Condom - characteristics, history, effectiveness, types, advantages and disadvantages

The condom is the only contraceptive method that is effective in protecting against serious sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. It is recommended to everyone, especially people who do not have permanent sexual partners. A condom does not protect 100%. before pregnancy, so it is best to use an additional form of contraception at the same time.

1. What is a condom?

The condom is one of the oldest and most widely used contraceptives. A condom is a thin sheath that should be put on the male member just before sexual intercourse.

The condoms are available in regular and larger sizes, as well as a thinner rubber version and a variety of scents and colors.

The condom can be used during vaginal intercourse, oral sex and foreplay. This popular method of contraception creates a kind of barrier that prevents contact with sperm, blood, vaginal secretions or saliva of a partner. It protects against dangerous sexually transmitted diseases (such as HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea or chlamydia). There are latex and non-latex props on sale. Latex-free condoms are much thinner and feel like human skin.

The condom should be put on the erect penis before penetration and removed after ejaculation. After putting on a condom, a free space of about 1 cm remains at the end of the condom - a reservoir in which sperm accumulates.

The condom is an easy to use and highly effective method of contraception. Condom effectiveness levels range from 85 to 98%.

2. History of the condom

The history of the condom is connected with the discovery by man of the relationship between sex and conception. Thanks to Plato, for a long time it was believed that the spermatozoa contained in the sperm are "ready men", and the woman's body is an incubator for their development. Condoms, or rather their prototypes, were supposed to prevent the introduction of the figure into the female body. The Greek king Minos is said to have used goat bladders as a penis shield as early as 1200 BC.

Over time, people began to see another advantage of the first condoms. In 1554, the use of condoms was first documented as a "protection against annoying diseases brought by overseas seafarers". The Italian physician Gabriel Fallopius recommended the use of linen bags soaked in inorganic salts to avoid contracting venereal diseases.

A variety of materials were used to make the first condoms. Leather, guts, silk, cotton, silver and snail shells were used. In the first half of the 2nd century, Charles Goodyear, the discoverer of rubber vulcanization, created the first rubber condom. He was reusable. The condom had a side seam and was approximately XNUMX mm thick.

Condoms experienced a real boom in the XNUMXth century. New technologies appeared, condoms began to be made from latex and polyurethane. Their availability increased, they received their advertising time and began to be widely used not only as a method of contraception, but also as protection against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.

3. Types of condoms

There are various types of condoms on the market that differ in material, size, color, smell and taste. Here are the most popular types of condoms.

3.1. latex condoms

Latex condoms are the most commonly used contraceptive. They are readily available and very cheap. Latex, also known as natural rubber, is most commonly used by condom manufacturers. Latex condoms are elastic and impermeable. Unfortunately, they have a certain disadvantage. They can influence the intensity of a man's sensations. What caused it? Itex is usually quite thick, which can be felt during intercourse. Latex condoms are not suitable for people who are allergic to this material.

3.2. Condoms without latex

Latex-free condoms are an interesting alternative to traditional condoms. Latex-free condoms are made from AT-10 synthetic resin or polysoprene. During intercourse, the sensations are more intense and natural, because latex-free condoms are much thinner and softer than latex ones. Latex-free condoms feel like human skin.

3.3. Wet condoms

Wet condoms are coated on the outside and inside with an additional layer of lubricant, which affects the quality of sexual intercourse. Moisturizing condoms are the perfect solution for couples who struggle with vaginal dryness.

3.4. Lump condoms

Lugged condoms increase the intensity of sensations as well as the level of vaginal stimulation. This is the perfect alternative for couples who love to experiment in bed. The protrusions of the condom stimulate the woman's clitoris during intercourse, which makes it much easier to achieve orgasm.

3.5. Condoms that prolong sexual intercourse

Condoms that prolong sexual intercourse contain a certain substance - benzocaine, which delays a man's ejaculation. Sex prolonging condoms are ideal for men who have problems with premature ejaculation.

3.6. Flavored and Flavored Condoms

Condom manufacturers also offer flavored and scented condoms. If you're tired of traditional condoms, you can buy condoms that are flavored and flavored with Coca-Cola, bubble gum, white chocolate, mint, apple, strawberry, or blueberry. Flavored and scented condoms come in a variety of colors ranging from yellow to blue or red. Condoms with different smells and flavors can make intercourse more enjoyable, especially oral sex.

4. Condom effectiveness

The Pearl Index is used to measure the effectiveness of contraception. This indicator was invented in 1932 by Raymond Pearl. The Pearl Index measures the number of unwanted pregnancies that result from regular lovemaking for couples using a particular contraceptive method.

According to the Pearl Index, the effectiveness of condoms ranges from 2 to 15. For comparison, the indicator for birth control pills is 0,2-1,4, and for unprotected intercourse - 85.

