One of the most common and popular contraceptives today is the condom. Couples and families fairly know the “C” word and even teenagers are no longer ignorant of this safer-sex device. This page outlines a few fast facts about condoms and how they relate to a male's sexual health.

• WHAT CONDOMS ARE. Condom is the generic term for the piece of plastic or rubber that is used during intercourse. The plastic or rubber serves as a protective barrier between the sperms and the egg, and between body fluids and infections.

• WHAT CONDOMS ARE MADE OF. Most condoms are made of rubber or plastic. Rubber condoms are also known as latex condoms. When wearing latex condoms, no lubricants or oils must be used alongside as these could react with the rubber and can cause infections. Plastic condoms are also known as polyurethane condoms. They are often used with lubricants or oils, and pose fewer risks of infections or allergies than latex ones.

• WHOM CONDOMS ARE FOR. Condoms for him are intended to be worn by the male partner. The condom is specifically designed to fit the male genitalia.

• WHEN CONDOMS ARE USED. Condoms are used during intercourse. After withdrawal of his organ, the male must quickly insert it inside a condom. The perfect timing to wear the condom is when the organ has almost reached the brink of ejaculation and has not yet gone soft.

• HOW CONDOMS ARE LINKED TO SEXUAL HEALTH. Condoms are linked to sexual health in at least two ways. In fact, their link is tied to the purposes that they serve during and after intercourse:

o First, condoms help prevent conception and the onset of sexually transmitted infections. The plastic or rubber helps trap and contain the semen from entering the body of the female. The chances of the sperms meeting the egg, and of the infection spreading itself from one body to the other, are thereby reduced. When the use and timing are perfect, condoms can be more than 90 percent effective in preventing unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.

o Second, condoms can both reduce and promote pleasure during intercourse. On the downside, the use of condoms can interrupt intercourse because the condom must be immediately disposed of once it is filled with fluid. Another downside is that it reduces the male's sensation of body contact. Condoms for him also require the male partner to be mindful of timing his withdrawals and inserting the condom. On the brighter side, condoms for him are more to the advantage of the female partner. Some varieties are specially flavored, scented and textured for her pleasure. These varieties are called novelty condoms – implements tailored more for fun, rather than for protection.

• WHY CONDOMS ARE NOT FOR EVERYBODY. Despite the advantages they have to offer, condoms for him are not for everybody. Condoms are not for the undisciplined. They are also not for people who have sensitive skin, as the chemicals in the rubber, the scent or the flavor may cause allergies.