My Sex

All About Condoms

Most people have a love-hate relationship with condoms. Either they don't use them because they hate them or they hate them because they use them. We love the benefits of using condoms, such as protection from STIs and pregnancy. However we hate the fact that, for most people, they seem to make sex less enjoyable because of their reputation of reducing the sensations felt by the penis. It's also a pain to remember to put one on. Sometimes it's really hard to stop in the middle of a sexual encounter to put one on when it seems like a better idea to just keep going. The most important thing to remember is that while wearing one can be a nuisance, it is far more of a nuisance to deal with the complications that can arise from not wearing one.

• Only condoms offer substantial protection against HIV.
• Women purchase 40-70% of condoms.
• Latex condoms are the only form of contraception that is also highly effective in protecting against STDs, including HIV.
• People who use alcohol and drugs when they have sex don’t use condoms as often.
• A condom can be stretched to a length of 4 feet.
• 5,000,000,000: the estimated number of condoms used every year worldwide.
• A condom can hold about a gallon of milk.
• Manufacturers say that 12% of the 15% condom failure rate is due to not using the condom correctly.
• There are 100 different brands of condoms on the market.

Have a question about condoms?
We have listed some of the most common questions about condoms along with the answers to help you out.

I have a friend who says that wearing two condoms provides more protection. Is he right or is he just an idiot?

There has been no researched evidence to suggest that 'double-bagging' is more effective than just using one condom. In fact, the two condoms rubbing against each other can cause enough friction to make the condoms tear or break. Condoms are thick enough to get the job done, that's what they're designed for. If you are worried about pregnancy, have a back-up method of contraception. It's a good idea just in case something happens.

If condoms are so fragile that pretty much anything can damage them, then why do we put so much stock in them?

Because it is the best we have against the spread of STDs and one of the easiest and cheapest means of contraception. A condom breaking when properly used and cared for is very rare. The most important thing to remember is to inspect the condom before you use it. If it looks questionable in any way, find a new one. If you think it might have gotten too hot in your pocket or wherever it was stored, find a new one.

Sometimes my girlfriend and I like to have sex in a hot tub or in the shower. Is it safe to use condoms underwater or in the shower?

There has been no research to suggest that submerging a condom in water is in any way unsafe. The water itself can't weaken the condom but bath oils, salts, or soap can have an adverse effect on the latex. The main thing to take into consideration with a hot tub is the high temperature of the water and the chemicals in it such as chlorine. High temperatures are not good for condoms and can weaken them, and chemicals such as chlorine can cause infections. Overall, it is probably safe to have sex in water, as long as you put on the condom before submerging it and the water is not too hot. When in the shower, it is not a good idea to soap each other up before or during sex because the soap can damage the latex.

What do I do if the condom breaks?

The most important thing is to remain calm. If you haven't ejaculated yet, just remove the broken condom and put on a new one. If, after ejaculation and withdrawal, you notice the condom is broken or torn immediately tell your partner. The best thing for the woman to do is to insert a full tube of spermicidal foam into her vagina to reduce the risk of pregnancy. If no spermicidal foam is handy, Plan B pills are now available without a prescription (if you are over 18) at the Watkins Health Center Pharmacy. You should both get yourself checked out for STIs, just in case.

Sometimes when I use a condom I lose my erection as soon as I put it on. Is there anything I can do to correct this?

The best thing to do is get some condoms and practice using them on your own. This way you get used to the feel. This should help you relax about using one when having sex and less likely to lose your erection. The other advantage to practicing is that you aren't fumbling with the condom when you have someone waiting for you to get it on.

I have been told that carrying a condom in your wallet or pocket can weaken it. Where am I supposed to carry it so that it doesn't get damaged?

It is true that keeping a condom in your wallet can damage it. However, this usually refers to those guys who just carry the same condom around in their wallet for months at a time with the hope that they get to use it. The absolute worst place is in your back pocket. If you are going on a date and think you might need a condom later, your front pocket is okay. You can't do much damage over the course of a dinner and a movie.

I have friends that had condoms pretty much fall apart when they used lubrication. Do all lubes cause condoms to break down?

No, your friends were just using something for lubrication that they shouldn’t have. Oil based lubricants such as baby oil, grease, lotion, or Vaseline cause a chemical reaction with the latex, causing the condom to break down. Water-based lubricants are the only safe ones to use, such as lubricants are made by KY* and Astroglide*. Before you buy any kind of lubricant, check to make sure it does not contain any oil.

Do I still have to use a condom if my girlfriend is on the pill?

Yes, even if you have both been tested and are STI free. There is no method of birth control that is 100% effective, except abstinence. Wearing a condom will provide additional protection for your girlfriend from pregnancy.

Everyone is always obsessed with length but nobody ever talks about width. What if I'm too small width-wise for most condoms?

Believe it or not, this is a very common problem. The average condom is about 2 inches wide and 7-1/2 inches long, which definitely does not cater to every man. Part of the reason guys don't like using condoms is because they have not found the right one. Just buying a box at the store is not all there is to it because if you are a little bit bigger or a little bit smaller, the average condom will not do it for you.

Some of the smaller sized condoms on the market include:

• Exotica Snugger Fit*: One of the smallest condoms available at 6.3'' long and 2'' in width.
• Beyond 7*: A more narrow option of average length at 7.5'' long and 2'v wide.
• Lifestyles Snugger Fit*: Average length condom at 7'' but more form fitting design with the tip at 1.93'' and then about 1.73'' down the shaft.

A brand of custom sized-to-fit condoms, called They-Fit, offers condoms in all sizes catering to everyone from the very large to the very small. You measure your own size through a downloadable FitKit. Basically you just print out the file and follow the directions to find the size of condom you are and they offer many varieties in these different sizes. The only problem is that they are a bit on the expensive side, about a dollar a condom. According to the Web site www.condomania.com the form fitting design makes it seem like wearing nothing at all. This Web site has tons of information on condoms and allows you to order through their site as well.

Overall, don't think you are on your own, condom companies spend lots of money to design and market these smaller sizes and they wouldn't do that if there weren’t a high demand.

*Specific product names are mentioned for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as endorsement.

What is the right way to use a condom?

Open condom carefully (not with teeth or sharp object) to prevent tearing it. Do not unroll condom before placing on the erect penis. If unrolled before it is on an erect penis, it is nearly impossible to put it on.

Place the condom on the end of the hard penis taking care not to put it on upside down. You will know if it is upside down because it will not unroll as it supposed to. If you make this mistake, do not just flip the condom over and use it, throw it away and start over with a new one. The reason for this is that you may contaminate the outside of the condom, which will be inside your partner.

Squeeze the tip of the condom to remove any air. Leave about half an inch of the condom off the head of the penis to catch semen. Unroll the condom until at the base of the penis. With the condom on, you are ready to insert the penis for intercourse.

After ejaculation, withdraw penis while still hard. Hold on to the rim of the condom as you withdraw to prevent it from slipping off or from anything spilling out and onto your partner.

Unroll condom until you can comfortably slide it off, taking care not to spill any semen. Dispose of used condom in the trash can. Do not flush it down the toilet because it can clog up the plumbing and come back to bite you one day. Trust us, there's not much more embarrassing than to have a plumber come clear a bunch of used condoms out of your plumbing.