HOW TO USE A CONDOM: STEP BY STEP GUIDE

Sex without a condom is sweeter, some people believe. It takes time to convince a person to use protection. Some ignore it because they lack information concerning it. Herein is what you need to know about condoms, including; when to use a condom, condom types, and guides on using a female condom.

A condom is effective during intercourse for different reasons. For instance, it can protect against sexually transmitted infections, STIs, and as a birth control form. The research concluded that one out of fifty women using condoms every year whenever having sex would get pregnant. Also, proper and consistent condom use, whether latex type or internal condoms, is linked to a huge decrease in syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, especially in women at a higher risk of contracting the illnesses. Suppose you want a condom to work effectively, learn how to put it on. Below are tips about a condom and how to use it. 

When Do You Use A Condom?

Protect you and your partner during vaginal penetration, anal, or oral sex using a condom. Let your man wear a condom before vaginal penetration. Perhaps you're involved in sex without a penis; use a condom on toys to prevent contracting bacterial vaginosis BV or STIs. According to Ljubojević & Lipozenčić (2010), oral sex can contract diseases like trichomoniasis, herpes, and HPV. Whenever you have period sex, use a condom to prevent STI transmission and pregnancy. Menstrual cycles have a higher STI transmission rate, such as menstruation periods.

Condom Types

Condoms are available in varied types. For example, external or male condoms and internal, the female type. The external is common and preferably used. It's worn on an erect penis before penetration. Female condoms aren't well known, although they exist. They're worn in the vagina but don't work as dental dams; they are worn over the vulva for oral stimulation. 

 Female condoms are effective in preventing pregnancy, but many prefer male condoms. Studies show that five out of 100 women can get pregnant every year when using condoms for protection with effective use. However, the male condom offers more protection, whereby only two out of 100 women using protection get pregnant in one year of continuous use. It would help if you had a perfect fit to wear a condom. 

You may risk not achieving its purpose, supposing it's uncomfortable. Luckily, the market contains numerous sizes and types that can provide an ideal fit for every penis size. Ritchers et al. (1995) stated that an excessively tight or small condom might weaken and break during use. It may slip off and ruin its effectiveness if it's too loose. Below are tips on using both condom types.

How to Use A Male Condom

•  Check the wrapper to ensure the expiration date is within use.
•  Open the wrapper. Avoid biting with teeth or cutting with scissors to prevent accidental breakage. Confirm that the condom is undamaged, not dried, or brittle.
• Trace the reservoir tip direction- It resembles a little dome. Locating it ensures you roll it down in the right direction. Let the condom rim form a circle around the cock's dome or that object. Wrong positioning, such as having the rim inside the dome, won't allow the condom to roll down correctly. Don't reuse the condom. Find a new one and start over.

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• Wear a condom before contacting your partner's genitals- mouth, vagina, anus, or upper thighs. Your pre-ejaculatory fluid could be having some sperms.
• Apply lube to increase sensitivity, making sex feel better. It also prevents breakage. Silicone or water-based lubricant is the best for use with male condoms. According to Martin (1992), couples should avoid using oil-based lubricants, petroleum jelly, and mineral oil with latex types because they easily cause condoms to deteriorate or break. A few lube drops on the condom's tip before rolling it down is helpful. More lube on the external part can also make the moment more enjoyable.
• Pinch the condom’s tip and roll it down on a standing cock. Leave some space at the tip for semen collection. Roll it over the shaft towards the base. Pulling the foreskin back before rolling the condom can increase comfort if you're uncircumcised. 
• Ensure the condom is properly worn throughout the session.
• Following ejaculation, hold the condom's rim and release your penis from your partner's body. Be quick before the penis becomes flaccid because it might become too loose and let out semen. Carefully remove the condom without spillage. 
• Discard the used condom in the dustbin. Avoid flushing it down the toilet, for it may cause blockage.
• Notably, condoms aren't reused. You should use a new one whenever engaging in oral, vaginal, or anal sex. When switching from one sex type to another, ensure to change to a different condom, such as oral to vaginal sex.

Guide on Using the Female Condom

• Get the condom from its package and unroll it. Inch together the inner ring.
• Insert the ring in your birth canal- same as how to wear a tampon or menstrual cup. Confirm that the condom is deep inside using your fingers. 
• The condom’s rim should remain outside the vaginal opening.
• There's no need to remove the female condom immediately after sex, but it can be messy once your partner ejaculates and you stand up next. It will help remove it while lying down to avoid your man's sperms flowing back to the vagina leading to pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Hold the outer ring and twist it for proper sealing with quick and simple cleaning up.

Is Using Two Condoms At The Same Time Better?

Lindberg et al. (1997) noted that using two condoms increases the chances of breakage. The same occurs when using both a male and female condom. The best protection is provided by using one condom. Therefore, you can stick to one and buy the best lube that favors it. Lubes enhance sliding during penetration.

The Bottom Line

Condoms are contraceptive methods that help prevent the contraction of sexually transmitted infections. The two types of condoms are effective, and couples should embrace either of them, if not both. Decide the risk level to undertake and opt for the kind of protection and contraception. Also, using both a condom and another birth control method is the safest. You can make condoms part of your arousal by making them accessible and including them in foreplay.

Reference:

Martin, D. J. (1992). Inappropriate Lubricant Use With Condoms By Homosexual Men. Public 

Lindberg, L. D., Sonenstein, F. L., Ku, L., & Levine, G. (1997). Young Men's Experience With Condom Breakage. Family Planning Perspectives, 128-140.

 Health Reports, 107(4), 468.

Ljubojević, S., & Lipozenčić, J. (2010). Sexually Transmitted Infections And Adolescence. Acta Dermatovenerologica Croatica, 18(4), 0-0.

Richters, J., Gerofi, J., & Donovan, B. (1995). Why Do Condoms Break Or Slip Off In Use? An Exploratory Study. International Journal Of STD & AIDS, 6(1), 11-18.