Choosing the Right Condom

Imagine this: You're in the middle of a hot and heavy make out session with your girlfriend or boyfriend. All of a sudden, you realize that this is it — you're about to have sex. You both lean over and reach for a condom at the same time, but wait... here's where the dream sequence gets fuzzy. Exactly what kind of condom is it?

If you've ever checked out the "family planning" section at your local drugstore, you know there are lots of different condom types to choose from. Although most condoms can help protect you from sexually transmitted infections and reduce the risk of pregnancy, not all are made the same. Should you go for lubed or dry? Does spermicide really help or hurt? And what's up with "ribbed for pleasure" and all those colors and flavors? Don't let these choices throw you for a latex loop. Here's the lowdown on some different condom varieties.

Latex and the Others
Most condoms are made of latex, a stretchy substance tapped from rubber trees. Latex condoms offer the best protection against pregnancy and infections, but unfortunately, some people have latex allergies. If you're one of them, you've got an option — polyurethane condoms, or female condoms that are made of a type of plastic.

Lubed v. Dry
Some condoms come with a thin layer of lubrication already on them. Other condoms without the lube are considered "dry." Lubricated condoms are the best for vaginal and anal intercourse — they feel better and are less likely to break from friction. But since lube doesn't have the most appetizing taste (unless it's flavored), dry condoms are often preferred for oral sex.

Should You Use Nonoxynol-9?
If you choose to go with lubricated condoms, check the package to see if your condoms contain nonoxynol-9. This spermicide can reduce the risk of pregnancy. Researchers used to think that it also lowered the chance of contracting a sexually transmitted infection. However, we now know that nonoxynol-9, if used many times a day, can actually irritate the vulva, vagina, penis, and especially the rectum. This irritation can actually increase the chance of getting an infection.

Of course, a condom with nonoxynol-9 is far better than no condom at all. For increased comfort, you can also use extra water-based lube, like K-Y jelly or Astroglide. Oil-based lubricants, like Vaseline® or other petroleum jellies or mineral or vegetable oils, will damage latex condoms.

Safe Stylin'
If you're down with the latest fashions, plain-Jane condoms might not be your thing. Lucky for you, condoms come in many different colors, flavors, and textures. Be it red, green, or camouflage, colors add a new look to spice things up. Flavored condoms — like chocolate, strawberry, honeydew, or banana — may be preferred for oral sex. Ribbed, studded, or other textured condoms are marketed for a different feel for both partners during intercourse, but a lot of people don't feel a difference.

If you decide to get exotic with your condom choices, make sure whatever you pick is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy and infections. Some condoms are just novelty items and aren't designed for serious protection.

The best way to make a choice is to try several varieties and see what works for you. Happy testing!

by Christy Brownlee

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Curbing Condom Complaints

Condoms are a great way to reduce the risk of pregnancy and infection, but sometimes they can be a pain. Here are the problems some condom users complain about most, and how to avoid them!

Old Condoms
Old condoms are dry and scratchy, and they don't protect you very well. Condoms deteriorate with age. If properly stored, they should stay good until the expiration date printed on the wrapper of each condom. Storing condoms in a cool, dry place can prevent them from being damaged. However, no condoms should be used past the expiration date, regardless of where they are stored.

Brittle, Damaged Condoms
Exposing condoms to heat, cold, moisture, physical damage, or light for long periods of time can make them brittle, scratchy, and unreliable.For maximum safety, stash your condoms in a cool, dry, dark place. Don't keep your condoms in your wallet, your glove compartment, your dashboard, or at the bottom of your backpack with all your books and pens on top.

They Can Break
The average male ejaculation happens at a speedy 28 miles per hour! Ejaculate needs a place to go, or all that force can break the tip or seep out the bottom.To avoid having a condom break because of the impact of the ejaculation, leave a half-inch space at the tip to collect semen and be sure to pinch the air out of the tip with one hand. (Friction against air bubbles causes most condom breaks. That's why you should smooth out any air bubbles that form along the shaft, too.)

Oily Lubes
Use only water-based lubricants. Products that contain oil will work against the condom, because oil damages the latex, making it more likely to break. Some common, "condom-friendly" lubes are K-Y jelly and Astroglide. There are also flavored, water-based lubricants for use during oral sex.

Dry Sex
Not having enough lubrication can increase the chance of the condom breaking, because abrasive friction can tear latex.Put a few drops of lube inside of the tip of the condom before rolling it down over the penis, and then put more lubricant on the outside of it. This will decrease friction between the condom and the skin of both partners. With the female condom, put lube inside and outside of the pouch. (Do not use male and female condoms at the same time.) Because lube is water-based, it will eventually dry out. If you get dry while you're still involved, add more lube to make the condom slick again.

Discomfort
Some first experiences with condoms can feel uncomfortable. Some guys feel like the condom is choking their penis. It's not. Most condoms are designed to grip — the tension keeps it on and makes the condom more sensitive, but it can be uncomfortable at first.For pleasure, ease, and effectiveness, both partners should know how to put on and use a condom. To learn without feeling pressured or embarrassed, practice on a penis or a penis-shaped object like a ketchup bottle, banana, cucumber, or squash.If you're wearing a condom and you're experiencing discomfort, check to make sure that you haven't caught some hairs inside the condom. You might also have gotten a twist in the condom as you rolled it down, or you may not have rolled it down all the way. Take your time, and try putting a bit of lube at the base of the penis underneath the condom. If this doesn't help, try a larger condom, which will be wider at the head and just a bit longer. (These are especially good for men with foreskins.)

Itching and Burning
Temporary, slight itching or burning after sex could be caused by several things.Some people are allergic to latex, the material most condoms are made from. One to two percent of women and men are allergic to latex condoms. They can polyurethane male or female condoms instead.Some condoms are lubricated with spermicide, and some people are sensitive to different brands. Switching brands usually clears up the problem.You can also gently wash yourself with water right after sex to remove the stuff that's irritating you. Don't use soap! It will dry you out and make the itching worse. Always wear clean underwear and gently wash yourself with water every day. Bacteria can cause itching that gets worse during sex.

Sensitivity
Some guys find that condoms decrease sensitivity. To increase sensitivity, choose a condom that fits snugly and is very strong but also very thin. Try a few brands and see what feels most comfortable. When you find one that you like, tell your partner so that you can both keep them around. By the way, wany guys actually like condoms because it makes their erections last longer.

Losing an Erection
Some guys may lose their erections when sex play is interrupted to put on a condom. Don't panic! And don't be embarrassed — it happens to a lot of guys and it's really no big deal. Just move on to something else for a while and the penis will become erection again.The best way to avoid losing an erection is for both partners to get really comfortable with condoms. Guys — practice putting them on a few times. Girls — try them out on penis-shaped objects. If you can roll them on in private, you'll be more relaxed rolling them on when you're with your partner.

The bottom line is this: Condoms are important and they don't have to be a pain. Accept them as part of your sex play, and use them with pleasure.

Source: TeenWire.com

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