What's the Problem with Condoms? Experts Talk Barriers to Barrier- Sex Enjoyment

Condoms are not popular with everybody. Some people do not like them because of allergies, and some because they complain that condoms decrease sexual pleasure. Consider this article to know the effectiveness of condoms, how to use a condom properly, the types of condoms, and the disadvantages of condoms.

Condoms are non-hormonal protective barriers meant to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Scientists cannot verify the exact percentage of the effectiveness of a condom because other factors may be involved in the transmission of sexually transmitted illnesses, as Steiner & Cates (2006) stated. The effectiveness of a condom depends on proper _use. What causes condoms to fail? This article will look into the disadvantages of condoms.

What are Condoms?

Condoms are thin, fitting tubes usually made of latex worn on the penis during sex to create a barrier to prevent the transmission of body fluids to the other partner and, consequently, prevent the spread of sexually transmitted illnesses from one person to another. Condoms are also used as a method of birth control. There are two types of condoms – male and female condoms. While the male condom is external and worn over the penis, the female condom is internal, meaning it is inserted into the vagina. Both types of condoms are used for the same purpose, i.e., to reduce the spread of sexually transmitted illnesses and as a method of birth control.

The Effectiveness of Condoms

Condom use effectively reduces the infection rate from one person to another, but it may not be 100% effective. Abstaining is the only sure way to prevent sexually transmitted infections, but condoms can reduce the transmission rate of sexually transmitted infections. According to Holmes et al. (2004), condoms are not 100% effective, but "…partial protection can reduce the spread of STIs within populations". The effectiveness of condoms depends on proper use. Using a condom improperly is as bad as not wearing a condom.

How To Use a Condom Properly

A condom will be effective if you adhere to the guidelines below;

• Use a new condom during each sexual session, meaning that after you ejaculate, you should use a new condom the next time you have sex.
• Do not open the condom wrapper with your teeth or a sharp item as you may tear the condom.
• Do not wear the condom right up to the tip. Leave some space at the tip of the condom for the semen when you ejaculate.
• Do not use oil lubricants because they will spoil the latex. Water-based lubricants are the best lubricants to use with condoms.
• Do not use expired condoms.
• Understand the material that has been used to make your condom – latex and polyurethane condoms are non-porous and will therefore protect you against diseases. The lambskin condom is porous and will not protect you from sexually transmitted illnesses.
• Store latex in a cool place because storing them in a hot place will spoil it.

Types of Condoms

There are many types of condoms in the market, including;

Lubricated

Philpott et al. (2006) stated that the condom comes lined with some lubrication to prevent friction. If you like the lube experience with your non-lubricated condom, you can add some lube to your condom. The best lube to use in the condom is water-based lube because oil-based lube will spoil the condoms.

Spermicide-Coated

Spermicide-coated lubes are the best for lowering the risks of pregnancy. They are laced with a spermicide known as nonoxynol -9, which kills sperm. Spermicide-coated condoms are more effective when used with other contraceptives, as Kestelman & Trussell (1991) noted.

Latex, Lambskin, and Plastic

Latex is the most common material for condoms. Some people are allergic to latex and may opt for polyurethane and plastic condoms. Latex, plastic, and polyurethane condoms protect you from HIV/STIs and pregnancy. Lambskin condoms are popular because they are made from natural materials and provide more sensitivity than other condoms. They may be useful in preventing pregnancy, but they will not protect you from HIV and sexually transmitted illnesses because they are porous.

Textured Condoms

The textured condoms may be ribbed or studded. They are pleasurable because of the extra sensations they provide. The textured condoms protect against sexual diseases and pregnancy.

The Disadvantages of Condoms

Condoms may be the most common and popular means of birth control and method of preventing the transmission of sexual illness, but the disadvantages of condom use are as follows;

• Cornish et al.(2015) stated that some people have allergic reactions to latex material. They may have to purchase polyurethane and lambskin condoms which are more expensive,
• Some people who avoid condoms may complain that the condoms reduce the sensations and make sex less pleasurable.
• Consider using condoms with oil-based lubricants. Yet, oil-based lubricants are the best for anal sex. people cannot use an oil-based lube with condoms, and people into anal sex cannot use the lubricants with the condom, which places them in a position where they must either compromise the condoms or the lubricant.
• Excessive friction can cause the condom to break and expose the users to wanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.
• The condoms depend on proper use, so the users must make sure that there is no tearing, leaking, or spilling, through the following ways;
• Do not tear the condom wrapper with your teeth or a sharp object to prevent tearing.
• Do not wear expired condoms or use oil-based lubricants to prevent leaking.
• Remove the condom from your partner when the penis is still erect to prevent spilling. You should also not re-use a condom.

Conclusion

Condoms come in all forms to ensure that the users have the pleasure they hope to enjoy during sex. Some people may complain that condoms make sex less pleasurable, but there are thin condoms too. They could even purchase flavored condoms. Some people may complain of premature ejaculations when using condoms. They may need thick condoms. Condoms were created to prevent unwanted pregnancies, but they have effectively prevented the transmission of sexually transmitted illnesses over the years.

References

Cornish, K., Xie, W., Kostyal, D., Shintani, D., & Hamilton, R. G. (2015). Immunological analysis of the alternate rubber crop Taraxacum kok-saghyz indicates multiple proteins cross-reactive with Hevea brasiliensis latex allergens. Journal of Biotechnology & Biomaterials, 5(4), 1.

Holmes, K. K., Levine, R., & Weaver, M. (2004). Effectiveness of condoms in preventing sexually transmitted infections. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 82(6), 454-461.

Kestelman, P., & Trussell, J. (1991). Efficacy of the Simultaneous Use of Condoms and Spermicides. Family Planning Perspectives, 23(5), 226–232.

Philpott, A., Knerr, W., & Boydell, V. (2006). Pleasure and prevention: when good sex is safer sex. Reproductive health matters, 14(28), 23-31.

Steiner, M. J., & Cates Jr, W. (2006). Condoms and sexually-transmitted infections. New England Journal of Medicine, 354(25), 2642-2643.