How does a male condom work?
The condom acts as a mechanical barrier when placed over the penis, preventing transfer of sperm and potential infectious seminal fluid to the female as well as potential infectious vaginal or cervical fluid to the male. It will also prevent contact with genital lesions on the penis or in the vagina. Condoms may not afford protection from sexually transmitted diseases (STD) that are transmitted by skin-to-skin contact in other areas (i.e. genital herpes and condylomata accuminata). Most condoms available today are manufactured from latex. Because of its elasticity, latex allows ultra thin condoms for improved sensation. Other non-latex condoms are available for those with latex allergies but are expensive and limited in variety. Non-latex condoms manufactured from the intestinal caecum of lambs (“lambskin”) do not afford adequate protection from viral transmission.
