Condom

Function of Condoms An Overview, in Winter Annual Meeting of the Am. Soc. Meek. Eng., 1989. 

Various physical barrier devices are available for contraceptive use by men and women. Modem barrier methods such as diaphragms, condoms, and cervical caps were made possible by the discovery of the vulcanisation of mbber. 

The male barrier contraceptive device is known as the condom, or mbber, and is widely available in most countries. The condom is a mbber or latex sheath, sometimes packaged with a lubricant and spermicide, which serves as a cover for the penis and a receptacle for semen. The method is very effective if the condom is of good quaUty, remains on, and is replaced for each subsequent intercourse. It was reported that 6 biUion condoms were used in 1990 (101). Usage appears to be increasing as adjunctive use with other methods of contraception for prevention of HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases. By rough estimate, condoms may have been used in more than 13 biUion acts of sexual intercourse that risked unwanted pregnancy, HIV, and/or other sexually transmitted diseases (101). 

Two new female condoms, ie, vaginal pouches, are in early stages of development. These devices still require thorough preclinical and clinical studies to demonstrate safety and effectiveness before they reach the market (102). 

Condoms, Population Reports, Series H, no. 8, Population Information Program, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, 1990. 

Inform the primary health care provider immediately if sexual partner is or may become pregnant because additional measures such as discontinuing the drug or use of a condom may be necessary. 

In parts of the world (sub-Sahran African and southern and South-East Asia) the ADDS pandemic is out of control, with no effective chemotherapeutic agents and little prospect of a vaccine the prognoses are bleak for the millions of HIV-infected individuals. Sexual intercourse is now the main mode of infection and if the pandemic is to be contained, sexually active individuals have to be persuaded to reduce the niunbers of their sex partners and to practise safe sex using condoms. 

Clindamycin vaginal cream is the preferred therapy for bacterial vaginosis during lactation because metronidazole is listed as a drug of concern by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)14 (Tables 44—4 and 44—5). Counsel patients that clindamycin cream weakens latex condoms and diaphragms, potentially rendering them ineffective. 

Personal preference plays a large role when determining the best contraceptive option. For instance, if a woman is not interested in using a method that will interrupt sexual activity, then a diaphragm would not be appropriate. Preference of the sexual partner may be important as well. Certain agents such as male condoms require the male partner to play an active role in contraception. 

Since the use of combined oral contraceptives may decrease the use of selected barrier contraceptive methods that do protect against STDs (e.g., latex condoms), one of the most common risks associated with the use of oral contraceptives is the risk of acquiring an STD.8... 

There appears to be an increased risk for the development of cervical cancer among long-term users of oral contraceptives.1 Whether or not this increase in risk can be attributed directly to the use of oral contraceptives is uncertain, however. Data suggest that oral contraceptive users, on average, tend to have more sexual partners and use condoms less frequently, and as a result, this may increase their susceptibility to becoming infected with human papilloma virus (HPV), a known risk factor for cervical cancer. 

Condoms, which are available for both male and female use, act as physical barriers to prevent pregnancy.44 Condoms are easy to use, available without a prescription, and inexpensive. Most condoms are made of latex. When used correctly, condoms can be very effective in prevention of unwanted pregnancy. Condoms... 

TP, a 22 year-old woman, presents to your office for a routine gynecologic examination. She entered menarche at the age of 12. Her last menstrual period was 3 months ago. Her periods are often irregular and occur about every 2 to 3 months. She has had all normal Pap smears in the past and no history of sexually transmitted infections. She is currently in a monogamous relationship with a male partner. She has had a total of four sexual partners. She is not taking oral contraceptives and does not routinely use condoms. She has never been pregnant in the past, but she plans on starting a family in the near future. As you examine the patient, you note facial and chest acne, increased facial and abdominal hair, and obesity. 

O In order to yield positive results in terms of counseling a patient, intimate, friendly and knowledgeable clinician contact is vital. Additionally, patients, especially adolescents, should be counseled on the importance of using condoms properly. 

Abstinence is the best course of action, especially in patients with herpes during lesional episodes. However, compliance in some may be minimal, in which case, appropriate condom use should always be recommended. To alleviate any possible misconceptions about condom application, either demonstrate how to apply a condom or ask the patient to demonstrate. During the demonstration, explicitly educate the patient with regard to application, storage, and the use of lubricants.43... 

Vaginal antifungal creams and suppositories adverse effects on latex condoms and diaphragms... 

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