What is a condom?
The condom is the most frequent contraceptive barrier method for men , with an efficiency of 97 percent. It consists of a sheath of latex (or other synthetic materials) that is placed on the penis , thus preventing the passage of semen and retaining it. It also serves to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections such as AIDS , gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, syphilis, genital herpes or human papillomavirus, with an efficiency of 95 percent.
Okamoto 0.04 Zero Zero Four Condoms 10ea pack
Condoms have been used throughout history, dating back to the oldest in the time of the Egyptians about the year 1000 BC. Formerly, they were made with different types of fabrics or guts of animals and their goal was to prevent sexually transmitted infections, more to avoid pregnancy.
For women there is also a female condom that works similarly and with very similar levels of effectiveness.
Placement
When opening the condom or condom wrapper it is important to do it carefully and with your hands, to avoid any possibility of it breaking during this process. It is therefore not recommended to use scissors or other similar utensils to open it, nor do it with the teeth.
To place the condom correctly, the penis must be fully erect . If the penis is not circumcised, before its placement the glans should be left exposed. The protruding end of the condom is grasped and tightened so that no air enters. In this small space is where the semen will be deposited. Once the space is left, it is placed on the penis and the rest of the condom is unrolled until the entire penis has been covered. When the penis has ejaculated, it is advisable to remove the condom before the penis stops being erect to do it more easily.
It is important to place the condom before any contact between the genitals, since the penis can expel pre-ejaculatory secretions before ejaculation itself, and these fluids can contain the possible infectious agents of sexually transmitted diseases, as well as sperm that can reach to fertilize the ovule.
In no case is it recommended to place more than one condom , since the friction that would occur between the two condoms would facilitate its rupture.
The condom is for single use , so it must be thrown away once it has been ejaculated. Since it is not biodegradable, it must be deposited in a wastebasket, not in the toilet.
Types of condoms
There are varieties of condoms that have different characteristics:
- With or without lubricant : the lubricant can facilitate the entrance of the penis, either in vaginal sex or anal sex . Some lubricants include spermicide, a substance that weakens sperm in the event that the condom breaks, but can also cause urine infections in men.
- With or without deposit for semen.
- Fine or thick, which give different sensations.
- Of colors.
- Flavors: designed for the practice of oral sex .
Acquisition and conservation
Condoms can be purchased in pharmacies or in any establishment that offers a guarantee of its quality. To ensure its effectiveness, it is advisable to buy those that are approved by a health authority , with the corresponding CE certification.
Condoms should be stored in a cool , dry place and should be used before the expiration date indicated on the package. They should also be protected from excessive light and humidity, and it is recommended not to keep them in pockets, wallets or car glove boxes. If these indications are not followed, latex may lose its properties and, consequently, cease to be effective or break more easily.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantage of the condom is that it is easily accessible to anyone at a relatively low cost . It is a product that does not need a prescription and can be used by almost any man: even for those allergic to latex, there are condoms made of polyurethane, although they are equally valid although there are studies that point to a slightly lower effectiveness. In addition, it is considered the safest method of contraception of all, since it protects against unwanted pregnancies and , as it is a barrier method, also of sexually transmitted infections .
As disadvantages could be considered its possibility of rupture: a broken condom loses practically all its effectiveness . In addition, some men consider that condom sex does not offer the same pleasure that is felt without it, because among other things, it can exert light pressure on the penis and reduce contact. Another disadvantage is that, when having to place with the penis in erection, it can diminish spontaneity to the sexual encounter, since it is necessary to stop a few moments for its correct placement.