It is commonly seen that couples look for common methods of contraception when they don’t wish to have a baby. Using a condom is the most common method that is used by couples to prevent semen from entering the vagina. Condoms are commonly used because they are easy to use and prevent both pregnancy and STDs.

Pros of using condoms as contraceptives

• Easy on money
  You can easily buy condoms from different stores, health centers, and even online. You don’t need a prescription to buy a condom. Condoms are a portable way to prevent pregnancy. It is one of the most common methods of contraception.
• They are effective against STDs
  Condoms help prevent the spread of infections like STDs, HIV, and gonorrhea. Along with being a method of birth control, it is also an effective method to prevent STDs.
• Other birth control methods work well with condoms
  If you want extra pregnancy protection, then adding condoms to your birth control method can work wonders. Birth control methods like pills, shot, ring, and IUD work better if you use condoms.
• No side effects
  Generally speaking, this is one of those common methods of contraception that doesn’t cause any side-effects. If you are allergic to latex, you can easily shift to plastic condoms.

Cons of using condoms as contraceptives
Condoms are one of the most common methods of contraception. Though there are many advantages to using condoms as a birth control method, there can be some disadvantages too.

• Might not suit you
  If you are allergic to latex, then a regular condom is not the right choice for you. In such a situation, as an alternative to using latex, you can use polyurethane condoms. These condoms are more expensive than the regular ones and are not easily available as well.
• Might burst during intercourse
  The failure rate of using a condom as a method of contraception is around 14 to 15 percent. It is seen that sometimes when the intensity of sex is high or the condom is not of good quality, it bursts in the middle of the process, leading to pregnancy.
• Consistent and diligent use
  Every time you wish to have intercourse with your partner, you need to buy a new condom. Condoms can only be used once. If you are not planning a baby, then there is a constant pressure of using condoms during intercourse.
• Work only with water-based lubricants
  Condoms can only be used with water-based lubricants and cannot be used with oil-based lubricants. Oil-based lubricants can disintegrate the condoms and cause them to tear during intercourse.
• Incorrect removal of condoms
  Once the male has ejaculated, he needs to pull out his penis from the vagina carefully so that the semen doesn’t accidentally slip into the vagina from the condom. This becomes difficult sometimes. Incorrect removal of condoms can cause unplanned pregnancy.

There are many other common methods of contraception like a cervical cap, IUD, pills, etc., but condoms are the most sex-friendly and easy method of birth control.