Condoms are the best birth control measures to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Condoms are not only the best way to prevent pregnancy but these help in the prevention of the sexually transmitted diseases also. Sexually transmitted diseases can easily spread if sex is done unprotected and the numbers of people suffering from sexually transmitted diseases are increasing day by day and it is something of great concern. There are two types of condoms like the male condoms and the female condoms. Due to easy availability and inexpensiveness, the male condoms are used widely all over the world and male condoms are in use for many years. With the use of condoms, people have now started asking questions like the side effects of condoms, different materials used for making condoms, expired condoms, how much efficiency condoms have etc. This particular article will throw light on many different aspects of condoms.

Male condoms are made of latex and polyurethane. Latex is rubber so while using these condoms no oil-based lubricants should be used which may cause the condom to slip from its place. Another type of material used for condoms is the plastic or polyurethane. Both oil-based and water-based lubricants can be used with these condoms. Though males condoms are very convenient to use, the side effects of condoms cannot be ignore and one should know about them before using them.

* Latex allergy – A type of protein is used to make the latex rubber. This latex rubber is used to make condoms so it might trigger allergic reactions in some people. The symptoms are- running nose, itching, sneezing, dizziness, wheezing etc. Those who are allergic to rubber can use the condoms made of polyurethane.

* Chances of pregnancy – If the condoms are used correctly the efficiency is 98% but if these are incorrectly used the efficiency decreases to 85% and there are chances that the women can become pregnant.

* Not full protection against sexually transmitted diseases – Condoms are effective in protection against HIV. Other diseases are also prevented such as- syphilis, gonorrhea etc. Condoms cannot prevent against diseases of the outer skin like scabies or molluscum contagiousum. The risks of genital herpes are reduced, but it cannot be prevented fully.

Those who use must know that expired condoms should never be used and also the improperly stored ones should be avoided. Using expired condoms means the chances of pregnancy is increased so these should be completely avoided.