How to Use Condoms

QUESTION: I'm too embarrassed to ask my doctor, but all this talk about
condoms has me baffled. How do you use them?
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ANSWER: This question, in one form or another, is a most frequent one in my
mail. Despite the enormous importance of preventive measures to control the
spread of sexually transmitted diseases, particularly AIDS, information of the
type sought here seems difficult to obtain. In the interest of the health of
those who need this information, and trusting that it is understood that the
information is medical in nature and implies no moral judgements, I shall
answer it as precisely as possible.
Condoms, sheaths of very thin rubber that fit closely onto the penis and
prevent the escape of semen, are an old and reasonably effective form of birth
control. More important, in these days, latex condoms are effective in
reducing the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS.
There are two types of condoms, latex or rubber condoms and natural
condoms made of sheep gut. Only the latex type has been shown to stop the
transmission of the AIDS virus. In order to be effective as either birth
control or disease protection, a new condom must be used each and every time
you have sex, no ifs, ands, or buts.
A condom comes rolled up. It is placed on the head of the erect penis
leaving a bit of space at the tip to catch the semen, and then unrolled down
the shaft all the way to the base. A condom must be in place before
intercourse. After intercourse, the male partner must withdraw carefully to
avoid dislodging the condom, after which it may be removed and disposed of.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists estimates that
condoms cost about $30 a year and are 90% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Most failures are due to forgetting to use a condom or tearing it while
putting it on. Additionally, they are almost universally recommended as a
means of promoting "safe sex", and preventing the spread of sexually
transmitted diseases.