The condom is a plastic sheath which is designed to cover the whole of the penis and trap sperm at the point of ejaculation. They also prevent any other sexual fluids from being exchanged during sex. It is important to realize that once the penis becomes erect a liquid known as pre-ejaculate can leak from the head. This pre ejaculate can contain bacteria and viruses as well as enough sperm to lead to pregnancy. Therefore, the condom must be applied to the penis as soon as it is erect and before it makes any contact with the vagina. Condoms are around 18 to 19cm in length. The most commonly used type is made out of thin latex and they are often lubricated to increase ease of use. In some instances the condom will also contain spermicides which assist in the contraceptive action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A new condom should be removed from its sealed packet by tearing at the edge. Be sure to check that the condom is within its sell by date as an expired condom may offer little or no protection to the user. Try to avoid any damage to the latex before application. Begin by squeezing the \u201cteat\u201d of the condom and then roll the condom down over the erect penis until you reach the base. During sex, the male user must take care in wearing the condom not to allow the penis to slip during intercourse or even split as this can damage the methods levels of effectiveness and enjoyment. Following ejaculation, the penis should be immediately withdrawn with care taken by the users not to spill any semen. Holding the condom tightly around the base of the penis during withdrawal is highly recommended. The condom should then be removed and suitably disposed of. If you decide to have sex again, the penis should be washed and a new, sealed condom should be applied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In some instances, men can find they are allergic to latex condoms. However, non latex condoms are also widely available. Users must take care when using latex condoms in conjunction with other products. Oil based lubricants like baby oil and petroleum jelly should be avoided as they can damage and often destroy a latex condom, making it ineffective for users. Instead, couples should look to water based lubricants such as KY jelly. These are effective in reducing both friction levels and the likelihood of a tear occurring during sex. If any creams or dissolvable tablets called pessaries, which are placed inside the vagina and assist in contraception are used by a female partner, then a doctor should be consulted before relying on the male condom as the primary method of contraception.\u00a0 Spermicidal condoms should be avoided if possible. Often containing a chemical known as nonoxinol 9, they are known for being less effective against sexually transmitted infections and offer little in the way of extra benefit for users. For further peace of mind during use, check the condom for leaks and damage before disposing of it. You may also wish to combine its use with application of the emergency contraceptive pill. However, in all instances BSI or CS kite marked condoms should be used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Condoms offer a 94 to 98% level of effectiveness when applied correctly. While the level of effectiveness is slightly lower to many of the female hormone based contraceptives on the market, condoms have the advantage of offering protection from sexually transmitted infections as well as HIV and AIDs, to users. Unlike female hormone based contraceptives, there are little or no increased risks from illness and infection for users. Their popularity, in part due to these properties, also means that condoms are the most widely available form of contraception available from doctors, pharmacists, supermarkets and even public toilets. They also come in a wide variety of shapes, colours and flavours which can add variety to safe sex. On average one in every one thousand condoms has been known to break, making the risk minimal at best. Condoms have also been praised by some men for the increased longevity during performance before ejaculation, experienced by many users. A recent development from Germany has seen the introduction of an anaesthetic coating within the condom which helps to delay to point of climax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For some, the careful application of condoms can lead to a loss of spontaneity within the sexual experience. In some instances, men may also suffer a loss of erection due to the application of the condom. Additionally, while some men enjoy the delay in ejaculation that condom use can create, it has also been criticized for reducing the levels of sensation experienced through the penis and with it male sexual enjoyment.\u00a0 Condoms also carry a slightly increased risk of contraceptive failure for users, which while remote, is higher than that experienced with other forms of contraception. Condoms which boast unique features designed to heighten the sexual experience while attractive to consumers should also be advised against, as in many instances these features can come at the cost of the contraceptives levels of effectiveness.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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