Using condoms seems relatively straightforward, right? You just slide one on the end of a penis, and you’re good to go.
Well… Not quite.
While we’d like to think that we’re all using condoms correctly, a study by The Kinsey Institute for Research proved the opposite.
The study found numerous errors associated with condom use. These included findings such as 17%–51.1% of people reported only putting on a condom part way through intercourse, while another 25.3% said they unrolled the condom’s sheath before putting it on.
These are just some of the mistakes that people tend to make.
Not to worry, we’re here to help!
In today’s article, we’ll cover the best practices for condom use, including how to properly apply, remove, and dispose of them, whether you can use lube and toys with condoms, what type of condoms are best, and more.
5 best practices for condom use
Here are a few of the best practices for using condoms to have safe, fun, and responsible sex without worrying.
1. Apply and remove the RIGHT way
When used effectively, a condom is highly effective in preventing unwanted pregnancies and STIs.
Here’s how you apply and remove a condom the right way:
Once the penis is erect, carefully tear the packet open with your fingers. Don’t cut it open, as this might damage the condom.
Make sure the rim is on the outside when placing it against the penis tip.
Pinch the tip of the condom to squeeze out any air.
Roll the condom down the shaft of the penis all the way to the base.
Apply lube on the condom to ease entry and reduce the risk of breakage.
Have sex.
After ejaculation, ensure the penis is removed from the vagina before it becomes soft. Hold the rim of the condom in place as the penis is being pulled out to avoid the semen from spilling out.
Remove the condom (away from the vagina) by rolling it all the way down the penis and sliding it off when you can pinch the opening together with your thumbs.
Knot the condom at the top, wrap it in a few sheets of toilet paper, and dispose of it in a bin.
2. Use flavoured or dotted condoms
Modern condom add-ons bring tons of choices for you to choose from, including ultra-thin condoms, textured condoms, and even flavoured condoms.
While condoms aren’t a one-size-fits-all (quite literally and figuratively) as people prefer different types of condoms, many tend to enjoy condoms that add a bit of pizazz to their sex life:
Flavoured condoms are great since they take away the typical latex smell and taste better — when giving your partner a blowjob.
Textured condoms with dotted or ribbed designs are excellent for enhancing the sensation as the textures help stimulate sensitive nerve endings. Ribbed condoms have ribs on the outer surface of the condom for extra stimulation, and dotted condoms have a dot pattern all over the outer shell to provide more pleasure.
Even though using two condoms might seem safer than only one, it isn’t.
You see, using two condoms simultaneously can cause friction between them and weaken the material. This can lead to breakage.
Instead, use one condom at a time.
To make sure the condom isn’t broken beforehand, there are a few things you can do:
Check the expiry date (as old condoms can dry and crack).
Keep the condom away from heat, direct sunlight, and cold.
Softly press on the wrapper (before opening it) — where you should feel a cushion of air. If you can feel the air, the wrapper hasn’t been damaged.
4. Use lube
Using lube on your condom — whether you’re planning on having vaginal or anal sex, is a great idea.
The lube will make the condom more slippery and wet, allowing your partner to slip right in without discomfort and adding to the pleasurable sensations.
It’s important to note that you should ONLY use water-based lubricants on condoms. Don’t use silicone-based lube, any oil, lotions, vaseline, or other oil materials. This is because oil can damage latex and cause the condom to tear.
When using lube on your condom, ensure that you put on enough to make it nice and slippery. But, don’t put on too much as this can become really messy really fast.
Look at our wide range of lube products that come in different sizes, flavours, and more to suit your needs to the tee.
If you share sex toys with anyone, you need to make sure to use condoms on the toys for safer sex.
Since rubber, silicone, and plastics can be hard to clean properly and can also allow bacteria to grow, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
At Intimate Touch, we have a selection of great toys for you, including different vibrators, kegel balls, cock rings, and more. Go over to our shop to browse our sex toy options.
Use condoms the right way
Now that you know how to use condoms properly for different occasions go ahead and explore the different types of condoms to see what you like best.
Following the best practices outlined above will help ensure safer and more fun sex — with a reduced possibility of contracting an STI or unexpected pregnancy.
Intimate Touch does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any and all information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. It is not recommended that any action be taken before consulting with a healthcare professional.
Author : Lisa Welsh
About our guest writer: Lisa is a Pleasure Pixie and Sex Educator who loves helping people to unlock their full orgasmic nature.
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