Condom, condom, condom, condom, condom, condom, condom, condom, condom, condom, condom, condom, condom, condom, condom, condom, condom, condom, condom, condom, condom, condom. There are condoms for men and women, in all colors, sizes, tastes and compositions. The choice is wide.
The condom has become part of everyday life, but it must never be forgotten. This little piece of plastic not only prevents pregnancy, but also a large proportion of STDs (sexually transmitted diseases). So it’s essential when you’re having sex, especially if you haven’t known your partner for a long time (and even then, it’s not a foregone conclusion). It’s the surest way to protect your health!
But how well do you know the condom? The condom is the most widely used form of contraception, and the only one that protects against STIs (sexually transmitted infections). Here are 10 things you should know about condoms.
1 – 100% reliability doesn’t exist
In fact, in addition to the quality, brand, etc. you choose, the condom can tear and let the little soldiers through. Or stay inside. So if you want to avoid pregnancy, condoms AND pills are the way to go. Although condoms are 98% effective (only) when used correctly, 2 women a year still get pregnant while using them. And if there’s an accident, it’s only 85%. Would you be prepared to take the risk?
2 – The only defensive barrier against STIs
The condom is very effective against sexually transmitted infections. Vaginal secretions and infected semen can lead to intimate health problems you’d like to do without. Male and female condoms act as a barrier to these nasty fluids and to diseases such as AIDS. You’ll also learn that the female condom is more effective than its male counterpart, as it covers more of the genital surface. It is therefore recommended to avoid papillomavirus, genital herpes and other skin-borne diseases.
3 – A hole? Immanquable
Yes, if it’s got a hole or a tear, you can’t miss it, because as soon as you put it on, the hole gets bigger (advantage of latex). And even if you’re not careful, in the heat of the moment, it’ll tear when you rub it.
4 – One condom is enough
Even if you’re paranoid, there’s no need to use two condoms at once – one is enough. You might even get the opposite effect with two condoms on top of each other, as the friction is likely to tear them faster. One condom is enough protection, even the super-thin ones.
5 – Lubricant? Okay, but not just any lubricant
If you like to use lubricants during intercourse, with sex toys or not, whether for vaginal or anal penetration, you can also do so with a condom, even one that’s already been lubricated. But don’t choose just any condom, or you’ll damage the condom material and make it more fragile. Water-based lubricants are therefore recommended.
6 – There are materials other than latex
Some people are allergic to latex. Does this mean no sex for them? Not at all. There are polyurethane or hypoallergenic condoms. And they can be combined with any lubricant. Admittedly, they’re a little more expensive than latex condoms, but what’s a few extra cents compared with the pleasure?
7 – Men and women concerned
Condoms aren’t just for men. Today, anyone can buy one and carry it with them. And if a woman hesitates because it’s not always easy to cope with the different sizes, she can have female condoms.
8 – Removing the condom after ejaculation
Yes, the little detail we don’t think about. To avoid the risk of pregnancy or infection, remove the condom after intercourse. The penis softens and the condom can empty inside, especially if the man is deep inside. But if the base is on the outside, no problem (normally!).
9 – Quality control
1 condom in 100 is checked while being inflated (by a machine). Incredible considering the quantity manufactured per minute. Width, length, porosity and thickness are checked and adjusted if necessary. Analysis is carried out underwater. They also carry out heat and microbiological tests to ensure efficacy and safety.
10 – Pleasure guaranteed
Whether you use a condom or not, you’ll get just as much pleasure. Their manufacture has evolved enormously, and there are all kinds to suit different sensations. What’s more, you’ll feel the heat of friction, a source of pleasure. If there’s ever a slight difference in sensation, anyone who tells you they don’t feel anything is lying! Or have chosen the wrong condom. So don’t ignore it.
