A thin latex (a type of rubber) sheath that is worn on the penis (also called a "rubber" or "prophylactic")

How Does It Work?

The condom works by keeping semen from entering the vagina. It is placed on the young man's penis when it becomes erect (hard). It is unrolled all the way to the base of the penis, leaving some extra rubber at the tip. (This extra rubber allows room for semen and makes it less likely that the condom will break.) After the young man ejaculates, he grasps the condom at the base as he withdraws from the vagina. He must do this while the penis is still hard, to prevent the condom from slipping off and allowing sperm to enter the vagina.

A used condom should be thrown in the garbage, not down the toilet. Once a condom is used, it cannot be reused. Don't ever let condoms touch mineral oil, petroleum jelly, baby oil, or baby powder, since the oil in these substances can break down the rubber. And if a condom ever seems dry, sticky, or stiff when it comes out of the package, throw it away and use a new one. It's best to store unused condoms in a cool, dry place.

What Is the Failure Rate?

By itself:
Perfect-use failure rate 2%
Typical failure rate 10%

With spermicide:
Perfect-use failure rate 1%
Typical failure rate 10%

Protection Against STIs?

Yes. Condoms offer significant protection from STIs by providing a barrier that prevents the exchange of body fluids - unless the condom breaks. When latex condoms are used in conjunction with spermicides, the risk of contracting an STI becomes even lower. Non-latex condoms will not protect against AIDS, so be sure to use latex.

It's important to note that although nonoxynol-9 has been shown to reduce the risk of contracting gonorrhea and chlamydia, it does not protect against AIDS. Complete protection against STIs can only come with abstinence (you know, not having sex).

Possible Side Effects?

A young man or young woman may be allergic to the latex that condoms are made of. Some condoms that are treated with lubricant or other substances may irritate the vagina.

How Do You Get It?

Condoms are available without a prescription and are sold in drugstores, pharmacies, supermarkets and gas stations. Condom choices are pretty varied: they come in different sizes, textures, and colors. Some are lubricated to help prevent friction, and many are made with a spermicidal lubricant, which helps to reduce the risk of pregnancy and STIs even further.

How Much Does It Cost?

Condoms are generally sold in boxes of 3, 12, 24, and up. Each condom costs between fifteen dollars (JA$15.00) and 30 dollars (JA$30.00), and they tend to be less expensive when they are bought in the bigger boxes. In addition, health clinics and some schools distribute them free of charge.