What is Condom?
{{for|the city in France|Condom, Gers}} [[File:Lifestyles condom package.jpg |thumb|right|How a condom is normally packaged.]] [[File:Condom unrolled durex.jpg |thumb|right|An unrolled condom]] [[File:Préservatif féminin.jpg|thumb|right|A female condom]] A '''condom''' is a thin cover that is put on a man's [[human penis|penis]] and used during [[sexual intercourse]]. It can also be used during [[oral sex]], [[anal sex]] and [[masturbation]]. It is normally made of [[latex]]. Condoms are a form of [[birth control]], they can prevent a [[pregnancy]]. They can also prevent the spread of certain [[sexually transmitted disease|sexually transmitted infections]], such as [[gonorrhea]], [[syphilis]], or [[HIV]]. Another name for a condom is '''[[prophylaxis|prophylactic]] sheath''', or simply a '''prophylactic'''. In 2009, most condoms were made of [[latex]]. For people with latex allergy, plastic condoms are available. The first condoms were made of [[tissue paper]]. Later models were made of the [[intestine]]s of animals, such as [[sheep]]. Such condoms can still be found sometimes. Certain people prefer sheepskin condoms over latex ones, because sheepskin condoms can transfer body warmth better. However they do not prevent diseases as effectively as latex condoms. Condoms are popular for several reasons. They are inexpensive and can be bought without a prescription by either a man or a woman. They can be bought at many locations, and they are easy to use (once the couple learns how.) They have no health-related side effects for either the man or the woman, and they are one of the few types of birth control that also reduce the spread of infections. If the couple decides to have a baby, they can stop using condoms at any time and begin trying to get pregnant with no delay. But condoms have some disadvantages. During sex, the couple must stop to put on the condom just before beginning intercourse, which interrupts and distracts them at an exciting time. Condoms reduce the physical feelings of intercourse, espe