Tag: condoms

  • Don’t make these mistakes when using condoms

    Don’t make these mistakes when using condoms

    Did you know that if you don’t follow the instructions on the condom package exactly, this protection won’t be effective at all? Condoms are probably the best solution to avoid unexpected pregnancy and nasty infections, so let’s take a look at the most common condom mistakes.

    In the heat of the moment, some mistakes are bound to happen, reports thesun.co.uk. Although most men know how to use condoms, not all remember to follow specific instructions. Mistakes when using condoms can be quite simple – for example, you can accidentally put the condom on the left side or accidentally buy the wrong size. It seems simple, but it is better not to underestimate the risks of such mistakes.

    If you use condoms as directed, they will be 98% effective – meaning that only two out of 100 women will get pregnant – but if you don’t use a condom as directed, it will be much less effective.

    Here are some of the most common mistakes:

    The condom is put on upside down

    Sometimes it is not easy to understand on which side the condom should be unrolled. It may happen that in the heat of passion you put it on backwards, you noticed, but you didn’t want to spoil the moment, so you left it as it is. It’s a bad idea. The condom is made in such a way that it can only be unrolled from one side, otherwise it will not fit the skin properly. This means that it can slip at the most inopportune moment.

    It is unrolled before being put on

    If you unroll the condom before putting it on the penis, the rubber will be stretched, so the condom will not fit well. Also, due to such action, it can break or slip during intercourse.

    Wrong size

    You probably already know this, but men often like to overestimate their penis size. It gives confidence, but if you buy condoms that are too big, the results will not be good. As we already mentioned, if the condom does not fit the skin properly, it can simply slip off during intercourse. If this happens, the condom will be completely ineffective.

    Use of condoms after their expiration date

    There is expiration date on the condom package. Condom manufacturers test them using scientific methods to know exactly how long they will be able to do their job. The expiration date on the package is not just an approximate indication – it is the actual date after which the condom will simply no longer be effective.

    6 interesting facts about and around male condoms

  • Myths About Condoms: Should You Believe Them?

    Myths About Condoms: Should You Believe Them?

    Despite the number of contraceptives offered, doctors still recommend using condoms. They can protect not only from unwanted pregnancy, but also from many sexually transmitted diseases. However, despite their excellent effectiveness, a large number of people avoid condoms, inventing various myths.

    Myth: They are a man’s responsibility.

    A common opinion, but wrong. No less than 35% of condom buyers are women.

    Myth: Sex with a condom is like smelling a flower through a gas mask.

    Modern latex condoms are very durable, flexible and almost do not affect sensitivity. There are condoms with a special water-based silicone-free coating and with a textured surface that are recommended for people who have trouble reaching orgasm.

    Myth: Sex without a condom is healthier because then there is hormone exchange.

    There is some truth in this, but unwanted pregnancy, abortion and sexually transmitted infections can hardly be called beneficial for health.

    Myth: A couple can opt out of using condoms if they are married and faithful to each other.

    Unfortunately, it is possible to get infected not only if one of the partners is unfaithful. The infection can also be caught in a communal pool, sauna, gym, public transport, even through poorly washed dishes. After all, the herpes virus, which is “sleeping” in almost every one of us, can make itself known at any moment.

    Myth: Using a condom is inconvenient because it can offend your partner.

    Using condoms is an additional concern for your partner’s health. It cannot offend a normal person. Putting on condoms can even become an additional intrigue of love games.

    Myth: Condoms are best used with lotion, oil or some gels.

    Definitely not! In addition to the fact that lotions and gels can cause burning or allergic reactions when applied to the intimate parts, they can harm and damage the condom as well.

    Myth: Condoms break.

    They certainly do, but only if they are put on incorrectly and if they are kept in the package for too long.

    Myth: Condoms do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

    Doctors claim that condoms are really safe and reliable against STDs. They prevent the transmission of diseases from one partner to another. (Not only chlamydia or gonorrhea, but also the dangerous HIV virus). No one can give a hundred percent guarantee, but protection remains first.

