Why Do You Need Condoms & Are They Effective?

The only method of birth control that can both prevent pregnancy and safeguard against STDs is the use of condoms (STIs). There are two different kinds of condoms: feminine condoms, worn inside the vagina, and external condoms, used on the penis and sometimes referred to as male condoms. Continue reading to find out the effectivity of condoms and how safe they are.

Effectivity of condoms: how long do they last?

Depending on the material used in manufacturing, a condom has a shelf life ranging from 1 to 5 years. Condoms made of latex or polyurethane normally last five years after they are manufactured. Spermicide-infused or polyisoprene condoms lose their effectiveness after three years.

Can condoms break without you knowing?

The answer is that a condom can break without your knowledge. Because of this, it's crucial to check the condom as soon as you're done having sex.

Using a new condom after having sex for over 30 minutes is a wise move. Friction can damage the condom's material over time, increasing the likelihood that it will break.

What are the chances of pregnancy if a condom breaks?

This depends on the circumstances! Even if a male partner doesn't ejaculate in the vagina, there is still a chance of pregnancy.

There shouldn't be a possibility of conception if the female partner does use birth control such as the implant, the pill or the coil. No matter what stage of her monthly cycle she is in, there is a danger of pregnancy if she isn't using birth control and hasn't gone through menopause.

What should I do if the condom breaks?

A broken condom is often not discovered until after sex. However, stop immediately and use a new condom if you are aware that the condom has ruptured during sex.

If a condom breaks:

- Call your doctor, pharmacist, nurse practitioner, or health centre as soon as possible to inquire about emergency contraception if you're worried about getting pregnant. Teenagers who are older than 15 can purchase morning-after pills (emergency contraception) from a pharmacy without a prescription.
- Get STD tests for both you and your partner. Many people don't even realise they have an STD. However, an infection could lead to major issues if it is left untreated.

How often does the effectivity of condoms reduce?

According to the World Health Organization, when used flawlessly and regularly, condom failure rates are only 2%. But with the average usage of condoms, the failure rate is substantially greater, at 15%.

Who can use condoms?

Condoms are generally safe to use, however they might not be the best method of birth control for everyone.

- Some people have allergies to condoms made of latex. Polyisoprene or polyurethane condoms are less likely to result in an allergic reaction if this is a concern.
- Condom use may not be possible if you have trouble maintaining an erection because the penis needs to be up to stop semen from leaking or the condom from coming off.

While using a condom that has passed its expiration date is preferable to using none at all, only condoms that have been maintained properly, haven't reached their expiration date, and have been used flawlessly normally provide 98% prevention against STIs or unintended pregnancy.

Shop online at Chemist.net today for condoms.

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This blog post was written on behalf of Chemist.net by Pharmacy Mentor.