The Condom as Dual Protection
Ximena and Diego, in Secondary Year 1, overhear this at recess: "If she takes the pill, nothing else is needed." Is that true? To answer, we need to know what each method does and what it protects against. At the end of the page we come back to this question.
What Is a Barrier Method?
A contraceptive method is used to plan whether or not to have a pregnancy, and when. There are several types. Barrier methods work on a very simple idea: place a physical obstacle that blocks contact between the body fluids of the two people and keeps sperm from reaching the egg.
The condom (male or female) is the best-known barrier method. It is a thin sheath that covers the penis (or is placed inside the vagina). It holds in the semen and prevents contact with the secretions and skin that can carry microorganisms.
Hormonal methods (birth control pills, injections, implants) work differently: they change the body's hormones to prevent ovulation. They do not put any obstacle between the two people.
Explain what a barrier contraceptive method is, how a condom works, and how it differs from hormonal methods (pills, injections, implants) in terms of protection against…
Explain what a barrier contraceptive method is, how a condom works, and how it differs from hormonal methods (pills, injections, implants) in terms of protection against STIs.
Dual Protection
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are caused by bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that pass from one person to another during sexual intercourse. Pregnancy happens when a sperm fertilizes an egg. The condom acts on both at the same time:
| Risk | How the condom reduces it |
|---|---|
| Pregnancy | Holds in the semen: sperm cannot reach the egg |
| STIs | Covers the area and reduces contact with fluids and infected skin |
This is called dual protection: it prevents pregnancy and lowers the risk of STIs with a single method. That is why health services (health centers, IMSS, ISSSTE, and the youth-friendly services for adolescents) recommend it, and provide it free of charge or at a low price.
Bacterial and Viral
Not all STIs are the same. Bacterial STIs, such as syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, are treated with antibiotics and, if detected in time, can be cured. Viral STIs, such as HIV, HPV, genital herpes, and hepatitis B, cannot be cured with antibiotics: there are treatments that control them and reduce their effects, and for some there are vaccines (HPV and hepatitis B). That is why prevention is better than treatment, and why it is a good idea to get checkups at the health center.
Abstinence
Abstinence (not having sexual intercourse) is the only option that completely prevents both pregnancy and sexually transmitted STIs. It is a valid, personal decision, and a person can keep it until they feel ready to make informed decisions. When sexual activity begins, the condom is the method that gives dual protection.
Go back to the beginning: the phrase "nothing else is needed" is false when it comes to STIs; among the methods we have discussed, only the condom (a barrier method) protects against both.
The condom is said to offer "dual protection". Explain what that expression refers to (prevention of pregnancy and of STIs) and why a person who uses contraceptive pills…
The condom is said to offer "dual protection". Explain what that expression refers to (prevention of pregnancy and of STIs) and why a person who uses contraceptive pills still needs a condom if they also want protection against STIs.
Correct Use of the Condom
A condom protects well only if it is used correctly. Here are the guidelines, in the order in which they apply:
Why Not Use Two Condoms?
It seems that two would protect twice as much, but it is the opposite. When two condoms are used at the same time, they rub against each other. That friction wears them down and increases the chance that they will break or slip off. A single, properly placed condom protects better than two together.
For a condom to be effective it must be used correctly. Order and explain these guidelines for correct use: store it in a cool, dry place; check the expiration date; use…
For a condom to be effective it must be used correctly. Order and explain these guidelines for correct use: store it in a cool, dry place; check the expiration date; use a new one every time; do not reuse it; open the package carefully, without tearing it. Also explain why using two condoms at the same time does NOT increase protection.
Making Informed Decisions
Daily habits and decisions affect health, including sexual health. Getting information from reliable sources (teachers, doctors, the health center, youth-friendly services for adolescents) lets you decide with your life plan in mind. A pregnancy in adolescence or an STI can change plans for school and work, so prevention and responsibility are shared by both people. The options are: abstinence, the condom, available vaccines, and medical checkups.
Summary
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A barrier method puts up a physical obstacle; hormonal methods change hormones and do not block microorganisms.
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The condom gives dual protection: it prevents pregnancy and lowers the risk of STIs.
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Bacterial STIs are cured with antibiotics; viral ones are controlled, and some can be prevented with vaccines (HPV, hepatitis B).
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Abstinence completely prevents pregnancy and sexually transmitted STIs; the condom is the dual-protection option if sexual activity begins.
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Pills, injections, and implants do not protect against STIs: that is why the condom is still needed.
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Correct use: store it cool and dry, check the expiration date, open it carefully, use a new one every time, and never reuse it. Two condoms at once do not protect more: they rub against each other and can break.
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Decide with reliable information and with your life plan in mind.