Condoms - effectiveness, types, advantages and disadvantages

The condom is one of the oldest forms of contraception and is the most common method of contraception. A condom is a very thin rubber covering that should be put on a man's penis just before intercourse. The condoms are available in regular and larger sizes, as well as a thinner rubber version and a variety of scents and colors.

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 contraceptive method with a high success rate of 85 to 98%.

2. History of condoms

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. 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. The condom is put on and used correctly protects against 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.

4. 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.

5. 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

6. Types of condoms

There are many types of condoms on store shelves. They differ in the material from which they are made, as well as in shape, color, taste and additional properties. The most common types of condoms are listed below.

6.1. latex condoms

Latex is the material most commonly used to make condoms. Latex is nothing but natural rubber. Latex condoms are elastic and impermeable. Their downside is that the latex is usually thick enough that you can feel it during intercourse. Men often complain that latex condoms reduce the intensity of their sensations during intercourse. Some people may be allergic to latex.

6.2. Condoms without latex

Latex-free condoms are an alternative to traditional condoms. Latex-free condoms are made from AT-10 synthetic resin or polysoprene. Latex-free condoms are thinner and feel like human skin. During sex, the sensations are more natural, and the condom itself is barely noticeable.

6.3. Wet condoms

Wet condoms are coated with an additional layer of lubricant on the outside and inside, which affects the quality of sexual intercourse. Wet condoms are often used by couples whose partner has problems with vaginal dryness.

6.4. Lump condoms

Ribbed condoms or condoms with other types of protrusions make the sexual experience of both partners more intense. The protrusions at the base of the condom stimulate the woman's clitoris during intercourse, making it easier to achieve orgasm.

6.5. Condoms to prolong sexual intercourse

Condoms that prolong sexual intercourse are coated with a special substance - benzocaine, which delays ejaculation. These condoms are suitable when your partner has problems with premature ejaculation.

6.6. Flavored and Flavored Condoms

Condoms with different smells and flavors can make intercourse more enjoyable, especially oral sex. Delicate aromas excite the senses of partners.

6.7. Condoms in different shapes and colors

Unusually shaped condoms can help you break your relationship routine. There are condoms on the market with larger ridges, as well as condoms with irritating "villi". You can also buy condoms in a variety of colors - gold, silver, black, and even those that glow in the dark.

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.

End of the condom sperm reservoir. 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, it is worth paying 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. How much do condoms cost?

Condom prices depend on the manufacturer and the amount of "goodies" they contain. A regular latex condom costs from a few dozen to about 4 zł each. Condoms are usually packaged in packs of 3,6,10,16, 24, XNUMX, XNUMX and even XNUMX pieces. Prices for ribbed, flavored, flavored, extra thin, wetted condoms, etc. are usually higher than standard condoms.

9. Condom Benefits

The popularity of the condom is due to its high effectiveness, ease of use and availability, and the fact that it protects against STDs. The condom can also play a role in fighting HIV. So it's perfect contraceptive for people who have sex with multiple partners. In such a situation, it is also worth using a condom for oral or anal contact (special, thicker).

There are studies showing that condom use reduces the incidence of inflammation of the appendages in women. The condom somewhat reduces the feeling of a man, so it can be recommended for premature ejaculation. However, many people are discouraged from using a condom because condoms must be put on just before intercourse. In addition, condoms can cause erectile dysfunction in some men.

When choosing condoms, you should pay attention to where you buy them - how they are stored. Better if it's a pharmacy.

10. Disadvantages of condoms

Condoms are barrier methods of contraception and are not without drawbacks. First, their effectiveness depends on careful use. A condom can slip or break during intercourse, sometimes making it unreliable. In addition, some people complain that the use of condoms causes discomfort or reduces the intensity of sensations during sex. Condoms can also increase sensitivity and irritate the vaginal walls.

11. What should I do if a condom breaks?

Maybe something can be done about it! There are pills "after intercourse." Its action is based on the assumption that the embryo is implanted in the uterine cavity no earlier than 5 days after ovulation. The introduction of a high dose of progestogens contained in the tablet causes changes in the uterine mucosa that prevent implantation.

The uterus then bleeds and the embryo is removed from the body. In fact, it is difficult to call this measure contraceptive method and should not be treated as such. It is used in emergency situations, for example, when the measures taken did not help (for example, a condom broke), when a rape took place, when a couple forgot to protect themselves under the influence of high spirits. As for the last example - it's better not to forget each other too often (for example, every month)!

As mentioned above, the tablet contains a large dose of a hormone that is not indifferent to the body! It causes a hormonal storm, disrupts the menstrual cycle, overloads the liver. Women who repeatedly "forget themselves" and then take more pills "after intercourse" significantly harm their health. It is better not to mess with hormones.

In the event of an "emergency" a woman has 72 hours to prevent an unplanned pregnancy. To do this, he must contact a gynecologist and ask him to write a prescription for pills.

12. Female condoms

Female condoms are also now available. The female condom is based on the same principles as the male condom. It is a kind of "tube" about 17 cm long. There are rings on both ends of the female condom. The entry ring prevents the condom from entering the vagina.

The second ring of the condom is slightly smaller and sits inside the vagina. The advantage of a female condom is that it can be put on some time before intercourse and removed later, and not immediately after intercourse, as is the case with a male condom.

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