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A condom is one of the most popular forms of contraception in common use. Most often it is made of latex, but it is not the only type of material used. How does a condom work? What to do in case it slips off the penis? We check not only the effectiveness of this form of contraception, but also the prices of different types of condoms.
A condom, also known as a condom, is a commonly used form of barrier contraception, the main task of which is to prevent pregnancy and also to protect against sexually transmitted diseases. The condom is put on the penis.
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Most often it is made of latex, but condoms made of other materials (polyurethane or synthetic resin) are also available on the market. Condoms differ not only in size, but also in the degree of moisture or the thickness of the material they are made of.
As already mentioned, the condom is not only used as a contraceptive method, but also protects against sexually transmitted diseases:
- AIDS – is an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The most common route of infection is through sexual contact,
- HIV virus – is the human immunodeficiency virus that causes AIDS,
- Syphilis (syphilis) is an exclusively sexually transmitted disease. The characteristic symptoms of infection are ulcers in intimate parts,
- Gonorrhea – is the disease most often transmitted sexually, but infection can also occur as a result of using municipal toilets. The first symptoms are not clear-cut. The main symptom is the appearance of urethral discharge.
- Trichomoniasis – is a sexually transmitted parasitic disease. The main symptoms include itching and burning of intimate parts, as well as yellowish-greenish discharge,
- HPV virus (human papillomavirus) – causes cervical cancer. The first symptoms of infection may be ambiguous. Virus infection helps to detect Pap smears,
- Chlamydiosis – is one of the most common venereal diseases. In most infected people, it may not give any symptoms, so without using a condom or often having oral or anal sex, it is worth performing a urine test at least once a year, as well as microscopic examination of a vaginal smear,
- Genital herpes – is caused by the herpes virus HSV-2. It is especially dangerous for pregnant women as it can lead to miscarriage,
- Infectious jaundice type B and C – caused by HBV or HCV. As a consequence, it can lead to cirrhosis of the liver. The symptoms of the disease are not specific.
The use of a condom is one of the oldest methods of contraception. In ancient times, condoms were made of animal intestines. The Egyptians wore condoms as penis decorations. Condoms became widely used in the 1912th century. The first latex condom was made by Julius Fromm in XNUMX.
Types of condoms
There are many types of condoms on the market that differ not only in size, but also in material, thickness and sensations. The most popular condoms are:
- Latex condoms – are made of latex which is a natural rubber. This is the most popular type of condom on the market. However, due to the thickness of the rubber they are made of, they can reduce the sensation. In addition, some people are allergic to latex,
- Non-latex condoms – latex condoms are slowly being replaced by condoms made of other materials (synthetic resin, polyisuprene, polyurethane). To the touch, they resemble human skin, they are lighter, therefore sexual intercourse seems more natural. Some non-latex condoms are additionally moistened,
- Condoms with protrusions – they are made of materials with ribbed protrusions, which is to have a direct impact on the experiences of partners during sexual intercourse. First of all, they are to make it easier for a woman to achieve orgasm. Some models only have protrusions at the base so that the clitoris is additionally stimulated during frictional movements.
- Wet condoms – condoms are covered on the outside and inside with a special lubricant. This type of condom works best for women who struggle with vaginal dryness,
- Flavored and scented condoms – fruity flavor and smell condoms are designed to enhance the sensation,
- Condoms that prolong sexual intercourse – are covered with benzocaine to delay ejaculation during sexual intercourse,
- Condoms with cooling or warming gel – are supposed to increase the sensations during sexual intercourse,
- Condoms of various colors and shapes – there are colored condoms on the market (gold or silver). They may also have deeper protrusions that irritate the vagina, which is expected to lead to a female orgasm.
At Medonet Market you will find Skyn and Durex condoms – choose the type that best suits you and your partner. You can order a complete set, e.g. 42 SKYN Unknown Pleasures or 35 SKYN Selection + SKYN Senses condoms.
Condom sizes
The size of the condom should be adjusted to the size of the erect penis, because if the condom is too small it may break, and too large may slip off during frictional movements. It is best to choose a condom based on the following values:
- The circumference of the erect penis 9,5 – 10 cm – 47 mm wide condom,
- The circumference of the erect penis 10 – 11 cm – 49 mm wide condom,
- The circumference of the erect penis 11 – 11,5 cm – 53 mm wide condom,
- The circumference of the erect penis 11,5 – 12 cm – 57 mm wide condom,
- Circumference of the erect penis 12-13 cm – 60 mm wide condom,
- The circumference of the erect penis 13 – 14 cm – 64 mm wide condom,
- Circumference of the erect penis 14 – 15 cm – 69 mm wide condom.
