Introduction/Background

In recent times, one of the most talked about aspects of human health has been the proliferation of the sexually transmitted disease (STD). Sexually transmitted diseases like Herpes and AIDS have made protection from these diseases a life and death proposition.      One of the most common methods of protection used to prevent the transmission of STDs is the latex condom. Condoms are sheaths of thin latex or plastic worn on the penis during intercourse. And they are available dry or lubricated. Sometimes they are called rubbers, safes, or jimmies. They reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infection. They are also an effective over-the-counter, method of birth control.      According to the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, "Of 100 women whose partners use condoms, about 15 will become pregnant during the first year of typical use.* Only two women will become pregnant with perfect use.** More protection against pregnancy is possible if condoms are used with a spermicide foam, cream, jelly, suppository, or film. *Typical use refers to failure rates when use is not consistent or always correct. **Perfect use refers to failure rates for those whose use is consistent and always correct."      In addition to their ability to protect the users from unwanted pregnacies, condoms are unique in the methods of birth control in that they also protect the users from sexually transmitted diseases. For this reason, condom use is often suggested even in the presence of other protection methods such as pills or spermacides.

a condom

Key Concepts

     In the background, one of the facts that should jump out at you is that condoms appear to be only about 85% effective with "typical use". The failure rate of "typical use" takes into account the improper utilization of the condoms as well as the problems that occur when the condom "breaks" or has a hole in it. As a point of interest to those of us who are scientists, we would like to know what it is that people might be doing to the condoms to make them more likely to break or form holes. Two of the more common ways to weaken latex is to dry it out using heat or coat it with a lubricant that damages the latex chemically. The table below lists the types of chemicals that can and cannot be used in conjunction with a latex condom. With regard to heating a condom, this often happens when a condom is kept in a wallet for a long period of time or in a glove box of a car. Condoms should always be kept in a cool, dry place to prevent the weakening of the latex.

Glossary

Related Materials

     The Truth About Condoms (http://www.plannedparenthood.org/library/facts/condoms.html)
     Using Condoms, Condom Types and Condom Sizes (http://www.avert.org/usecond.htm)