It is not clear whether such education is to be directed to homosexuals (for whom prophylactics are not a contraceptive) or to heterosexuals as well (for whom prophylactics are a contraceptive).1977, Human Life Center, International Review of Natural Family Planning, Human Life Center, St. John's University, page 2:
Given the widespread use of coitus interruptus and male prophylactics as contraceptive practices in France […]1994, Mary Louise Roberts, Civilization Without Sexes: Reconstructing Gender in Postwar France, 1917–1927, University of Chicago Press, page 96:
1 more example
Some men put the prophylactic on just the tip of the penis: this is a mistake, because the prophylactic will come off.2000, Peter Parnell, John Irving, The Cider House Rules: Here in St. Cloud's, Dramatists Play Service, Inc., page 46:
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Figuratively Any device or mechanism intended to prevent harmful consequences.
The securities laws are a prophylactic against stock fraud.
Since tere are increasingly powerful anti-free speech tendencies in the left in general and in the Lesbian and Gay movements in particular in the form of the antiporn movement and other tendencies, I will quote extensively from the second chapter of On Liberty, "On The Liberty Of Thought And Discussion," as a valuable and much needed prophylactic to these trends.1984 December 8, Robert Halfhill, “Pornography, Free Speech and Gay Separatism”, in Gay Community News, volume 12, number 21, page 5:
prophylactic
adj
Etymology From Latin prophylacticus, from Ancient Greek προφυλακτικός (prophulaktikós, “prophylactic”).
1
Serving to prevent or protect against an undesired effect, especially disease or pregnancy.