Guide to Condoms
Condoms. A love/hate relationship. We love the protection they give us, but often times hate the way they feel, desensitize, and kill the moment, but let us put all the annoyances and opinions aside for a moment, because when it comes to safer sex condoms are a key player.
We want to transform your condom shopping experiences from difficult, stressful, and confusing; To easy, simple, and yes, even fun! Whether you are shopping here online or in person, knowing the facts can help narrow down the options and allow you to explore new ones.
This guide will cover the basics of condoms, but will also cover different types and styles of condoms including sensations, and even some fun sexy tips that will hopefully help with turning your cons about condoms into pros.
Safer sex and Condoms
Size
Material
Styles
Sensations
Application
Disposal
Safer Sex and Condoms: When condoms are used correctly, they can offer the best protection against STI’s (sexually transmissible infections). Condoms act as a physical barrier to help prevent the exchange of semen, vaginal fluids or blood between partners you are sexually active with during penetrative (vaginal/anal) and oral sex. It should be noted that condoms and other barrier methods are not 100% effective in preventing STIs.Which is why we refer to it as “safer sex”
Other barrier methods include female condoms and dental dam. Condoms can be used on genitals, vibrator and other toys when sharing with a partner, and on fingers during foreplay and fingering.
Always use a new condom with each partner every time you have sex. Make sure your condoms aren’t expired. The use-by date is located on the product box and on the wrapper, expired condoms can lead to breakage, and should be discarded.
Store your condoms in room temperature, keep out of the direct sun light and heat to insure the best quality. Open the package carefully, condoms can be punctured with fingernails, jewelry or teeth. Adding lubricant to condom and the area can help reduce any friction that may cause the condom to break. Do not use oil-based lubricant with latex condoms, Oil degrades latex which can also lead to breakage. using a water or silicone based lube can provide comfort for both partners.
Condoms are a great way to protect yourself and partners during sex and sexual activities, but are not 100% effective and other contraceptives can be used in addition to condoms for the best protection for unwanted pregnancy.
SIZE: when it comes to condoms size does matter.
If the condom is too big, you run the risk of it slipping off during intercourse. A loose fit can also lead to decreased sensation, and ability to reach ejactulation and orgasm.
If the condom is too tight, it can can cause unwanted friction that leads to breakage. a condom that is too tight can causes discomfort, restrictive feeling, and loss of erection.
Having the right size of condom is crucial for safe sex as well as increased pleasure. . The less you have to worry about, the more you can focus on the moment.
There is no absolute rule for who should use different condom sizes, however the following guidelines, may help with finding a good fit. (measurements below are inches)
Penis girth of less than 4.7″ - snug fit.
Penis girth of 4.7–5.1″ - regular fit.
Penis girth of 5.1–6″ -large fit.
Condoms that feel roomy are likely to be too big, condoms should feel snug around the shaft , but not restrictive. Shaft size length and girth increase when erect, for the most accurate measurement, measure your penis while erect.
Material:
Latex, Some people can have allergic reaction or sensitivities to latex, If you're sensitive or allergic to that material, it may cause redness, itching, or rash after use. Reactions can be caused by other factors such as lube or dryness. If you are concerned about latex allergies, we recommend seeing your doctor. Latex offers resistance towards breakage, and offers protection against STI’s and pregnancy.
If you do have a latex allergy, there are plenty of alternatives. However, they're not quite as effective as their latex. Studies have shown that non-latex condoms can have a higher rate of breakage compared to latex, bringing their effectiveness closer to 95%.
Non-latex alternative materials include polyurethane which is the most common alternative material used, but some brands use polyisoprene, nitrile, or lambskin.
Lambskin, because lambskin is a natural material, some find that this material has less of a reduction in sensation than latex condoms, making them better for arousal and pleasure, but should be used with extra caution as it offers less protection against pregnancy. lambskin condoms do not give protection against STI’s. This is because the of naturally occurring pores in lambskin are large enough to let some viruses (like HIV and herpes) pass through. Lambskin is still safer than no condom at all.
Styles: Condom styles are there to offer comfort, extra stimulation and sensations. Making it easier for condom wearers to experience great sex safely. styles include but limited to,
Lubricated
Textured
Ultra Thin
Novelty
Flavored
Spermicidal
Lubricated: Condoms that come pre-lubricated are often more comfortable for both partners, lubrication on the inside of the condom can assist in a smooth application, and the lubrication on the outside of the condom can help prevent condom breakage, as vaginal dryness can cause extra friction. If you choose to lubricate condoms with your own lube, keep in mind that too much lube on the inside can cause the condom to slip off during penetration. DO NOT use Oil-based lube with latex condoms, oil can degrade the latex material cause it to break during use. We recommend using water or silicone based lubricants with all condoms.
