Sex is a need, with a condom indeed!

Getting the condom

Simply speaking, a condom is a thin sheath of stretchable material, worn during vaginal, anal, or oral sex to prevent pregnancy (in the case of vaginal sex) or sexually transmitted infestions(STIs, also known as STDs). There exists both a male condom and a female condom. In this article we focus on the male condom.

Where to get condoms: Grabbing a condom is no big deal! They are readily available at chemist shops, college campuses, convenience stores, grocery stores, health centres and family planning clinics.

Style options: Just like any other wearable item, condoms come in various sizes, shapes, and textures – one can be spoilt with choices! Pick from a wide array of colours, sizes, texturing, amount of lubrication, spermicidal, and even taste!

Keeping in mind the variable length and width of the penis, condoms can be smaller, larger, wider or narrower in size.

In order to increase sensation for both partners, some condoms are ribbed and dotted on either side to enhance pleasure.

Condom pricing: Thankfully, even after all the inflation in the market, some basic necessities are still relatively cheap. Condoms start as low as Rs. 3 for some brands. Fancy ones can cost you up to a few hundred for a pack.

Government health centres, family planning clinics, and some NGOs give away condoms free of cost.

Carrying and storage of condoms: Feel proud to carry a condom with you and to use it, as it shows that you are taking responsibility for your actions and that you care for your and your partner’s bodies. Both males and females can and should carry condoms – just in case!

Store condoms in a cool, dry place. Too much of heat can weaken the condom material and can lead to tears.

In case of a sizable stock, try practicing an inventory strategy – first in, first out. All condom packs are clearly marked with the expiration date. Always check before usage.

Using the condom

Usage: Make it a habit to wear a condom every time before indulging in a sexual act, be it vaginal, anal or oral.

Be very careful while opening the pack of the condoms, as sharp edges of the nails or teeth can damage the delicate sheath. Put the unrolled condom over the erect penis. Pinch the air away at the tip of the condom with one hand and then unroll it with the other hand. Make sure to leave some space at the tip – about ½ an inch – for the collection of semen.

USE LUBRICANT. It’s your friend. After the condom is on apply water-based lubricant. It decreases chances of the condom tearing.

After ejaculation, pull out the penis while it is still hard, holding the condom at its base to prevent semen from spilling out. Then gently roll the condom towards the tip of the penis to remove.

Disposal of condoms: After the fun part, disposal of a condom is equally important. Dispose the condom in the garbage. You can opt for wrapping it in a tissue before putting it in the garbage.

Though it sounds convenient, don’t flush it away in the toilet. It can lead to clogging, which is never fun, and flushing condoms is not environmentally friendly.

Advantages of using condoms: Benefits of using a condom are manifold. Condoms are one of the most convenient, easy to use, readily available and affordable options to stay away not only from unwanted pregnancy but also from sexually transmitted infections, including hiv, chlamydia, and gonorrhoea. Condoms are the only mode of contraception where both of these requirements are met with the use of only one product.

Important don’ts while using condoms

• Don’t wear more than one condom at a time. That won’t provide better protection. In fact, you increase your risk of wear and tear because of the friction between layers of latex.
• Don’t reuse the condom after one sexual act..
• Don’t use oil based lubricants such as petroleum jelly, Vaseline, or baby oil with a condom. Opt for water-based lubricants.
• Don’t use a male condom along with a female condom. Again, it will increase friction between the two layers of condoms, increasing chances of wear and tear.

Also good to know

• Some people can be allergic to latex (material used to make condoms). They should try non-latex condoms, often made of polyurethane.
• Some people may notice a difference in the kind of sensation they feel when first using condoms.
• It’s sexy to be smart about sex.  Using a condom the correct way, every time, is sexy.