International Condom Day 2023: 10 Frequently Asked Questions Answered By Expert

February 13 is celebrated as International Condom Day, and we must give importance to it. Condoms are one of the widely popular and most used methods of contraception.

They are easily available in the market, and even the government promotes their use in family planning. What many might not know is that condoms are available for both men and women.

Despite being promoted on television and social media, condoms are still stigmatised. Films like Chhatriwali, Janhit Me Jaari, etc. have been created to educate people of the use and benefits of contraception in terms of health and preventing unwanted pregnancies.

There might be people who genuinely have questions about condoms, and they seek answers on Google. Therefore, we spoke to Dr Chetna Jain, Obstetricians and Gynaecologist, Director Of OBG Gynaecology Dept. at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Gurugram, to get your googled queries answered without taboo or stigma.

1. Can Viruses Pass Through Condoms?

Dr Jain said that it was possible for viruses to pass through condoms if they were made from the skin of animals. However, that is not the case today. Hence, viruses cannot pass through condoms.

Another way in which viruses can pass is if there is any skin-to-skin contact apart from the area covered with condoms. It can also lead to the transmission of bacteria and germs.

2. Do Condoms Protect Against HIV?

Yes, condoms protect against HIV. In fact, they are the full-proof medium to prevent sexually transmitted infections like AIDS, chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhoea, genital herpes, etc.

3. What Are The Disadvantages Of Using Condoms?

The major disadvantage to using a condom is it is not a 100% effective method of preventing pregnancies. If a person uses them in the ideal way as described on the box, the failure rate is about 2%. However, if people use it haphazardly, the failure rate can increase to 18%.

Moreover, most people use condoms before the climax. However, you should know that premature ejaculation can also lead to pregnancy. Another disadvantage is that condoms can hamper the sexual experience, but many brands like Durex have come up with options like invisible condoms to improve the intercourse experience. You have to be careful while using condoms as they might slip or break.

4. What Are The Different Types Of Condoms?

Currently, one can find three types of condoms in the market — latex, synthetic latex, and non-latex. The advantage of latex condoms is that they are widely popular in the market. They are less prone to breakage and slipping. They are safe and more efficient towards preventing pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.

Non-latex condoms are safe to be used with oil-based lubricants, and people with an allergy towards latex can use them. It is thinner and can enhance pleasure during sex. However, these are five times more likely to break.

A synthetic latex condom can only be used with water-based lubricants and has the efficacy graph between latex and non-latex condoms.

5. Are Condoms Enough For Contraception?

Considering the failure rate of condoms when used robustly, they are not enough as a contraception method. However, if they are worn since the start and withdrawal technique is used, one can bring down the failure rate to 1%.

Condoms can be used with spermicide tablets that are inserted into the vaginal canal. They can help to decrease the failure rate of condoms significantly. But you must know that male and female condoms can never be used together.

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6. Do Condoms Offer 100% Protection?

No, condoms do not offer 100% protection against pregnancies. If people do not use them properly, there can be a failure rate of one in five women getting pregnant even after using the contraception.

7. How Safe Condoms Are Against STDs?

Latex condoms are the best barrier against sexually transmitted diseases. However, you must also take care of hygiene because despite wearing condoms, there is skin-to-skin contact. Hence, couples must wash their hands and genitals before and after sex.

8. If A Person Is On Birth Control, Do They Need To Use A Condom?

Birth control pills do not offer protection against sexually transmitted viral, fungal and bacterial infections. Therefore, people should use a condom despite being on oral contraceptive pills.

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9. Do Female Condoms Stay In Place?

Yes, female condoms do stay in place. There are two rings in a female condom, one goes inside the vaginal canal, and the other sits outside. However, you have to guide the male genitalia during penetration, or the condom can break and fail miserably.

10. Disadvantages of Female Condoms

Female condoms have greater chances of slipping, breakage and failure. Therefore, it is essential to hold the outer ring in place during sex to ensure that the condom works effectively.

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