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Why do I need to use a condom?
Condoms are the only form of protection that can both help to stop the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as HIV and prevent pregnancy.
Getting ready, choosing the right condom
A number of different types of condom are now available. What is generally called a condom is the 'male' condom, a sheath or covering which fits over a man's penis, and which is closed at one end.
There is also now a female condom, or vaginal sheath, which is used by a woman and which fits inside her vagina. The rest of this page is about the male condom.
What are condoms made of?
Condoms are usually made of latex or polyurethane. If possible you should use a latex condom, as they are slightly more reliable, and in most countries they are most readily available.
Latex condoms can only be used with water based lubricants, not oil based lubricants such as Vaseline or cold cream as they break down the latex. A small number of people have an allergic reaction to latex and can use polyurethane condoms instead.
Polyurethane condoms are made of a type of plastic. They are thinner than latex condoms, and so they increase sensitivity and are more agreeable in feel and appearance to some users. They are more expensive than latex condoms and slightly less flexible so more lubrication may be needed. However both oil and water based lubricants can be used with them.
It's not clear whether latex or polyurethane condoms are stronger – there are studies suggesting that either is less likely to break. With both types however, the likelihood of breakages is very small if used correctly.
The lubrication on condoms also varies. Some condoms are not lubricated at all, some are lubricated with a silicone substance, and some condoms have a water-based lubricant. The lubrication on condoms aims to make the condom easier to put on and more comfortable to use. It can also help prevent condom breakage.
What about condom size?
Condoms are made in different lengths and widths, and different manufacturers produce varying sizes.
There is no standard length for condoms, though those made from natural rubber will in addition always stretch if necessary to fit the length of the man's erect penis.
The width of a condom can also vary. Some condoms have a slightly smaller width to give a "closer" fit, whereas others will be slightly larger. Condom makers have realised that different lengths and widths are needed and are increasingly broadening their range of sizes.
The brand names will be different in each country, so you will need to do your own investigation of different names. There is no particular best brand of condom.
What about various types of condoms available? Which should I prefer n when?
Condom Types
Picking out condoms can be a fun experience, yet with so many kinds on the market, how do you choose between the different condom types? An important thing to consider is whether or not you plan to use the condom as a contraceptive or if you are just want to use it for sex play. If you need a condom for protection, make sure to read the condom label to see if it is FDA approved for use against unplanned pregnancy and STDs. Also, make sure to check the expiration date to make sure that the condom is safe to use. Here are some of the different types of condoms available.
Night Light: Glow-In-The-Dark Condom
This particular brand is the only FDA approved glow-in-the-dark condom that is intended to prevent pregnancy and STDs. The Night Light condom is non-toxic and will glow after about 30 seconds of exposure to ordinary light (be sure to do expose it to the light before putting it on). The Night Light Glow-In-The-Dark Condom is made of three layers. The inner and the outer layer consist of regular latex while the third layer contains a safe pigment that begins to glow and is sealed between the two latex layers. This condom makes for a fun surprise.
Flavored Condoms
Many condom brands claim that their condoms have great flavors and tantalizing aromas. The flavor may be contained in the lubricant or directly on the condom. Some flavored condoms are even colored to match the flavor (such as red for strawberry flavor, yellow for banana). Flavors can include mint, grape, orange, banana, strawberry, and even chocolate, vanilla, and cola. These condoms are meant to add a yummy dimension to oral sex, and many of the brands are also FDA approved for strength and protection. If you are planning to use these condoms for vaginal sex, make sure they are sugar -free as sugar flavored condoms can throw off the pH in the vagina, which can lead to yeast infections.
Studded Condoms
These condoms are shaped and textured to increase pleasure for either the female, male or both partners (depending on where the raised studs and/or ribs are). Some of these condoms have two sections of ribs, on the top and at the base, which adds stimulation in just the right place for females. Others contain hundreds of raised studs, on the outside for female satisfaction and/or on the inside to enhance male enjoyment. The condoms that are marketed for mutual pleasure tend to be wider, have bulb-like tips, and a more contoured shape, which increase male comfort and allow nerve endings to remain at their most sensitive state (thus adding significantly more pleasure for him). Make sure to check for FDA approval (most are).
Warming Condoms
These condoms tend to be made of thinner latex, which helps to heighten sensation. Warming condoms are designed to enhance sensual pleasure through the release of gentle, warm sensations for both partners. They contain a warming lubricant that is activated by natural body moisture, so it heats up during sexual intercourse.
Edible Condoms
There are different brands of edible condoms that you can choose from. They usually come in packs of four and are available in a variety of flavors. The condom is rolled on, and then can be eaten off! Edible condoms are for novelty use only -- they do not provide any type of protection against pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases.
Pleasure Shaped
The idea behind pleasure-shaped condoms is that they tend to be looser with enlarged, pouch-like tips. These wider tops allow for more friction because the extra latex stimulates the nerve endings at the tip of the penis. Some of these condoms, like the Inspiral brand or the Trojan Magnum Twister, also introduce a winding, twisting shape that allows for more vigorous action. This type of design stimulates nerve endings and heightens sensitivity for both women and men.
Colored Condoms
Condoms are available in almost every color; in fact, you can even find tri-colored condoms that feature the national colors of 36 countries, such as America, France, Spain, Russia and Italy. Dual-color condoms are also available, which may be fun to use during the holidays – like a black and orange condom for Halloween, red and green for Christmas, and pink and red condom for your Valentine. Many of the colored varieties of condoms are FDA approved for the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, so make sure to read the label on the condom.
