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People use condoms to prevent pregnancy and also reduce the chances of contacting sexually transmitted diseases.
They can be worn by both the male and female partners, depending on the design and agreement between couples.
However, they tend to have negative side effects with prolonged use.
1. Pregnancy risk
As is the case with any type of birth control, condoms will pose the risk of unplanned pregnancy. In as much as it offers protection, research by Planned Parenthood says that two per cent of women whose partners used the condom will become pregnant even after using it properly.
Similarly, old condoms are likely to rapture and cause pregnancy.
2. Risk of STDs
According to Livestrong, condoms are not effective against all STDs. Although they are highly effective against HIV/AIDS, and reduce the chances of contacting other diseases like gonorrhea, HPV, syphilis and chlamydia, they do not offer enough protection against STDs that can affect outer layers of the skin. These include scabies infections and molluscum contagiosum.
The user is also at the risk of getting genital herpes.
3. Latext allergy
Most condoms are made using rubber latex that comes from rubber trees. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, some people experience allergic responses to the protein in this rubber.
Symptoms can range from sneezing, hives, runny nose, itching or flushing to other more severe signs symptoms that include wheezing, dizziness, swelling, and lightheadedness.
In other instances latex allergy could invoke anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening condition.
4. Partner Resistance
Some partners do not want to use the condom and will resist when the other partner uses it. Some men say they experience a considerable loss in sensation whenever they use condoms during sex. Others take them as unromantic and will find offense when asked to wear them.