You must put on a condom before sexual intercourse, but if you are erect. The condom should be removed from the packaging and then check which side is outside and which side is inside. The outside will be more rolled. Its tip should be placed against the glans, and then gently slide it over the penis, holding it with one hand. You can slip the condom on yourself or ask your partner for help (as part of foreplay).
There should be a free space between the tip and the glans for the sperm to collect after ejaculation. During intercourse, it is worth checking that the condom is not damaged or has not slipped off the penis. After ejaculation, it is worth holding the condom to remove the penis from the vagina. You should put your used condom in the rubbish bin.
During intercourse, also reach for an appropriate lubricant that can be used with condoms, e.g. SKYN Natural Harmony water-based intimate gel.
If the condom slips off the penis during sexual intercourse, break the condom and then remove the condom from the vagina, if left there. In case the lack of a condom is noticed only after ejaculation, emergency contraception should be considered. This also applies to the breakage of a condom during sexual intercourse.
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A cracked condom is one of the most common problems when using this method of contraception. To prevent this from happening, the first thing to remember is that condoms also have an expiry date. They cannot be worn for a long time in a wallet or exposed to sunlight, as the material from which they are made loses its properties.
A wrong size can also cause a condom to break. If this happens during sexual intercourse, you should stop it and then see a gynecologist.
Remember that you are not less likely to become pregnant if you did not rupture it during ejaculation, as there are sperm cells in your ejaculate as well.
A condom can also break during oral intercourse. Do not brush your teeth, so as not to irritate the mucosa, but rinse your mouth with fluid or water. If the condom ruptures during anal intercourse, the semen should be pushed out of the anus along with the stool.
After ejaculation (when the penis is still erect), hold the condom and gently slide the penis out of the vagina. You can then gently pull the condom off, tie it, then wrap it with a tissue. The condom with the semen should be thrown in the rubbish bin.
- Semen test in the diagnosis of male infertility – how to prepare for the test?
The use of condoms as a form of contraception can be effective, but the Pearl Index, which measures the effectiveness of different forms of contraception, does not give you an adequate sense of security when using condoms. It was 3 under ideal conditions and 14 under normal conditions, which means that out of 100 couples who used this method of contraception, as many as 14 became pregnant.
- Check how the Pearl Index is calculated
Therefore, if partners want to be sure that fertilization does not occur, they should use a condom and another chosen form of protection (e.g. hormonal contraception).
Condom – advantages and disadvantages of use
The main advantage of using a condom is its price and wide availability. In addition, to buy condoms, we do not need a doctor’s appointment, which is indispensable in the case of hormonal contraception. It is also worth considering the effectiveness of a condom as a protection against sexually transmitted diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines it at the level of 80-95 percent.
The most important disadvantage of a condom is its low effectiveness compared to other forms of contraception, and the fact that you must be careful that it does not break or slip off the penis during sexual intercourse.
Female condoms are also called femidomes. They are characterized by a low Pearl index, which means high efficiency. They not only prevent pregnancy, but also protect against venereal diseases. The female condom looks like a wide balloon with rings at the beginning (open) and at the end (closed).
The inside of the femidome is filled with spermicide. However, it requires practice to insert it as it must be inserted deep into the vagina so that it covers the cervix. The open ring should protrude from the vagina (2 cm). Femidom can be applied a few hours before sexual intercourse.
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The downside to this method is that it can make embarrassing noises during sex. Besides, the appearance of the vagina itself may not be attractive. Femidom can be useful for women who do not have regular sex.
Condoms – price
At the beginning, it is worth noting that it is best to buy condoms at a pharmacy. Their price depends on the additional properties that the condom has. A package containing three latex condoms can cost around PLN 10. We will pay about PLN 10 for 20 pieces of non-latex moistened condoms.
Condoms with lubricant prolonging the intercourse cost about PLN 30 (12 pieces), ribbed condoms with protrusions and stimulating gel – about PLN 12 (3 pieces). In turn, the cost of a female condom is about PLN 10 per one.