Condoms

Condoms are a must. They are the only form of protection which can both help to stop the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV and prevent pregnancy. There are two types of condoms the male condom that fits over the penis and the female condom that fits in the vagina. However male condoms are more popular and more widely used, than the female version, which still comes under debate about comfort and ease of use.

You should only use condoms that carry the British Standard Kite Mark or EEC Standard mark (CE) and have been thoroughly tested and approved. Make sure you store them properly away from heat or light as it can cause deterioration making them unusable, and if they feel dry or very sticky, discard and use another as damaging to the packaging may have occurred.

Normally made of Latex, although sometimes they are made from polyurethane or silicone, which is suitable for those who have a latex allergy.

Although some people feel condoms hinder the feel of sex, they now come in such wide varieties that it can be argued they bring something to the mix. Coloured, flavoured and ribbed condoms are available and some even include warming lubrication, designed to stimulate the most sensitive of areas. When choosing a condom it is always good to remember to use one which is designed for the use intended, for example, a textured ribbed condom is not recommended for anal sex, and a heavy duty condom designed for anal sex may limit sensation if used for vaginal sex.

Never use an oil or petroleum based lubricant with any condoms as it can break the material down, and severely impairing performance and stopping and protection from pregnancy of sexual transmitted diseases. Lubrication is always recommended as it helps ease to put the condom on and reducing any unwanted friction whilst using them, and stopping unwanted breakage. With silicone condoms never use a silicone lube as it will cause the material to melt, but silicone lubrication works very well with latex condoms, especially for anal sex, and well as water based lubrication. A huge advantage of silicone lubrication is that when using it with condoms you don’t have to constantly re-apply it, one use of it lasts a long time and unlike water based lubrication it doesn’t go sticky mid use.

The size of condoms depends on the manufacturer and whether you buy a larger size. Most will fit to stretch any size, although the width can differ between manufactures and designs.

Using a Condom
Open the packaging carefully if you use your teeth on nails, make sure it doesn’t break the condom inside, and make sure you don’t tear the condom with over excess of force.

Place the rolled condom on to the head of the penis, if not circumcised softly roll back the foreskin, pinch the tip of the condom, making sure there is room for semen to collect, and carefully roll down over the shaft of the penis to the base, making sure there is no trapped air within the condom, air bubbles can cause the condom to break.

Add Lubrication if required making sure to use right one for the condom chosen.

Removing a Condom
Pull out before the penis softens and hold the condom against the base whilst you do, making sure no semen escapes or the condom rolls up. Once you have pulled out slowly slide the condom from the shaft of the penis, and dispose of, by wrapping in a tissue and placing within a bin, do not flush as they are bad for the environment.

Condoms

Articles

Choosing a Toy

Using Toys

Vibrators V Dildos – Sex toys explained

A-Z of Sex Toys