Male Condoms – How to Use a Condom

Male condoms are thin sheath that is worn over an erect penis during sexual intercourse. This is the only form of barrier contraception available for men that provide full protection against unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Male condoms can be used for sexual intercourse, anal intercourse, oral sex, or sex toys.

The condoms are made of latex, polyurethane, or lambskin and most are packaged rolled up in foil or plastic that comes lubricated or non-lubricated. Condoms are available in different colors and some has reservoir tip at the end and some may also contain spermicides. Most packages have average shelf life of about five years and should be stored in cool dry places as the heat can damage the latex.

Condoms made from polyurethane or lambskin are more expensive than latex. Lambskin condoms provide better sensation during intercourse but it doesn’t provide full protection against STDs. When properly used, latex and polyurethane condoms provide effective protection against unwanted pregnancy and STDs.

Condoms came to the US market back in the early 19th century and currently it is marketed under different brand names such as Durex, Trojan, Lifestyles and many others.

How it Works

The correct way of using condom is to unroll it to fit over the erect penis before sexual intercourse. Make sure the condom is unroll all the way down to the base of the penis and some that do not have reservoir tip, the end should be twisted before rolling down over the penis as this reduces the chances of breakage and it provides some room at the end for ejaculate.

Some condoms comes pre-lubricated but you can add additional lubricants for enhance pleasure and you can also add spermicide for the extra protection. Polyurethane condoms can be used with oil-based or water-based lubricants whereas latex condoms should only be used with water-based or silicone-based lubricants and avoid using oil-based lubricants as this can damage the latex and cause breakage.

Male condoms are put on just before sexual intercourse and it acts as a barrier between penis and vagina. During ejaculation, sperms are collected at the reservoir tip to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. After ejaculation it is important to hold the base of the condom before withdrawing from the vagina to prevent accidental slip off and spill semen inside the vagina.

In case of accidental slips off, contraceptive cream or jelly can be applied immediately into the vagina. New condom should be used each time you have sex and the used condom should be thrown away instead of flushing down the toilet and it should not be reused.

Advantages

Male condoms are available in many drugstores and supermarkets without prescription. Latex and polyurethane condoms are the only form of barrier contraception available for men that provide full protection against unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

It is less expensive than female condoms, safe and easy to use and it can be used as a backup along with other method of contraception. Non-lubricated condoms can be used during fellatio and there are no known side effects associated with this use.

People who are allergic to latex can switch to using condoms made of polyurethane. For some men who suffered from premature ejaculation, using condoms may help reduce penile sensation and prolong the duration of intercourse before ejaculation.

Disadvantages

Latex and polyurethane condoms may be the only form of barrier contraception for men that provide full protection against unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases but it doesn’t totally eliminate the risk.

For some men, using condoms may reduce penile sensation and experience difficulty maintaining erection after putting it on. Some men do not use it simply because they believed it interfere with having good sex. Accidental breakage and slip off can occur if not handle properly.

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