We often get very basic queries about condoms on our Q&A section like: 

‘Hi. I am Naman. I am 17 years old and in class 11th. I want to have sex with my girlfriend and I think we might finally do it. Do I need to use a condom? What about oral pills? I don’t want to get AIDS or make her pregnant.’

The festive season is often synonymous with unprecedented freedom for youngsters. They often get to stay out late and hangout with their friends and there’s a general lax of authority during this time of the year. On the flip side, there’s always a rise in the number of unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted disease cases.  Sadly, sex education is non-existent in our country and many youngsters are clueless about healthy sexual practices. Here are the answers to some doubts people have about the most powerful weapon against unwanted pregnancies and STDS – Condoms!

Who should use a condom?

All males should use condoms. That is all males who are not trying to conceive a child. Though most condom ads and infomercials target heterosexuals, condoms should be used by homosexuals as well because they protect everyone from STDS including HIV-AIDS. MSMs in fact are at a greater risk of STDs and it’s extremely important for them to use condoms for anal or oral sex. 

When should I use a condom?

Any time you want to participate in any sexual activity. That involves oral, anal and vaginal sex. It’s always important to keep condoms handy on a date. In fact, carry them around all the time. You should also use a different condom for each of the aforementioned sexual activities.

 Why should I use a condom?

Condoms are by far the most effective contraceptive devices ever invented. They’ve been around for at least 400 years but only gained popularity from the 1930s. They are also the best bet to avoid HIV and other STDs. It was in the 80s that condoms gained widespread acceptance as a mean to avoid HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

 If used properly condoms have a 97% success rate. Also unlike other birth control devices like oral pills condoms don’t have any side-effects like hormonal imbalance or weight gain. Also it’s more fool-proof than behavioural birth control methods like withdrawal before ejaculation (coitus interruptus) and natural family planning.

 How should I put on a condom?

Hold the tip of the condom and unroll it onto the erect penis. While unrolling, make sure you’re unrolling the right way. Leave a little space at the tip of the penis. It’s important to leave a little space but not leave any air bubbles at the tip. These air bubbles can cause the condom to break.

 What do I do with my foreskin while using condoms?

Now men with foreskin (uncircumcised) have to keep some additional points in mind while using the condom. They should first roll the foreskin back, put on the condom and then roll the foreskin back up. This reduces the chance of condom breakage and

 I’ve heard that condoms reduce pleasure, is it true? 

This has been bandied about for years as a reason not to use condoms. It varies from person to person and also depends upon circumcision. Circumcised men are less likely to feel pleasure. However, to battle this issue condom companies have come out with a variety of products like dotted, ribbed or ultra-thin condoms that increase pleasure quotient. Even if it does reduce some pleasure the alternative is unplanned pregnancies or being HIV+. So it’s always better to cover up.

 People say that it’s hard to maintain an erection with a condom on. Others say that they can’t ejaculate with them on. Are these facts true?

Some people do indeed find it hard to maintain an erection or ejaculate with a condom on. These issues can be overcome with practise. There’s a need to approach condom use with our humour intact. Just because you couldn’t maintain an erection or ejaculate while wearing a condom doesn’t mean you’ll never be able to do it. All you need is patience and a little practise. Condoms are available in various sizes and shapes. You might need to find the one that fits you perfectly but they’re out there.

 What are the types of condoms that are available?

Condoms are usually user-friendly and can add spice to your sex life with a little practise. They are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and flavours. There are dotted and ribbed condoms that increase pleasure, flavoured condoms that are great for oral sex, extra thin ones for the natural feel and even a glow-in-the-dark variety (we’re not kidding)!

 What are condoms made of?

Condoms are usually made of latex though sometimes more natural substances like polyurethane, polyisoprene and even lamb skin are occasionally used. Though latex is by far the most popular version, some people are allergic to latex (less than 1%) and it might lead to rashes, blisters and in more severe cases anaphylaxis – a severe allergic reaction where there is swelling of the lips, throat, tongue which leads to respiratory distress and needs immediate medical attention.

 Can I use lubricants with condoms?

Latex condoms should also never be used with oil-based lubricants because they can damage the condom. These include lubricants like petroleum jelly (Vaseline), cold cream, hand lotion or baby oil can damage the latex condoms. Always use water-based lubricants with them.

What do I do after ejaculating?

It’s important to withdraw your penis immediately after ejaculating while holding the bottom of the condom. It’s equally important to dispose of condoms properly and they should never be flushed down toilets or thrown on the road.

We hope we’ve managed to answer all your doubts about condoms. If you’ve any other doubts feel free to write to us. This piece is about the male condom. We’ll soon follow up with one about female condoms. So people be safe, why worry? 

Read: Revealed – the average size of the Indian penis!

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He also found the three questions that best predicted whether couples would actually go on to have a long-term relationship. While many people thought the best questions to ask would be about someone’s views on sex, smoking and God, he found that you could predict compatibility more than twice as well by asking these three questions: 

1) Wouldn’t it be fun to chuck it all and go live on a sailboat?

2) Do you like horror movies? 

3) Have you ever travelled around another country alone?

The data suggests that compatibility on sensation-seeking may be even more important than more obvious compatibility testers such a date’s opinion on religion, sex, and smoking, observed Psychology Today magazine.

Source: IANS