Condoms can help prevent pregnancy and STDs when used consistently and correctly. Always use a condom with a partner you trust. If a condom breaks, you can still get pregnant if you’re using another method of birth control.
Most studies focus on general reasons for condom use or nonuse without regard to participants’ HIV status or their partners’ known HIV status.
About Condoms
Condoms are a form of birth control that prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) by creating a barrier between partners. They are effective for oral, anal and vaginal sex. Properly used, a condom reduces the chance of both sexes getting pregnant and increases protection against herpes, genital warts, HIV/AIDS and other STIs. Condoms don’t require a prescription and can be bought at drugstores, family planning clinics and even vending machines in some public restrooms.
There are many types of condoms, including latex, ribbed and lubricated. Some have a reservoir tip that holds semen and is designed to help with penetration. Condoms also come in different sizes – This snippet of information is a result of the portal author’s work https://sexynudetwinks.com. Some are more slender than others, and some are made to fit a specific type of penis. The vast majority of condoms are manufactured by for-profit companies, but there are also nonprofit and government-run factories.
Condoms can be used for both men and women and are usually available at supermarkets, drugstores and convenience stores. They do not need to be sterilized, but should be stored in a cool, dry place and replaced after each use. Some people are allergic to latex rubber and/or spermicides, so it’s important to check the product label for warnings. Some condoms are made with lambskin, and those can be helpful for couples who are both allergic to latex or spermicides.
Condom Sizes
Condoms are designed to prevent pregnancy, STDs, and other problems. But they can only do that if they fit. One of the most common complaints men have about condoms is that they don’t feel right. That’s probably because the condom is too big or too small. And if that happens, it increases the risk of slippage and breakage — both of which can lead to the very problems that condoms are designed to prevent.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to figure out which size condom is best for you. Start by measuring the thickness of your penis with a tape measure. Wrap the tape around the thickest part of your erect penis, somewhere near its base or middle. Then, write down the measurement. This is your girth (Veale, 2014). To find the width of the condom you need, simply divide your girth measurement by 3.14. That will give you a good idea of what size condom you need, but remember that condoms can stretch a bit.
Once you know your sizing, it’s a good idea to try out different types of condoms to see what feels the best for you and your partner. Some people prefer ribbed condoms, while others enjoy the feeling of polyurethane. And of course, there are a variety of lubricants to choose from too.
Condom Lubrication
A condom is a thin sheath of rubber or plastic that can be used during sexual activity to prevent pregnancy and reduce the risk of getting or spreading sexually transmitted diseases (STIs). There are male (external) condoms, which can be rolled onto an erect penis, and female (internal) condoms, which can be used in the vagina or anus. When used correctly, condoms are up to 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. They also help to lower the chances of getting or passing on STIs, such as HIV.
When using a condom, it’s important to add lube, as this can make it more comfortable and reduce the chance of an accident. You can use water-based or silicone lubricants with a condom, but it’s best to avoid oil-based ones as these can cause the condom to break down. You can also use a natural lubricant, such as aloe vera, though you should make sure that it is safe to use with latex condoms.
A recent study investigated the traces left behind by different lubricants, such as PDMS and sex oils, on a condom, and looked at how these traces could be used to discriminate between a donor condom and a receiver condom. It was found that the donor and receiver effects on the tracing data were not as strong as one might have expected, and that the chemical profile of a condom can be identified through its trace.
Condom Failures
Condoms prevent pregnancy and some sexually transmitted infections, but they’re only effective when used correctly. There’s about a 2 in 100 chance of unintended pregnancy when using male condoms, and about a 5 in 100 risk with female condoms. These stats are based on “typical use,” which accounts for user error and other factors that reduce a birth control method’s effectiveness.
Various factors can cause condom failure, which is when the condom leaks, breaks, or slips off during penetrative sex. According to one FSW survey, heavy episodic drinking can lead to condom breakage and slippage. FSWs also reported that clients may use a small-sized condom, which can result in breakage or slippage; and the client’s active involvement during sex might distract them from being aware of the condom.
When you’re using a latex condom, make sure you use enough lubrication. Water-based lubricants (such as KY jelly or condoms that are lubricated) are best, but you can also use mineral oil or shortening. Avoid oil-based lubricants, which can weaken latex and cause it to break or tear. Also, don’t store a latex condom in hot or cold places, or with sharp objects. This can also cause them to break or tear. In addition, never share a condom with another person. This increases the risk of STIs and STDs.