Textured: Textured condoms such as ribbed or studded condoms add extra stimulation during penetration, the textures are often subtle located on the shaft of the condom. Textures though small can most often be felt for both parties and are a fun feature that adds just enough extra stimulation to push your partner over the edge.
Ultra Thin: Many people choose Ultra Thin condoms as their barrier of choice because of the thinner material, you can be protected with more feeling of sexy sensations. Ultra thin condoms allow the wearer to feel more of the stimulation and is less likely to cause desensitization allowing the condom wearer to climax and reach orgasm like normal. The thinner material does not mean they are easier to break. Wen ultra Thin condoms are worn properly and lubricated they can be just as effective.
Regular condoms can benefit Men that ejaculate quickly or prematurely, and are recommended to extend duration.
Novelty: Glow in the dark condoms are the most commonly seen and used novelty condom. Novelty doesn’t mean these condoms are safe to use, as long as the condom is made out of latex they are just as safe as a regular condom when used correctly. These can be a fun gift for newly weds of your partners birthday. turn the lights down low and watch their junk glow.
Flavored: Condoms allow both partner the ability to give and receive oral sex and be protected. Latex doesn’t offer the best flavor and can leave a gross after taste in your mouth. Flavored condoms give the same. protection, but with a yummy flavor of either fruit, candy or chocolate. Flavored condoms use flavored lube which often contains glycerin, they should be avoided if you or your partner have sensitivities or allergies to glycerin. Glycerin can also cause irritation and infections to vagina owners, so flavored condoms should be used during oral sex and switched before penetration takes place.
Spermicidal: Spermicide is a substance that can come in many forms such as jellies and creams. it is intended to immobilizes and destroys sperm. when combined with a barrier such as a condom it can be an effective contraception. Though this may seem like the perfect condom there are some things to consider. The active ingredient in spermicide is (nonoxynol-9) which can irritate a woman’s vulvar tissue and vaginal lining. It can cause micro tears increases a women’s chance of contracting some STI’s. because of the side effects of nonoxynol-9 these condoms should never be used more than once a day, and though they are available to purchase we recommend using a condom without spermicide.
Sensations: Condoms with lubes that add sensations tend to attract partners who are looking to spice things up in the bedroom, giving a little extra zing compared to your regular condom. Cooling, Warming, and tingling can be intensifying sex for both partners. some brands offer sensation just “For Her” while others take a coupled approach, giving a different sensations for both. Though key ingredients are protected by the brands, its likely that they are similar to the ingredients you’d find in warming and cooling lubricants, such as menthol. though these condoms are tested and are safe, menthol and other ingredients used to create these sensation can be irritating to lady bits. If irritation or sensitivities emerge, discontinue using these condoms and wash area throughly. If irritation continues see your doctor.
Application: Carefully open your condom wrapper, avoiding any sharp objects like scissors, teeth, nails or jewelry. Sharp object can slip in the moment and patiently damage the condom by tearing or puncturing it. If a condom is damaged throw it away and get a new one. If you prefer you can open condoms prior to entanglements, so they are ready to be used and there is no pressure to hurry. If you choose to open condoms prior be aware that if they aren’t used they should be thrown away, so only open as many as you think you’ll use. Once the condom is open gently pul it out of the wrapper, make sure the condom's ready to roll on the right way: the rim should be on the outside so it looks like a little hat, and it will unroll easily. ...
Pinch the tip of the condom and place it on the head of your penis. ...
Unroll the condom down the shaft of your penis all the way to the base. ...
Have sex!
If you choose to add lubricant apply a small amount to your penis before rolling the condom on. extra lubrication can be applied to the outside of the condom and your partner after the condom is on.
Disposal: Once the condom is been used it cannot be used again, once a condom is placed on a penis it needs to be discarded and a new condom used to continue, even if ejaculation wasn’t achieved.
When taking off the condom start at the base and slowly slide the condom off of the penis. You can then wrap the used condom in toilet paper and dispose in the trash or as some men prefer you can flush the condom down the toilet. Be aware this can cause a clog. Have a towel or wet wipe close by to clean any left over residue or cum from the condom off of the penis before applying a new condom. showering quickly can be a good way to get clean, and build stamina up before getting dirty again.
In conclusion: The best condom is the condom that is used, and when used correctly a condom can protect against STI’s and unwanted pregnancies. Ultimately, finding the right condom comes down to what you and your partner like best, and some sexy experimenting is really the only way to find out. Be seductive and playful about it, and you may just find it’s great foreplay, There are different styles of condom to increase. pleasure and have great sex while staying safe.