Kiss of Mint Condoms
These condoms, made by LifeStyles, are non-lubricated and are coated with a mint flavored powder that provides a sweet spearmint taste. Although these condoms tend to be a real favorite for safe oral sex, they are FDA approved for pregnancy protection as well. These condoms tend to be a little bit wider than average condoms and have a flared, reservoir tip (it balloons out a bit) which allows for heightened male sensation.
French Tickler
These condoms either have a soft rubber tickler tip or are made of soft jelly. Tickler condoms fit over the penis and come in various styles of nodules, nubs, and ridges and shapes that provide stimulation by "tickling" the inner walls of the vagina. These condoms are considered to be novelty types, so they do not provide prevention of pregnancy or disease. Perfect for couples where the woman is using a hormonal or permanent birth control method. If not, a man can wear a regular condom underneath the tickler to ensure contraceptive protection.
Tingling Pleasure Condoms
Some condoms, like Durex's Tingling Pleasure brand, contain a safe spearmint tingling lubricant as well as a minty scent. These condoms are formulated to provide an intensifying, tingling experience for both partners.
When do you use condom?
You need to use a new condom every time you have sexual intercourse. Never use the same condom twice. Put the condom on after the penis is erect and before any contact is made between the penis and any part of the partner's body. If you go from anal intercourse to vaginal intercourse, you should consider changing the condom.
How do you use condom?
Open the condom package at one corner being careful not to tear the condom with your fingernails, your teeth, or through being too rough. Make sure the package and condom appear to be in good condition, and check that if there is an expiry date that the date has not passed.
Place the rolled condom over the tip of the hard penis, and if the condom does not have a reservoir top, pinch the tip of the condom enough to leave a half inch space for semen to collect. If the man is not circumcised, then pull back the foreskin before rolling on the condom.
Pinch the air out of the condom tip with one hand and unroll the condom over the penis with the other hand. Roll the condom all the way down to the base of the penis, and smooth out any air bubbles. (Air bubbles can cause a condom to break.)
If you want to use some extra lubrication, put it on the outside of the condom. But always use a water-based lubricant (such as KY Jelly or Liquid Silk) with latex condoms, as an oil-based lubricant will cause the latex to break.
The man wearing the condom doesn't always have to be the one putting it on - it can be quite a nice thing for his partner to do.
When do you take off the condom?
Pull out before the penis softens, and hold the condom against the base of the penis while you pull out, so that the semen doesn't spill. Condom should be disposed properly for example wrapping it in a tissue and throwing it away. It's not good to flush condoms down the toilet - they're bad for the environment.
What do you do if a condom breaks?
If a condom breaks during sexual intercourse, then pull out quickly and replace the condom. Whilst you are having sex, check the condom from time to time, to make sure it hasn't split or slipped off. If the condom has broken and you feel that semen has come out of the condom during sex, you should consider getting emergency contraception such as the morning after pill.
What condoms should you use for anal intercourse?
With anal intercourse more strain is placed on the condom. You can use stronger condoms (which are thicker) but standard condoms are just as effective as long as they are used correctly with plenty of lubricant. Condoms with a oil based lubricant should NOT be used for anal sex as Oil based lube damages the lining of the rectum increasing the risk of HIV and other STD transmission.
How do you dispose off a used condom?
All condoms should be disposed of by wrapping in tissue or toilet paper and throwing them in the bin. Condoms should not be flushed down the toilet as they may cause blockages in the sewage system and pollution.
Latex condoms are made mainly from latex with added stabilizers, preservatives and vulcanizing (hardening) agents. Latex is a natural substance made form rubber trees, but because of the added ingredients most latex condoms are not biodegradable. Polyurethane condoms are made from plastic and are not biodegradable. Biodegradable latex condoms are available from some manufacturers.
Reasons to use condoms
1. Condoms are the only contraceptive that help prevent both pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (including HIV) when used properly and consistently.
2. Condoms are one of the most reliable methods of birth control when use properly and consistently.
3. Condoms have none of the medical side-effects of some other birth control methods may have.
4. Condoms are available in various shapes, colours, flavours, textures and sizes - to increase the fun of making love with condoms.
5. Condoms are widely available in pharmacies, supermarkets and convenience stores. You don't need a prescription or have to visit a doctor.
6. Condoms make sex less messy.
7. Condoms are user friendly. With a little practice, they can also add confidence to the enjoyment of sex.
8. Condoms are only needed when you are having sex unlike some other contraceptives which require you to take or have them all of the time.
Here are also some tips that can help you to feel more confident and relaxed about using condoms.
Confidence tips
· Keep condoms handy at all times. If things start getting steamy - you'll be ready. It's not a good idea to find yourself having to rush out at the crucial moment to buy condoms - at the height of the passion you may not want to.
· When you buy condoms, don't get embarrassed. If anything, be proud. It shows that you are responsible and confident and when the time comes it will all be worthwhile. It can be more fun to go shopping for condoms with your partner or friend. Nowadays, it is also easy to buy condoms discreetly on the internet.
· Talk with your partner about using a condom before having sex. It removes anxiety and embarrassment. Knowing where you both stand before the passion stands will make you lot more confident that you both agree and are happy about using a condom.
· If you are new to condoms, the best way to learn how to use them is to practice putting them on by yourself or your partner. It does not take long to become a master.
· If you feel that condoms interrupt you passion then try introducing condoms into your lovemaking. It can be really sexy if your partner helps you put it on or you do it together.
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