Condoms

CONDOMS

A condom is a prophylactic sheath that is used to cover the male penis. It acts as a barrier to prevent sperm from entering a sexual partner, as well as to prevent transmission of disease-causing bacteria or microorganisms between partners during sexual activity. The first condoms, invented hundreds of years ago, were probably made of lambskin. Although effective in blocking sperm transmission, their relatively large pores did not impede the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Most contemporary condoms are made of latex, which effectively impedes the transmission of both sperm and disease-causing agents.

CHRIS H. PARTIS

(SEE ALSO: Contraception; Sexually Transmitted Diseases)