  • Birth control to use during sexual intercourse

    Birth control to use during sexual intercourse

    Continuing our series of articles on birth control (read the previous article on free contraception here), this time we will look at the contraceptive methods that you can use during each intercourse.

    Different types of condoms, contraceptive sponges, diaphragms, spermicides are contraceptives that are much more reliable than the “natural” methods of protection mentioned in the previous article. These are often called barrier birth control methods. Compared to different medicine, the cost of these contraceptives is relatively low and it causes minimal side effects in the body (except in rare cases of allergies).

    Contraception to use during sexual intercourse. Contraceptives. Methods of contraception. Condoms, birth control sponge, diaphragm, cervical cup, spermicide. Sekss.lv

    Female condoms

    These are internal condoms that do not contain latex and hormones. Their main component is polyurethane, so they are perfect for people who are allergic to latex material. As they protect against direct contact with partners. Such condoms not only help prevent unwanted pregnancies, but also provide excellent protection against sexually transmitted diseases. However, according to the Planned Parenthood Association website, such condoms provide only 79% protection. These condoms can be placed before sexual intercourse – they can remain in a woman’s body for up to 8 hours – a great alternative for those couples for whom putting on male condoms is inconvenient and spoils spontaneous passion.

    Male condoms

    It can be said that this is the classic of birth control. Due to their good price and high efficiency (98% when used correctly), condoms are extremely popular with people of all ages. Because condoms also protect against STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), they are often used by people who do not have a regular sex partner or who enjoy one night stands. Condoms are also extremely available – they can be purchased at virtually any point of sale. However, people see some flaws in condoms. For example, others claim that they suppress feelings, and it is also possible that a condom may break during sex.

    Contraceptive sponge

    This “barrier” method did not appear on the world market until 2005. It is a soft disc-shaped device with intrauterine contraception. It is made of polyurethane foam and contains the spermicide nonoxynol-9. Before intercourse, the sponge must be moistened and inserted into the vagina with the loop side down by covering the cervix. The effectiveness of the contraceptive sponge is 84-91% for women who have not given birth and 68-80% for those who already have children. The contraceptive sponge is valid for several sessions within 24 hours, however, there is a risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome if the sponge is not removed for more than 30 hours. The contraceptive sponge does not protect against HIV and sexually transmitted diseases. If a woman is allergic to nonoxynol-9, another method of contraception should be chosen.

    Diaphragm

    This is a prescription, reusable method of contraception. The diaphragm looks like a soft, silicone bowl that is saturated with spermicide. One of the biggest benefits of this preventative measure is that the diaphragm does not contain latex or hormones and can remain in a woman’s body for up to 24 hours (do not forget to apply a spermicide every 6 hours). Efficiency – 88%. However, this precaution is not suitable for those who enjoy aggressive and fast sex, as this may cause the device to fall out. The use of a diaphragm is not recommended in women with frequent urinary tract infections.

    Cervical cup

    This is another tool that needs to be saturated with spermicide. The cervical cup is placed on the cervix to prevent sperm from entering it. The effectiveness of this contraceptive depends on whether the woman has given birth: 86% of women who have not given birth and 71% of women who have given birth. This is a great choice for those who do not want to use hormonal contraception or are planning to become pregnant in the near future. The cap should be left in for 4 hours after sexual intercourse. To get it, you need a prescription. It is recommended to buy a new one every 12 months.

    Spermicides

    And now you probably have a question – what are spermicides? Generally speaking, spermicides are a method of contraception that kills sperm and prevents it from moving to the egg. However, spermicides themselves are not effective without additional measures (condom, diaphragm, cervical cap). There are also allergic reactions to spermicides, so we recommend that you follow your body signals and well-being. In addition, spermicides may not work if you are taking medicine for vaginal thrush. These measures also do not protect against STDs.