Among the many barrier methods of birth control, the condom for men is used most often. Condoms are inexpensive and available in many convenient locations, without a doctor's prescription.

Read the How to Use a Condom Main Article

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Birth Control Barrier Methods

The practice of birth control is as old as human existence. Birth control barrier methods include: the male condom, female condom, diaphragm, cervical cap and sponge.
Birth Control Overview

Many different types of birth control are available, and include hormonal methods, barrier methods, and behavioral methods. The type of birth control depends on the method or options a woman chooses. Common side effects of the birth control pill (the most common form of birth control used by women in the US) include, fluid retention, breakthrough bleeding, missed periods, anxiety, mood changes, and decreased sexual desire (libido).
Condoms and Sexually Transmitted Diseases

In addition to helping prevent pregnancy, male condoms -- either latex or vinyl -- can help protect against a number of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). They include HIV-AIDS, gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and some genital ulcer diseases.
Genital Herpes

Genital herpes a highly infectious disease caused by a virus. Genital herpes is very common and is transmitted from person to person during sexual activity. Signs and symptoms of genital herpes include blisters or ulcers in the genital area. Some individuals have no symptoms. There is no cure for genital herpes, only medication to decrease the frequency of outbreaks.
HIV/AIDS

HIV has killed about 25 million individuals, and approximately 40 million people are currently living with the disease. Symptoms and signs of HIV include fever, headache, tiredness, and enlarged lymph nodes. Infections that happen with AIDS are called opportunistic infections. There is no cure for HIV/AIDS. Treatment usually involves a combination of at least three drugs to suppress the virus from replicating and boost the immune system.
Birth Control Hormonal Methods

Hormonal types and of options for birth control, and include patches, rings, implants, injections, and the birth control pill. Common side effects of hormonal methods of birth control are headaches, anxiety, acne, weight gain, mood changes, decrease in sex drive, heart attack, and stroke. No birth control methods is 100% effective, nor does it protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Ask How Often Do Condoms Fail

How often do condoms fail? What percentage of condoms break? Why are condoms not 100 percent effective? Do condoms really work to help avoid pregnancy? What are the disadvantages of male condoms?
Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are among the most common infectious diseases in the United States. STDs can be spread through any type of sexual activity involving the sex organs, the anus or mouth, or through contact with blood during sexual activity. Examples of STDs include, chancroid, chlamydia, gonorrhea, granuloma inguinale, lymphogranuloma venereum, syphilis, genital herpes, genital warts, hepatitis B, trichomoniasis, pubic lice (crabs), and scabies.Treatment is generally with antibiotics; however, some STDs that go untreated can lead to death.
Syphilis

Syphilis is a contagious bacterial infection transmitted most often through sexual intercourse. Flulike symptoms, body rash, and swollen lymph nodes. Late-phase syphilis attacks the heart, brain, skin, and bones. Late-stage syphilis is rare since the discovery of the antibiotic penicillin, which is used to treat this sexually transmitted disease (STD).

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How Often Do Condoms Fail?

How often do condoms fail? What percentage of condoms break? Why are condoms not 100 percent effective? Do condoms really work to help avoid pregnancy? What are the disadvantages of male condoms?