Condoms are sometimes described as odd looking and may decrease sensation or make noise during sex. Some people are allergic to the latex condoms and animal skin condoms are not as effective. Female condoms are more expensive and are less readily available than male condoms. Can slip off or out of place, be torn by fingernails, become damaged from heat, age, and some vaginal medications, creams, and oil-based lubricants. May interrupt spontaneous sex by having to stop and put on the condom.
Some men have trouble keeping an erection with a condom on.
More effective if used with film, gel or foam. Even if you use another birth control method, you should consider using condoms for infection protection. You should always use a condom if you or your partner have ever had a sexually transmitted infection such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital warts or HIV, or are HIV positive. If you are uncertain, practice safer sex and either use a condom or abstain from sex. You do not need a prescription to buy condoms.