common problem. Plastic condoms may also
slip off more easily than latex. Lambskin condoms provide excellent contraception
and comfort, but they do not protect against HIV or other STDs as well as
latex does.
- Condoms have expiration dates; inspect and respect them! Beware of condoms
that may have been in a man's wallet for a while. Not only may they have
passed their expiration, but they may be dried out and therefore crack or
break more easily. Also: be sure you have a proper fit: if a condom is too
tight, it is more likely to break. If it is too loose, it's more likely
to slip off.
- Avoid novelty condoms; these generally do not protect against STDs.
- Vending machine condoms are fine to use if they are made of latex, are
marked "for disease prevention," and have not been exposed to direct sunlight
or excessive heat in the machine.
- Condoms marketed as "stronger" or more "sensitive" do not offer more
or less protection; thinner condoms may be more prone to tearing.
- There is no difference in pregnancy or STD protection in ribbed or unribbed
condoms. Selection is simply a matter of personal preference.
- Do not use condoms that are brittle, gummy or discolored.
- To be fully protected, use a condom during any sexual activity, whether
vaginal, oral or anal.
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 According to the 2000 Gallup Survey of
Women's Health and Contraception Methods, nearly 4 out of 10 women ages 18-49 now use some form of long-acting birth control, including sterilization, injections, implants, and IUD's. 
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