Why these discrepancies in condom effectiveness? When they are used, many variables appear. Properly selected and used condoms will protect you from unwanted pregnancy. Unfortunately, because it is a mechanical method, the condom can be damaged or torn, making it less effective as a contraceptive method. A condom that is not properly worn and used will not protect against pregnancy and STDs.

5. Choosing the right condom size

Choosing the right condom size is extremely important. Condom manufacturers stock condoms in a variety of sizes, colors, and scents. Also on sale are condoms with special protrusions.

Choosing the right condom size is very important because a condom that is too wide and too long can slip off during intercourse, and a condom that is too narrow and too small can break during insertion or during penetration. Before buying condoms, it is recommended to measure the size of the penis. We take measurements while standing, when the penis is in a state of erection. It is worth reaching for a tailor's centimeter.

We apply a tailor's centimeter to the root of the penis, and then measure the length (from the root to the end of the head). It is also worth measuring the circumference of the penis. The circumference should be measured at its widest point. Armed with this knowledge, we can choose the right condom size.

6. Marking on the packaging of the condom

The markings on condom packaging may vary depending on the manufacturer. Most companies use labels that are used in the clothing industry. You can find the letters S, M, L, or XL on the condom packaging.

Size S is for erect penises up to 12,5cm, M is for penises around 14cm, L is for penises up to 18cm, and XL is for penises over 19cm. The standard Pole usually chooses size M condoms. On some condom packages, we find the exact measurements, taking into account the circumference of the penis. The dimensions in this case are selected as follows:

• penis circumference 9,5-10 cm - 47 mm
• penis circumference 10-11 cm - 49 mm
• penis circumference 11-11,5 cm - 53 mm
• penis circumference 11,5-12 cm - 57 mm
• penis circumference 12-13 cm - 60 mm
• penis circumference 13-14 cm - 64 mm
• penis circumference 14-15 cm - 69 mm

7. How to wear a condom?

Putting on a condom may seem easy, but if done incorrectly during intercourse, it can slip or break, which will significantly reduce its contraceptive effect.

The condom is put on before sexual intercourse. If we have sex with a new partner, it is worth putting on a condom as soon as possible to avoid touching the genitals and not exposing ourselves to possible diseases transmitted during intercourse.

It is also recommended to check the expiration date before buying condoms. The longer condoms are left unused, the more likely they are to break during insertion or intercourse. Carefully remove the condom from the package. It is better not to use either teeth or nails for this purpose, so as not to damage it. The folded part of the condom must be on the outside, otherwise it will be difficult to insert the condom correctly.

The end of the condom is a reservoir for semen. Squeeze it to remove air from it, and put the condom on the head of the penis. The penis must be erect when you put on the condom. With one hand we squeeze the reservoir, and with the other we unfold the condom along the entire length of the penis. We check whether the condom fits well to the walls of the penis, and if everything is in order, you can safely proceed to penetration. During sex, you should pay attention to whether the condom has slipped off and whether it has been damaged.

After ejaculation, gently hold the condom with your hand, and then remove the penis from the vagina. We carefully remove it while the penis is still erect. Throw the condom in the trash. You can't throw it in the toilet.

8. Condom Benefits

• It is an effective contraception for men.
• Condoms can be purchased at the pharmacy.
• They don't have any side effects.
• Condoms are easy to use.
• You can use condoms along with other methods of contraception (birth control pills, spermicidal gels, etc.)
• Condom use does not affect fertility.
• They can help men maintain or prolong erections.
• The condom is not only a method of contraception, but also protection against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, hepatitis B.

9. Condom - disadvantages

• Condom use can negatively affect the harmony and spontaneity of sexual contact in a relationship.
• During intercourse, the following may occur: slipping off a condomdamage or rupture of the condom.
• Some people may develop allergic reactions.
• A condom weakens sexual sensations and reduces the pleasure of sexual intercourse. Some men cannot ejaculate without direct contact.
• Proper use of a condom is essential to its effectiveness. Both of your partners should be able to put on a condom.

Condom protects against unwanted pregnancy and against serious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis B. Condom use also reduces the risk of cervical cancer and genital herpes.

On the other hand, the effectiveness of this contraceptive methods it is not XNUMX% and depends a lot on the ability to properly put on a condom.

10. What are female condoms?

Few people know that the market also has female condoms. The female condom is a contraceptive method based on the same principles as the male condom. This is nothing more than a "tube" about 16-17 centimeters long. At both ends we find the so-called rings to prevent the female condom from entering the vagina. The second ring is slightly smaller. It is located inside the vagina. What are the benefits of female condoms? First of all, ease of use. The female condom can be put on shortly before intercourse and removed later rather than immediately after intercourse.

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