Condoms are a form a birth control that prevent pregnancy as well as protect against many STDs. There are two types: the male condom and the female condom. There are also a variety of sizes, colors, and flavors, lubrications, thickness, shapes, and more. The male condom is made of latex, plastic, or lambskin. To be effective, condoms must be used as directed. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about condoms, how they work, pros and cons, and much more.
Does Condom Size Matter?
With a multitude of condom sizes on the market, it may take some effort to find the proper fit.
Condoms: Effectiveness, Types, and Proper Use
Condoms are a popular method of male birth control that uses the barrier principle of contraception. Learn more about the effectiveness, types, and proper use of condoms at WebMD.
Condoms for men aren’t the only option. Female condoms can protect you, too.
The Condom Quiz
Test your smarts about condoms and safe sex with this quick quiz from WebMD.
Condoms: A Virtual Orgy of Sizes, Shapes, and Tastes
Condoms: An overview of sizes, shapes, textures, tastes, and effectiveness; and 10 tips for getting the best protection from them.
Safe Sex or Russian Roulette?
Most young people don't take the one step that could prevent them from becoming infected with the deadly HIV virus -- that is, use a condom.
Surprise Pregnancy: Could It Happen to You?
Almost half of all pregnancies in the U.S. are unplanned. Find out how this happens so often, from user error to irregular periods.
Safe Sex After 50: Preventing STDs, Using Condoms, and More
WebMD article on preventing STDs in adults in middle-age and beyond.
Slideshows & Images
Slideshow: Your Birth Control Options
See the mechanics, side effects, and failure rates for common birth control methods in this illustrated slideshow. Withdrawal, hormones, the IUD, and many more are explained with pictures.
Slideshow: Pictures and Facts About STDs
See what herpes, genital warts, the clap, chlamydia, scabies, HIV/AIDS, and other STDs look like. Find out their symptoms and what you can do.