Condoms and Spermicides Condoms and Spermicides A condom, also called a prophylactic or rubber, is a thin sheath that fits snugly over an erect penis to act as a barrier. The closed end of the condom catches the semen, so that it cannot pass into your partner at the time of ejaculation.
Most condoms sold in the U.S. are latex condoms which come in a variety of textures and colors.
A spermicide is a chemical that is inserted into the vagina prior to intercourse to kill sperm and act as a barrier. Actual effectiveness rates reflect what happens to the pregnancy rate in a group of people who do not use this method correctly some of the time and who do not use this method every time they have intercourse. A distinction must be made between spermicidally lubricated condoms and condoms with an additional spermicide. The first is a condom which comes in its package already lubricated with a spermicide. The latter is a condom that is used in conjunction with a spermicide in a foam, film, or gel form.