Condom. Barrier contraceptive method. There are male and female condoms.
Condom
A thin sheath made of latex (a type of rubber) that is worn over the penis. They are also often called “condoms.”
What are condoms made of?
Condoms are usually made of latex or polyurethane. If possible, a latex condom should be used, since they are somewhat more reliable, and in most cases it is easier to obtain.
Latex condoms can only be used with water-based lubricants, and not with oil-based lubricants like Vaseline or cold cream as they destroy latex. A small number of people have an allergic reaction to latex and can use polyurethane condoms instead of latex ones.
The lubrication in condoms also varies. Some condoms are not lubricated at all, some are lubricated with a silicone substance , and some have a lubricant base water lubrication on condoms aims to make the condom easier to put on and more comfortable to use. It can also help prevent condom breakage .
Forms of the condom
The male condom is a thin sheath (usually made of latex, a type of rubber) that covers the penis. The male condom, also called a “condom” or “prophylactic,” is used much more often. The male condom is the only contraceptive method for men that is effective and reversible. It is 85% to 98% effective.
The female condom is a polyurethane sheath with a flexible ring at each end. One end is closed and is placed inside the vagina; the other end is open and the ring is outside the vaginal cavity.
Condom use
One of the main actions that we must take into account when having sex is to use the condom correctly as a means of preventing sexual diseases such as sexually transmitted infections, STIs , unwanted pregnancies and other consequences. This device is of vital importance when carrying out this pleasant activity, so we must take into account some aspects that we list below.
Some people say that the condom diminishes the pleasure in sexual intercourse, that it does not feel the same. The condom can be very erotic. The woman can help put the condom on her partner as part of the love games before penetration.
The condom can even increase the pleasure in sexual intercourse by eliminating the fear of an unwanted pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection (STI), including HIV . The use of a condom is not a problem of mistrust but of the health and safety of the people involved in a sexual relationship. It is a shared decision.
A person can look and feel healthy and have an STI or live with HIV . Condoms are hard to find. However, it is very easy to buy them in pharmacies, stores, liquor stores, discos, markets and other places.
Procedure
- Before use, we must check the expiration date of the condom and make sure that the envelope contains air. The condom lasts for 4 years from the moment of its manufacture.
- To place it correctly, we must hold the tip of the condom preventing air from entering and place it on the erect penis .
- Without releasing the tip, it must be unrolled to the base of the penis, avoiding air bubbles.
- After ejaculating , we must hold the condom by its base and remove it from the penis before it loses the erection. Beware of spilling the semen !
- After removing it, tie it up and throw it in the trash can.
- For every sexual relationship, we must use a new condom.
- If we use lubricants together with the condom, they must be water-based. Cosmetic creams or petroleum jelly can break it.
Indications and contraindications for use
Indicated for people who:
- Have occasional partners or who do not know their partner well enough
- They doubt the fidelity of their partner
- Have more than one partner
- They have a partner with a chronic infection that can be transmitted through sexual intercourse, for example: HIV / AIDS, Hepatitis B and C.
- As support for other contraceptive methods
- In people with sporadic sexual activity
- As support during the first 25 ejaculations after the vasectomy
Contraindicated in:
- People with hypersensitivity (allergy) to latex or any of the components of the condom
- Sexual dysfunctions associated with erectile capacity.
What forms are there and which one should I choose?
Condoms come in many forms. Most have a reserve tip although some have a flat tip. Condoms can be regular-shaped (straight-sided), wedge-shaped (slit under the head of the penis), or they can be flared (wider on the head of the penis).
Ribbed condoms are textured with ribs or bumps, which can increase the sensations for both of you. Condoms also come in various colors. The choice of form is personal. All differences in shape are designed to accommodate different personal preferences and increase pleasure. It is important to communicate with the couple to make sure they are using condoms that are satisfying to both of you. What to do if a condom breaks?
If a condom breaks during sex, then quickly remove and replace the condom. While you are having sex, check the condom from time to time to make sure it has not spilled or come off. If the condom has broken and you feel like semen has come out of the condom during sex, emergency contraception such as the morning-after pill should be considered.
What about flavored condoms?
Some condoms are flavored to make oral sex more enjoyable. They are also safe to use for penetrating sex as long as they have been tested and approved.