Condom

Greg Withers = = ** Condom ** **Definition** A condom is a flexible sheath, usually made of latex or polyurethane, used as a barrier device during sexual intercourse. Condoms are used for contraceptive purposes a means of preventing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). They are put on a male’s erect penis and block ejaculated semen from entering the vagina, anus, or mouth of a sexual partner. **History** In the 1500s a syphilis epidemic spread across Europe, which resulted in the first publish account of the condom. Gabriele Falloppio invented a sheath of linen to protect men against syphilis (Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 1993). In the 1700s, condoms made out of animal intestines became available. These were often very expensive, and as a result were often reused. (Population Action International) The condom manufacturing process was revolutionized in the 1800s. Advances in technology allowed condoms to be produced quickly and cheaply. This led to condoms being advertised in mass communications. In 1861, the first ever advertisement for condoms was published in The New York Times (Avert). However, in 1873 the Comstock law was passed, which made illegal the advertising of any sort of birth control, and it also allowed the postal service to confiscate condoms found being sold in the mail (Law Library). The 1900s brought more advances for the condom. Lubricated condoms were introduced in the 1950s, making them much more enjoyable for use. However, the use of the condom as a contraceptive drastically decreased in the latter half of the 1900s, as the pill form of contraceptive and sterilization became popular. Although use of the condom as a contraceptive decreased, the recognition of HIV/AIDS in the 1980s increased condom use as a means of STD protection. Flavored and colored condoms were introduced in the 1990s. Flavored condoms are typically used during oral sex situations. Today, condoms are thinner than ever and are made in various sizes and styles. **Effectiveness** Condom effectiveness can be assessed in two ways, perfect use and actual use. Perfect use rates only include people who use condoms properly and consistently. Actual use rates include people who do not use condoms properly and do not always use a condom. Actual use pregnancy rates range between 10-18% (Family Planning Perspectives, 1992). The perfect use pregnancy rate is about 2% (Guttmacher Institute). In other words, 2 out of 100 females that use condoms perfectly will get pregnant in a year. Condoms have been shown to be effective at preventing STDs. Consistent use as a condom has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS transmission by 85% relative to the risk when unprotected (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases). Condoms have also been shown effective at reducing the transmission of organisms that cause genital herpes, Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and other diseases. However, some disease transmission can occur even with the use of a condom. Condoms do not cover the full genitalia of a man, and some diseases that may be present around the genitalia may be transmitted via direct contact. Condoms become ineffective when they break, slip off, or are used incorrectly. **How to use a condom** **Condoms and Education** Condoms are often taught in sexual education classes as a safe means of contraceptive and to prevent the transmission of STDs. Although this is looked down upon by some religious groups, it is becoming more and more popular. Many sexual education programs are now shifting from abstinence-only teaching to more prevention and information-based programs. These programs include teaching about condoms, their effectiveness, and how to use them. The curriculum used in public schools is often influenced by funding from the national government for certain types of sexual education curriculum. **Common Complaints** Some men and women complain that using a condom significantly reduces the sought-after sensation that comes along with unprotected sex. Using a condom can also cause a break in the “mood” often attained during foreplay, or the events leading up to sexual intercourse. Finding a condom and getting a condom out to put on can lead to a decrease in arousal in both partners. Also, some men complain of not being able to keep an erection while using a condom. This can be a result of less feeling caused by the condom, or the condom fitting too tightly around the penis. Lastly, complaints by some men are that they cannot reach ejaculation when using a condom because of the reduced feeling associated with using a condom. **Religious Issues** The Roman Catholic Church opposes sexual intercourse outside of marriage and also all forms or contraception, including condoms. The Catholic Church has not fully addressed it’s stance on using condoms as a mode of STD prevention. **Environmental Issues** The wide use of disposable condoms has led to environmental issues. Latex condoms take a very long time to break down, while polyurethane condoms and the foil wrappers are not biodegradable. Also, littering has become an issue. Some people may feel that they may have to litter or flush condoms down the toilet in order that the condoms cannot be traced back to them. Condoms should never be flushed down the toilet because plumbing issues may arise. Although environmental concerns have been raised about the wide use of condoms, the benefits of condom use seem to outweigh the environmental concerns. **Cultural Issues** Condoms are used more in some parts of the world than in others. For example, Japan did not approve oral contraceptives for use until 1999. As a result, Japan has the highest rate of condom usage in the world. In 2008, 80% of contraceptive users in Japan relied on condoms (Family Planning Worldwide, 2008). Cultural attitudes also impact condom use in different parts of the world. For example, in cultures with more traditional gender roles, women may not feel that they have the ability to pressure their partner to use a condom. Another reason that females may not pressure their male counterparts to use a condom in some situations is their fear of the male getting aggravated and acting violently. This is especially possible in low-income, high-violence areas.
 * Remove the condom from the foil wrapper
 * Place the rolled condom over the tip of the erect penis, while pinching the tip of the condom to leave space for semen to collect
 * Roll the condom all the way down to the base of the penis and smooth out any air bubbles

**References**

Comstock Law of (1873) - Court, Materials, Women, Abortion, Federal, and Supreme. (n.d.). //Law Library - American Law and Legal Information//. Retrieved April 11, 2011, from http://law.jrank.org/pages/5508/Comstock-Law-1873.html Condoms: effectiveness, history and availability. (n.d.). //AIDS & HIV information from the AIDS charity AVERT//. Retrieved April 11, 2011, from http://www.avert.org/condoms.htm Discipline. (n.d.). Family Planning Perspectives, (Vol. 24, No. 2). //JSTOR//. Retrieved April 11, 2011, from http://www.jstor.org/pss/2135469 Facts on Contraceptive Use in the United States. (n.d.). //Guttmacher Institute: Home Page//. Retrieved April 11, 2011, from http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/fb_contr_use.html Population Action International: Special Topic: History of Condom Use. (n.d.). //Population Action International.// Retrieved April 11, 2011, from http://www.populationaction.org/Publications/Reports/Condoms_Count/Special_Topic_History_of_Condom_Use.shtml The history of the condom. (n.d.). //National Center for Biotechnology Information//. Retrieved April 11, 2011, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1293956/?page=1 Workshop Summary: Scientific Evidence on Condom Effectiveness for STD Prevention. (2000, July 12). //National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease//. Retrieved April 11, 2011, from www.niaid.nih.gov/about/organization/dmid/documents/condomreport.pdf n/a. (n.d.). //n/a//. Retrieved April 11, 2011, from www.yasminshiraz.net/wpcontent/uploads/2009/10/condom2-300x300.jpg