A condom is a device manufactured from either latex, polyurethane or polyisporene which is used as a barrier device during vaginal and/or anal intercourse to curtail the chances of pregnancy in the former and minimize exposure to sexually transmitted disease in both cases. They are designed to be placed over an erect penis in a sheathing fashion, thus acting as a barrier against an exchange of bodily fluids between the two people involved in the act of intercourse.

All natural condoms, which are made from the lining of a lamb intestine, are also manufactured for those individuals that suffer from allergic reactions to latex.

Although it is widely believed that disease prevention and contraception was achieved through the use of penis sheathing devices similar to condoms as far back as ancient Egyptian and Chinese civilizations, the first documented description of a condom-like device does not appear until 1564 by Gabrielle Falloppio in his treatise on syphilis, which describes the condom as an effective preventive barrier against the disease.http://www.whonamedit.com/doctor.cfm/2288.html

Condoms are manufactured an marketed in unlubricated, lubricated and textured formats. Unlubricated condoms consist only of the latex or other material used in its fabrication.

Lubricated condoms contain a silicone or water-based lubricant which is designed to allow for ease of penetration during intercourse.http://www.avert.org/condom.htm Some lubricated condoms also include a spermicide, such as Nonoxynol-9, to increase the condom's effectiveness in pregnancy prevention and some forms of STD trabsmission.http://www.avert.org/condom.htm

Textured condoms are manufactured with ribs or ridges along the length of the condom, designed to provide added stimulation the person that is being penetrated during the act of intercourse. There are also condoms designed to augment sexual excitation and play, such as flavored condoms which are manufactured using a water-based flavoring in the lubricant.http://www.avert.org/condom.htm

Structurally, most condoms are manufactured with a reservoir tip to allow for proper capture of semen released during ejaculation, although plan tipped condoms are also available on the market.http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/sex_relationships/facts/condoms.htm

As a method of contraception, condoms are rated as having a 98% effectiveness rate in preventing pregnancy when used properly.http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/sex_relationships/facts/condoms.htm

In terms of prevention of STDs, condom use can reduce transmission risks by 70-95%, depending on the specific venereal disease and other risk behaviors associated with the act of intimacy.http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/about/organization/dmid/PDF/condomReport.pdf

Most condom failures occur due to breakage, with 2.3% of condoms failing due to breakage. Slippage is the next common cause of condom failure occurring in 1.3% of instances in which condoms are used.http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/about/organization/dmid/PDF/condomReport.pdf

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before using Condoms.