What Are Condoms?
A condom is a thin, loose-fitting sheath or pouch that guards against infections and sexually transmitted illnesses (STIs). Condoms work as a barrier technique for birth control (contraception), preventing the entry of semen into the female reproductive tract and fertilizing the eggs. Condoms are available over-the-counter in pharmacies, general retail stores, and grocery stores.
How to Use a Condom?
Steps to use a condom:
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Gently unwrap the condom and take it out of its packaging.
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Put a condom on the top of the stiff, erect penis. First, pull back the foreskin if it is uncircumcised.
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Remove the air from the condom's tip.
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Completely unroll the condom down the penis.
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Apply adequate lubricant to prevent the condom from breaking. A water-based lubricant like Astroglide or K-Y jelly can be used. The use of lubricants with an oil basis, such as massage oil, body lotion, or baby oil, might weaken the latex and result in condom breakage.
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Once the intercourse is over, but before the penis softens, grip the condom's rim to keep it in place. Pull away gently. Be careful not to leak any semen; gently remove the condom from the penis.
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Place the condom in a location where no one else will see it after wrapping it in a tissue.
How Does Condom Work?
Pregnancy may result if a man's semen contains sperm that enters a woman's vagina. Sperm cannot come into contact with the interior of the vagina when a condom is used. The chance of becoming pregnant is about three out of every 100 times if condoms are worn properly each time sexual activity takes place. But if one uses a condom, the chances of becoming pregnant are higher if:
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It is improperly worn during sexual contact.
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Cracks or rips when in use.
The male should withdraw out of the vagina, holding the condom at the base of his penis, after ejaculating. As long as the penis is still erect, he must perform this. As a result, sperm cannot enter the vagina if the condom falls off as it becomes softer. The closed-end ring of the female condom is used to enter it into the vagina. The condom's open end is formed by the other ring. The condom then forms a barrier between the sperm and the cervix by lining the vaginal walls. One may put the female condom in for up to eight hours before having sex. It should be taken off right away after having sex and before getting up. It is not advisable to use male and female condoms simultaneously, as friction might cause them to shatter, stay together, or come loose during sexual activity. Semen may pass through a broken or slipping condom, decreasing its ability to avoid pregnancy or STDs.
What Are the Advantages of Using Condoms?
When used correctly, female condom efficacy is around 95 %. However, if one does not utilize them correctly, they only function 79 % of the time. Additionally, using condoms significantly reduces the likelihood of an STD being shared between partners, especially if people use one during each sexual encounter. Male condoms have a 98 % success rate in preventing conception when used correctly.
This implies that 2 out of every 100 women with partners who consistently use condoms appropriately will become pregnant in a year. For every 100 women, there are 18 whose partners do not always use the condom appropriately. Nevertheless, STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) may all be prevented by using condoms. The precise risk varies according to the illness.
As an illustration, condoms are nearly 100 % efficient at preventing HIV. However, the most prevalent STD, HPV (human papillomavirus), can spread to parts of the body that a male condom does not protect, such as the scrotum. Although they reduce the risk, condoms do not completely eradicate HPV infection.
What Types of Condoms Are Available?
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Lubricated - A thin liquid layer called lubrication, or lube, covers the condom. In addition to helping to protect the condom from breaking, it can lessen discomfort and rashes during intercourse. If one gets one without any lubrication on it, they should apply some to enhance the comfort of the sex. Make sure the product they use is water-based and intended for sexual use. Petroleum jelly and other oil-based lubricants can harm condoms and prevent them from functioning.
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Textured Condoms - These consist of both studded and ribbed varieties. They are designed to increase enjoyment. Try using textured condoms to see if they feel better. If using a condom prevents people from enjoying sex.
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Latex - Most individuals use latex-based condoms. Polyurethane or polyisoprene are plastic alternatives that one can use if they are allergic to or sensitive to that substance. During vaginal, oral, and anal intercourse, latex and plastic condoms can shield people against sexually transmitted infections. The material used to make natural lambskin condoms comes from lambs' intestines. They feature microscopic gaps, like human skin, but inhibit conception. They thus do not shield people from STDs.
Where Can One Buy Condoms?
Condoms are available from pharmacies, community health centers, pharmacies, pharmacies online, supermarkets, convenience shops, and even vending machines. Anyone may purchase condoms; no prescription is required, and there are no age limitations. While buying condoms might make some individuals feel a little uncomfortable, good health comes before a little shame. Furthermore, purchasing condoms is a sensible and self-protective gesture that should not even be considered shameful. It is not necessary to spend a lot to safeguard against STDs and pregnancy. Condoms can be given for free or at a very low cost.
What Are the Disadvantages of Using Condoms?
Condoms can rip, tear, or come off, exposing the body fluids of another person. This increases the chance of contracting an STD or becoming pregnant unintentionally. Other possible issues include:
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Allergy to latex.
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Urinary tract infections are caused by condoms lubricated with spermicide.
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Inflammation of the penile or vagina.
Conclusion
Using condoms during sexual activity is advised. They lower the chance of getting pregnant and aid in the prevention of the spread of STIs. Condoms can help prevent STDs. When it comes to preventing pregnancy, condoms are not as effective as some other methods. But condom use is still far preferable to having no birth control at all.
