When a man has an active sex life, condoms are his BFFs as they do not just protect him from unwanted pregnancies, but also from STIs and STDs. However, have you ever thought of digging deeper to know more about condoms? If not, we are here by your side to let you know all about them and much more as well!
When you indulge in sex, opting for unprotected sexual intercourse might be the biggest mistake of your life. It could lead to unwanted pregnancy as well as transmission of STIs or STDs that have to be treated or else can cause severe problems to your body. Using condoms while having sex could be the best step you could take to be sexually healthy. Participating in sex makes you responsible for using condoms, even if you somehow believe that they might make the physical activity less fun or pleasurable.
However, when we talk about condoms, not all men know everything about them. They might not even know if the condom they are using is the right one for them or not. Strange, but true! If the condoms that you go for are not being used properly, then there is a high chance that it might break during the intercourse.
For all those who want to learn more about condoms, we are ready with the right information. Have a look below:
What are Condoms?
A condom is a well fitting, thin tube that a man must wear over his penis before indulging in sexual intercourse. It works as a barrier that keeps the semen as well as other body fluids of the man out of the vagina, mouth or anus. Apart from that, it is a great method to prevent the transmission of STIs and STDs from one person to another along with unwanted pregnancies.
Also known as a rubber or the barrier method, a condom assists you in practicing safe sex. However, the effect of a condom depends on how you use it. Apart from that, a not so well known fact is that condoms are only 98% effective, when used properly. Another truth that not everyone knows is that condoms are very effective at preventing STDs like gonorrhoea, chlamydia, herpes, and HIV. However, in the case of STIs like HPV, a condom is not as useful as it does not cover up the scrotum during sex.
Types of Condoms
You might not have noticed, but there are different types of condoms that are available on the rack. Let’s have a look at some of these condoms that you may find at a pharmacy:
Latex, Plastic or Lambskin
Most men use condoms that are made up of latex. However, if you are sensitive or allergic to latex, you can choose to use a condom made up of plastic; polyurethane or polyisoprene. Moreover, lambskin condoms are made up of the intestines of a lamb and like human skin they have tiny pores. While latex and plastic condoms can prevent STDs as well as pregnancies, lambskin condoms can only prevent pregnancies, not STDs.
Lubricated Condoms
Lubrication or lube is a thin coating on the condom which prevents pain or irritation during sex as well as keeps it from breaking. If you have bought a condom without lubrication, just add some lube over it to make the sexual intercourse more comfortable. However, oil based lube like petroleum jelly is a big no as they can damage the condom. Apart from that, using an oil based lube or even oil over it can keep it from working, so one should avoid it and use water based ones.
Spermicide Coated Condoms
Spermicide coated condoms are those that have a layer of nonoxynol-9 on them, a chemical that kills sperm. Although it lowers the risk of pregnancy, this chemical can irritate your genitals and can put you at a risk of contracting HIV as well. Such kinds of condoms are not used much and men prefer other types of condoms.
Textured Condoms
Those ribbed and studded condoms that you buy for your partner’s pleasure are known as textured condoms. If your partner is unable to enjoy the sexual activity with the regular condom, try a textured one to see if it makes it any better.
How to Use Condoms
The first rule about using a condom is that you must use a new one every time during sexual intercourse. Condom rupture is common and if it breaks at any point of time, replace it with a new one.
When you are about to use a condom, make sure that it is in a good condition and not expired. Open the wrapper of the condom carefully to take it out, without tearing it. If you are not sure about how to wear a condom, check out the packet of the condom to see the instructions and wear it as it says. Always pinch the air out of the tip of the condom and unroll it all the way down your penis.
If the condom is not lubricated, use a water based lube so that the condom does not break during sex. Once you are done, slide the condom off your penis, carefully. Do not flush the condom and clog your washroom. It is advisable to wrap it in a tissue and throw it in the trash.
Conclusion
Condoms are one of the most effective ways of practising safe sex as well as are cheap. You can always find them at a pharmacy or a departmental store. Apart from that, in today’s era, there are a range of condoms available for you and you can choose the right one for yourself to make sure that you stay sexually healthy. Although in our society, sex is still a taboo if you are not married, opting for unprotected sex can lead to a lot of adversities as well as bring in extensive health issues.