Contraception is a set of measures that help to avoid pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Your choice of contraceptive method depends on a number of factors: your age, medical and family history, medications you take, and your smoking habits.
Barrier contraception
Condoms.
Condoms are the only way to prevent both pregnancy and STDs, apart from abstinence. Wearing a condom correctly (and on time) can protect you from sexually transmitted diseases and even HIV.
Why do you need contraception?
There are two types of condoms:
Male condoms, which are worn on the penis, have 98% protection against pregnancy
Female condoms, which are placed in the vagina, have 95% protection against pregnancy
Condoms are made of very thin latex; male condoms can also be made of polyisoprene or polyurethane. They are designed to prevent semen or vaginal secretions from coming into contact with the genitals of a sexual partner.
It is important to use only certified condoms with a valid expiration date, and of course, only once. If necessary, you can use a lubricant, but only water-based ones! Oil-based products, such as moisturizer, lotion, or petroleum jelly, can damage latex and polyisoprene condoms, but they are safe to use with polyurethane condoms.
There are condoms with spermicides, but their additional effectiveness has not been proven and they are more expensive.