With mainstream Bollywood stars like Ranveer Singh advertising condoms, it is time that people talked about condoms much more openly and mishaps like unwanted pregnancies and transmission of STDs stopped. If you are shy to ask someone about it, but still want to know more then you have come to the right place.
Who should use a condom?
All males should use condoms. That is all males who are not trying to conceive a child. Though most condom ads and infomercials target heterosexuals, condoms should be used by homosexuals as well because they protect everyone from STDS including HIV-AIDS. MSMs in fact are at a greater risk of STDs and it’s extremely important for them to use condoms for anal or oral sex.
When should I use a condom?
Any time you want to participate in any sexual activity. That involves oral, anal and vaginal sex. It’s always important to keep condoms handy on a date. In fact, carry them around in your wallet all the time. You should also use a different condom for each of the aforementioned sexual activities.
Why should I use a condom?
Condoms are by far the most effective contraceptive devices ever invented. They’ve been around for at least 400 years but only gained popularity from the 1930s. They are also the best bet to avoid HIV and other STDs. It was in the 80s that condoms gained widespread acceptance as a mean to avoid HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
If used properly condoms have a 97% success rate. Also unlike other birth control devices like oral pills condoms don’t have any side-effects like hormonal imbalance or weight gain. Also it’s more fool-proof than behavioural birth control methods like withdrawal before ejaculation (coitus interruptus) and natural family planning.
How should I put on a condom?
Hold the tip of the condom and unroll it onto the erect penis. While unrolling, make sure you’re unrolling the right way. Leave a little space at the tip of the penis. It’s important to leave a little space but not leave any air bubbles at the tip. These air bubbles can cause the condom to break. Check out the 10 condom mistakes that you may be making.
What do I do with my foreskin while using condoms?
Now men with foreskin (uncircumcised) have to keep some additional points in mind while using the condom. They should first roll the foreskin back, put on the condom and then roll the foreskin back up. This reduces the chance of condom breakage and
I’ve heard that condoms reduce pleasure, is it true?
This has been bandied about for years as a reason not to use condoms. It varies from person to person and also depends upon circumcision. Circumcised men are less likely to feel pleasure. However, to battle this issue condom companies have come out with a variety of products like dotted, ribbed or ultra-thin condoms that increase pleasure quotient. Even if it does reduce some pleasure the alternative is unplanned pregnancies or being HIV+. So it’s always better to cover up. Read about some other such myths about condoms and other forms of contraception.
People say that it’s hard to maintain an erection with a condom on. Others say that they can’t ejaculate with them on. Are these facts true?
Some people do indeed find it hard to maintain an erection or ejaculate with a condom on. These issues can be overcome with practise. There’s a need to approach condom use with our humour intact. Just because you couldn’t maintain an erection or ejaculate while wearing a condom doesn’t mean you’ll never be able to do it. All you need is patience and a little practise. Condoms are available in various sizes and shapes. You might need to find the one that fits you perfectly but they’re out there.
What are the types of condoms that are available?
Condoms are usually user-friendly and can add spice to your sex life with a little practise. They are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and flavours. There are dotted and ribbed condoms that increase pleasure, flavoured condoms that are great for oral sex, extra thin ones for the natural feel and even a glow-in-the-dark variety (we’re not kidding)! Other than the conventional condoms meant for males, there are female condoms also available.
Here are some brands which sell these condoms:
- Dotted: Kama Sutra Dotted Condoms, Moods Dotted Condoms
- Flavoured: Durex Love Sex Taste Me Condom, Kama Sutra Chocolate Condom
- Extended pleasure: Durex Love Sex Extended Condom, Manforce More Long Lasting
- Ultrathin: Kama Sutra Superthin, Moods Ultrathin Condom
What are condoms made of?
Condoms are usually made of latex though sometimes more natural substances like polyurethane, polyisoprene and even lamb skin are occasionally used. Though latex is by far the most popular version, some people are allergic to latex (less than 1%) and it might lead to rashes, blisters and in more severe cases anaphylaxis – a severe allergic reaction where there is swelling of the lips, throat, tongue which leads to respiratory distress and needs immediate medical attention.
Can I use a condom twice?
No. A condom should be removed right after you ejaculate and disposed off properly. Don’t throw them out of the window, or try to flush them down as they might end up clogging drainage.
Can I use lubricants with condoms?
Latex condoms should also never be used with oil-based lubricants because they can damage the condom. These include lubricants like petroleum jelly (Vaseline), cold cream, hand lotion or baby oil can damage the latex condoms. Always use water-based lubricants with them. Find out more about oil-based and other types of lubricants.
What do I do after ejaculating?
It’s important to withdraw your penis immediately after ejaculating while holding the bottom of the condom. It’s equally important to dispose of condoms properly and they should never be flushed down toilets or thrown on the road. Here is how you can take off your condom properly.
We hope we’ve managed to answer all your doubts about condoms. So people be safe, why worry?
Disclaimer: TheHealthSite.com does not endorse any of the products mentioned above.
Image source: Getty Images
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