Introduction:
The proper usage of condoms will prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like syphilis, gonorrhea, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and viral hepatitis. Condoms also protect against viruses such as zika and ebola transmitted through sex. The main usage for non-usage of condoms is due to poor fitting. A condom too small will tend to break easily, and a condom too big will slip off the penis. Male condoms, also called external condoms, female condoms, also called internal condoms, and dental dams for oral sex are the various types of condoms available for consumers. To make sex comfortable and pleasurable, we will see how to choose the right condom in this article.
What Is the History Behind Condoms?
The condom was used as protective gear in ancient times. In the 16th century, Gabriello fallopio developed condoms for protection against major STDs, syphilis, and great pox. Condoms in ancient times were originally made from linen or animal intestines. The name for the condom comes from Colonel Cundum, an inventor, or the roman word ‘Condon’ meaning ‘receptacle’ remains unclear. The production of rubber and latex condoms was introduced in the year of 1843. Condoms made of polyurethane material were introduced in the 1990s.
Are Condoms Safe?
Generally, STDs are transmitted in two ways:
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When infected urethral or vaginal secretions come in contact with the mucosal surfaces of the other person.
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When in direct contact with the infected mucosal surfaces.
Consistent and correct usage of condoms will protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and diseases transmitted through genital secretions or other genital ulcer diseases. Condoms will also give protection from human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and associated diseases such as genital warts and cervical cancer. Significantly, latex condoms act as a barrier between their partners' genital organs and mucosal surfaces, thereby preventing the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.
What Is Condom Made of?
Condoms also come in various materials like latex, polyurethane, polyisoprene, and lambskin.
Latex: Latex condoms are flexible sheaths and do not transfer heat. Latex condoms can provide protection from viruses, bacteria, and sperm. Water or silicone-based lubricant is generally recommended for latex condoms. Using oil-based lubricants with latex condoms can cause breakage.
Polyurethane: These condoms are made of plastic and are thin when compared to latex condoms. They can transfer heat and are brittle.
Polyisoprene: These condoms are thicker than polyurethane, but it feels soft. It is similar to latex but does not contain specific proteins, which sometimes can lead to an allergic reaction.
Lambskin: It is made from the caecum, a part of the sheep’s long intestine. It is thin, durable, and transfers heat but does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
How to Choose the Correct Size Condom?
Men do not like condoms for three major reasons - they find them very tight, too loose, or too short. Common problems with ill-fitted condoms are breakage or slippage, inability to attain orgasm, penile irritations, dryness during sex, loss of erection, and lack of pleasure for both partners.
The condoms are available in different sizes, from regular to large. In order to have safe and comfortable sex, you should know the size of your penis.
How to Measure the Size of Your Penis?
You need to measure your penis to find the right condom which fits well. The best way to measure your penis is by using a measuring tape, ruler, or string. Start measuring your penis when it is erected completely; otherwise, it will give you smaller measurements. This results in choosing smaller condoms which tend to break easily during sexual interaction. The length, width, and girth of the penis should be measured. Width is the diameter of the penis, and grith is the distance around your penis.
The steps to be followed while measuring the penis are,
To Measure the Length:
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Position your measuring tape or ruler at the base of an erect penis.
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Press and place your measuring tape or ruler against the pubic bone.
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Now, measuring from the base to the pubic bone is your length.
To Measure the Girth:
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Gently wrap the measuring tape or string around your penis.
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Note the measurement when measuring tape is used.
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Measure it with a ruler when a string is used.
To Measure the Width:
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Measure the diameter of the penis, measure the girth, and divide the number by 3.14.
How to Use a Male Condom?
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Take the condom from the package carefully.
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Place the condom on the penis head.
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Do check whether the rim is outside.
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Pinch the condom at the tip, remove excess air and create space.
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Roll down the condom on the penis.
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While removing, carefully hold at the base and pull out.
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Close the open end by a knot and throw it in the trash.
How to Use a Female Condom?
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Remove the condom from the package carefully.
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A thick inner ring is placed inside the vagina, and the thin outer part remains outside the body.
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Squeeze the inner ring and insert it into the vagina, similar to tampons.
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Push the condom using your finger to touch the cervix.
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Position the penis into the opening of the condom.
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Stop if the outer ring goes inside or when the penis touches the vaginal wall.
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After sex, twist the outer ring and pull it out from the vagina.
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After use, throw it in the trash.
How to Use Condoms the Right Way?
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Do use condoms when you have sex.
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Do check the expiry date.
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Do check if there are no defects.
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Do check the wrapper is intact.
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Do store in a cool place.
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Do use silicone or water-based lubricants.
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Do use latex or polyurethane condoms.
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Do not store them in a wallet or purse, as they can cause friction.
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Do not use an oil-based lubricant.
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Do not reuse a condom.
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Do not use multiple condoms at a time.
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Do not flush condoms in the toilet.
Conclusion:
Condoms have become essential for sexual life. To have safe and pleasurable sex, condoms are inevitable. They protect you from unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
