5 SURPRISING USES FOR CONDOMS IN AND OUT OF THE BEDROOM

Condoms come in handy during sex, especially for people who want to protect themselves against the risk of unwanted pregnancies, STIs and HIV. However, condoms also come in handy outside the bedroom. Read below as you delve into other practical uses of condoms other than for sexual purposes.

Condoms are like birth control methods that form a barrier between body fluids and the genitals. They also help prevent the transmission of some STIs like herpes, genital warts, and HIV. There are two types of condoms; internal and external, and both are designed for all genders. The main materials used to make condoms are lambskin, latex rubber, and polyurethane but the most commonly used are those made from rubber, sometimes referred to as prophylactic.

5 Surprising Uses For Condoms Out Of The Bedroom

You can use your pack of condoms for many things outside the bedroom. Besides, there is no need to let your condoms expire when you can put them to good use. Below are fascinating ways to use your condoms outside of sexual matters.

Perfect Ice Pack

Menaka & Dake (2022) stated that ice packs are placed on aching muscles or injuries to reduce pain, swelling, or bleeding. They are commonly used for ankle sprains or face bruising to calm down the injured muscle or body tissue. Ice packs come in handy, especially during the first 48 hours after an injury. You can fill it up with water and leave it in the freezer for an hour or two if you sprain your uncle and you have an unused pack of condoms. After it has frozen, you can place it on your sprained or injured body part to help with pain and swelling. When using an ice pack, you mustn't place it directly on the skin's surface as it may cause ice burns. Wrap the condom with a wet towel or plastic. Also, ensure that you do not place the ice pack on the injured body for more than 30 minutes.

Wrap It Around Your Bandage

People bandage their bruised body parts to prevent further bleeding and ward off bacteria and germs. Whether the injury is minor or major, it would help if you bandage it with gauze, tape, or a band-aid. Bandages, gauze, and band-aids are not made from waterproof materials; therefore, they will soak with water or fluids on exposure. Trying to keep your bandaged arm or leg away from the water can be stressful when taking a shower or doing dishes. However, as long as you have an extra pack of condoms lying idly around the house, you are good to go. Whatever part of your body is bandaged, you can slide up the condom to prevent it from soaking up with water. Also, condoms have antiseptic properties. Therefore, you do not have to worry about them infecting your wound.

Perfect Fire Starters

Making a fire is a major survival technique for which most people lack the skills. It is advisable to carry a condom or two for your sexual adventures and survival in case things go south while camping. Sahoo (2022) noted that  condoms are made from latex, and latex is a highly flammable material. Therefore, if you ever go camping and find yourself on the wrong side of the camp trail, a condom may come in handy, especially at night. However, condoms burn out quickly, so you must have a backup plan like dry wood.

Emergency Waterproof Socks

Women diagnosed with STDs complain that their partners refuse to put on a condom because their shafts are too big to fit a condom. However, condoms can comfortably fit over any penis size. They can also stretch over a human head or leg, which makes them the perfect ensemble for people who practice child's play as a form of kink. Condoms can come in handy, especially in flood-prone areas like Asia. D'Amico (2022) suggested that you could also use a condom in the shower if you do not want your feet or any other body part to contact with water.

A Seal For Perishable Goods

Fernando et al. (2022) stated that condoms as a seal are similar to using them as waterproof for bandages. The only difference is that you will need to cut the condoms into thinner rings so they can stretch out like a rubber band. You can use the thin condom rings as a seal to prevent bacteria from contaminating your snack if you have an open bag of chips or biscuits. Also, using condoms for such a purpose is cost-free unless you don't have any pack or condoms laying around idly around the house.

How To Determine The Safety Of Your Condom

Before using your condom, you must ensure it is safe. Below are steps that will help you to check on the safety of your condom;

• Ensure that you check its wrapper for the expiration date before unwrapping your condom. Do not use the condom if the expiration is due.
• You must study your condom before use. Do not use it if it feels brittle, sticky, spicy, or has any weird texture you are not accustomed to.
• When purchasing a condom, ensure that you do not store it in your purse, pocket, or purse. It is because the heat from these areas may cause friction within the wrapper and thus compromise the quality of the condom. Do not use a condom if it is worn out or the color is not even in all parts of the condom.

The Bottom Line

Condoms are a barrier between body fluids and the genitals, similar to birth control methods. They also aid in the prevention of STIs such as herpes, genital warts, and HIV. Condoms come in two varieties: internal and external, and both are intended for use by people of all genders. Lambskin, latex rubber, and polyurethane are the most common materials used to manufacture condoms. However, rubber condoms, often known as prophylactic condoms, are the most popular. Condoms have many uses, and their use goes beyond bedroom matters. Therefore, if you have an idle pack of condoms, you can put it into good use, as outlined above.

References

Cronin, J., Hadley, C., & Skandalis, A. (2022). Plastic: A Passenger Marketplace Icon. Consumption Markets & Culture, 1-13.

D'Amico, J. (2022). A Body Of Moving Parts: Essays.

Fernando, I., K Edwards, S., & Grover, D. (2022). British Association For Sexual Health And HIV National Guideline For Managing Genital Molluscum In Adults (2021). International Journal Of STD & AIDS, 33(5), 422-432.

Menaka, S. P., & Dhake, S. A. (2022). A Rare Case Of Acute Lumbar Strain. IMJMR| International Medical Journal Of Multidisciplinary Research, 18-22.

Sahoo, C. K. (2022). Textbook Of Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence. BFC Publications.