Essential facts to know about condoms

In a country like India, it is a very tough task to talk about condoms where stigma around the word ‘sex’ still exists. However, this stigma is fading as time is passing. 
Nowadays, more and more people are openly talking about sex, birth control, and condoms. 

Condoms are considered a really important part of safe sex, no matter if it is oral, anal, or penis-in-vagina (PIV) sex. 

It has been claimed that condoms are 98% effective as they not only protect against pregnancy but also improve sexual health by preventing transmission of STD’s if you will use them correctly every single time. 

It's critical to use condoms correctly every time you have sex since it only takes one mistake to acquire an STI or get pregnant. 

Let's learn some interesting facts about condoms to understand their correct usage.

1. The quality of condoms is rigorously monitored.

Condoms come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they must fulfill rigorous quality criteria to be approved & sold in the market.

very condom is electronically tested for holes and other faults by the manufacturing company according to the quality control criteria listed by the healthcare bodies of the government. 

They perform rigorous testing on condoms, which typically includes a water leak test to find holes and an air burst test to determine the strength of the condom.

2. Most STIs may be prevented by using external condoms.

Condoms are one of the most efficient ways to prevent sexually transmitted infections. Complete sexual abstinence is probably the only "better" technique.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, hepatitis B, HIV, syphilis, and trichomoniasis are spread by genital fluids, including semen. 

Condoms operate as barriers and prevent the transfer of body fluids from one partner to another, thus giving effective protection against these STIs.

3. Condoms cannot completely prevent HPV and Herpes infections.

STI’s like Herpes, HPV, warts, lice & mites, etc are transferred by skin to skin contact between sexual partners and condoms cannot cover the entire genital area or the entire skin, hence these infections can still be transferred even while using a condom.

This is so because some transmission of the infective organisms is possible between partners even after wearing a condom.

However, remember that while condoms may not be as effective in preventing herpes or HPV, they can still dramatically lower the chance of infection when compared to not wearing them.

4. Condoms come in a variety of sizes.

Size does become important when it comes to utilizing condoms. Because penis sizes vary, it is critical to use the optimum sized condom to ensure both comfort and effective protection.

If you use a condom that is not the right size, it might cause problems. Condoms that are too tight are more likely to break, while those that are too loose are more likely to slip off during the act.

5. Some condoms are more effective in preventing STDs than others.

Condoms made of latex, polyurethane, and polyisoprene have been authorized by the FDA as an effective way to lower the risk of pregnancy and STIs.

Polyurethane condoms are just as efficient as latex condoms in preventing pregnancy and STIs, according to studies. However, because of their reduced flexibility, they may be more susceptible to slip or tear (particularly if they are too loose or too tight).

Polyisoprene condoms are just as effective as latex condoms when it comes to barrier protection. They have higher elasticity and are less prone to slip or break than polyurethane condoms.

6. Condoms are 98% effective.    

When used properly and regularly, condoms are 98% effective in preventing pregnancy.

This suggests that 2 out of every 100 women whose partners use condoms regularly will become pregnant within the first year of usage.

Condom effectivity reduces to roughly 85% with typical real-world usage. The term "typical usage" refers to the use of condoms in an inconsistent manner. 

7. Condoms are available for people with allergic tendencies.

According to studies, around 4% of the general population has a latex allergy and hence cannot use latex condoms. However, this does not rule out the use of condoms; as there are alternatives available.

Condoms made of polyurethane or polyisoprene are safe for people who are allergic to latex (or external lambskin condoms if the aim is to prevent pregnancy).

Other ingredients in condoms, such as spermicides and lubricants like parabens or glycerin, might cause sensitivity or irritation.

If this happens, don't give up on using condoms. Instead, experiment with several types of condoms available in the market & find out what suits you the best.
 Alternatively, consult with your doctor to determine the precise substance that you are allergic to.

8. The lubricant you use is important.

When it comes to exterior condom lubricants, certain options are better than others. Oil-based lubricants can quickly degrade latex's structure, putting it at danger of breaking.

When using a latex condom, never use a lubricant that contains oils, fats, or grease. Vaseline, baby oil, hand lotions, cold cream, vegetable shortening, and cooking oil are examples of petroleum-based goods.

Latex condoms should only be used with water-based lubricants, which are available online and at many drugstores.

Condoms made of polyurethane or polyisoprene are compatible with oil-based lubricants.

9. Double bagging lowers the efficiency of condoms.

Although it may appear to be logical, "double-bagging" condoms do not provide additional protection.

In reality, this approach may reduce the effectiveness of the condom.

When two condoms are worn together, there is increased friction between them, which increases the chances of one or both of them tearing or slipping off.

For the same reasons, you should never use an external condom with an internal condom.

10. The proper use of a condom promotes pleasure.

Many people complain that condoms are unpleasant, heavy, they limit sensitivity, or "disrupt desire," among other reasons.

Many of these issues can be alleviated by understanding how to properly utilize condoms.

Condoms, when used and sized appropriately, are not only simple to use but also retain high levels of sensitivity. If a particular type of condom makes you uncomfortable, there are a variety of condoms to choose from.

Besides, partners can devise various ways to make the use of condoms pleasurable & fun.

11. Latex Condoms Are STI-Blocking Powerhouses.

The most prevalent condom material is latex, which is also the most popular choice for STI protection.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claims that they're "very effective" in preventing HIV transmission. 

12. The Benefits and Drawbacks of 'Natural' Condoms.

The natural membrane or "lambskin" condom is the last major variety, according to doctors, "for persons who desire a 'natural' sensation." 

These are manufactured from lamb intestine, which isn't exactly animal-friendly.

Natural membrane condoms are likewise not recommended by the CDC for STI and HIV prevention since clinical trials have shown that they are ineffective.

13. You can use a condom for both oral and anal intercourse.

Should you also wear a condom during oral and anal sex?

Doctors say yes since body fluids can be exchanged even in oral or anal sex and hence transmission of STIs is possible even in oral or anal sex.

Several STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes, syphilis, and HPV, can be spread during oral intercourse, according to the CDC.

Dental dams, which are latex or polyurethane sheets that may be placed over the vaginal opening in the case of oral sex on a woman, are also an option.

As of now, Condoms are the sole available method of preventing HIV and other STIs from being transmitted sexually.

Condoms exist for both men and women. It is very important to use condoms correctly every single time you have sex so that no one gets pregnant or acquires an STI because of a small mistake.

For more information on Contraception & Safe Sex, please check our other videos.