Birth Control Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Omnia M Samra, MD

Coauthor:

Sandra Wendel

Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

View Full Profile

During Sex

• If you and your partner use a lubricant, use only water-based lubricants such as water on latex condoms. Lubricants help reduce friction and prevent the condom from tearing. Lubricating jellies that are okay to use with latex condoms are brand names such as KY Jelly or Astroglide. Oil-based lubricants such as creams, mineral oil, Vaseline petroleum jelly, baby oil, and body and massage lotions can damage the latex condoms and make them ineffective.
• If you are using plastic condoms (read the label), you can use any lubricant.
• If the condom breaks or falls off before ejaculation, stop. Put on a new condom. You should also use a new condom if you are having different types of intercourse, such as vaginal and then anal.
• Never reuse a condom.
• After ejaculation, the condom must be removed. The best way is to grasp the condom at the base of the penis and hold it as the penis is withdrawn while it is still erect to prevent the condom from slipping or leaking semen.