Myths About Condoms - The Truth
There are some pretty crazy myths about condoms. These myths are currently circulating out there in the real world as well as on the Internet. The crazy thing is that there are people who actually believe these myths about condoms. We offer these myths for our visitors who want to know the truth about today's condoms
1. Wearing a condom is like wearing a rain coat, there are no pleasurable sensations. Condoms have always been referred to as a layer of protection between you and your partner. Although this layer at one time was "pretty thick" condoms have come a long way in the last 20 years. Condoms today offer more protection and sensation because of their thinness.
2. Taking time to put on a condom detracts from the moment. Although it does take some time to apply a condom (approximately 15 seconds) the time spent could save your life. If applying the condom is really a moment killer we suggest you have your partner apply the condom instead. This can turn out to be a great source of arousal in some cases and in turn prevent disease and keep you in the game and not on the bench.
3. Condoms do not have a shelf life. Although condoms stored in safe places like a bureau or night stand will last much longer than a condom kept in your wallet they all have expiration dates and should be adhered to strictly. Wearing a condom can save lives and prevent unwanted pregnancy but not if they're out of date. You wouldn't drink a glass of old milk so don't trust your life to an old condom.
4. I can never find a condom when I need one. Since there is at least one drugstore in every town across America, finding a condom should not be that hard to do. If you are reading this page you have access to hundreds of websites that sell condoms online. If you happen to be one of those guys who plays the field we suggest you purchase more than one condom at a time and keep a supply where you'll need them.
5. My religion prevents me from wearing a condom. If your religion prevents you from wearing a condom you'll need to find another way to save your own life such as abstinence or self gratification. Most religions are also against murder or hurting others but isn't that what we do when we have unprotected sex with our partners?
6. Purchasing condoms is too costly. This could not be farther from the truth. In comparison, child support for 18 years would cost more than a condom. One herpes prescription could cost more than a years worth of condoms. The medical bills associated with AIDS treatment cost much more than a box of condoms. Not having to fight for 18 years with the mother of your child because you wore a condom is priceless.
7. I'm allergic to latex. This one is true! There are several types of Latex Allergies in existence today and if you happen to be one of those unlucky individuals wearing a latex condom can be tough. However, there are more than enough alternatives like wearing a non latex condom made from polyurethane. Although these condoms are a bit more fragile than latex, they still offer the same level of protection and save lives.
8. Condoms are too small for me. Although this is a myth more often than not with most men, there are a few men where this can be true. Some men are just larger by nature and need a bigger condom. There are many different choices available for the larger sized man and more often than not the local drugstore carries a larger size brand just for these men.
9. I don't like them as they cramp my style. This is more of a myth now then 10 years ago. Basically there was only one type of condom to wear back in the "old days" when your father was wearing condoms. Today the condom industry has more flavors, sizes, variety, and a host of other gimmicks designed to make wearing a condom fun as well as life saving.
10. The condom always falls off. Although this may happen, buying the correct size condom and using a lubricant will almost certainly prevent this from happening. The use of a lubricant on the outside of the condom prevents the friction build up between you and your partner. This friction is what generally makes the condom fall off.
Myth # 1 - Condoms decrease sensation and hence reduce pleasure
If you thought that condoms decrease sensation and hence reduce pleasure, think again. Try textured/studded condoms. These condoms have slight bumps or ribs that run up and down the length of the condom meant for extra stimulation, and hence enhanced pleasure for both the partners
Myth # 2 - Flavored condoms are equally good for vaginal sex
Flavored condoms are undoubtedly the best for oral sex. However they might not be suitable for use during of these condoms are sugar coated thereby increasing risk of getting yeast infection.
Myth # 3 - People consciously decide which condom to buy
As per our survey on condom use habits only 14% of them used condoms as a means of pleasure. While 78% of readers were aware of different types of condoms available in the market, and had tried them too, only 33% specifically chose which condoms to buy.
Myth # 4 - Condoms are available only in a standard size
Just like women don't know that bras have cup sizes too, similarly, most of the men don't know that condoms are available in different sizes, to suit each ones needs. There is small, medium, large and extra large. Choose the one that fits you well. Do not unnecessarily wear a bigger condom. It might not serve the purpose at all. Be responsible and aware. Wear the right size.
Myth # 5 - Condoms are 100% safe
The truth is that condoms are only 97% safe. So do not trust them blindly.
Using a Condom? Use It the RIGHT Way!
Here are the steps to using a condom the right way:
1. Talk to your partner about using protection.
2. If you want to use condoms, go to a grocery store, drug store, public or private health clinic and get them. Latex or polyurethane condoms are the best.
3. Check the expiration date before purchasing the condoms to make sure they have not expired.
4. It's best to store condoms in a cool, dry place (like a dresser drawer or your backpack). But that's not always possible when you're going out. For short periods of time, you can keep condoms in your pocket or wallet - just be sure to replace them every month, since heat from your body can lead to condom deterioration.
5. Check to see which way the condom unrolls.
6. Place the condom on the tip of the erect penis and roll it down (It should roll down easily; if it doesn't, it's probably upside-down. If you start to put on a condom upside-down, throw it away and start over with a new condom).
7. Squeeze the air out of the tip of the condom. This is important because if the air is not squeezed out, the condom could break.
8. Roll the condom all the way down to the base of the penis.
9. After ejaculation, hold the condom at the base of the penis and withdraw the penis. Carefully remove the condom from the penis, making sure that none of the semen seeps out.
10. Remember that you can only use a condom once—so throw it away when you are done.
Flavoured Condoms
Contrary to popular belief, flavored condoms are not meant for intercourse, and can be dangerous when used as the only form of protection. With no disclaimers on the box or warning signs to remind us of this fact however, we often assume flavored condoms are effective contraceptive and protective devices. This is partly due to general misinformation and partly due to conflicting marketing techniques. Condom manufacturers like Durex (a brand I usually trust), confusingly combines pleasurable condom attributes, sending mixed messages about how to use them. They advertise a single condom brand as both flavored (oral sex only) and ribbed for her pleasure (intercourse only). This leaves even informed consumers baffled.
First: hygiene and health. The chemical make-up of your vagina is naturally acidic, composed of bacteria, which helps to monitor its chemical balance and keep you clean and healthy. Sugar alters this balance, changing bacterial makeup and raising levels of yeast. This means that flavored condoms can result in yeast, bacterial and even bladder infections. (Believe me – I’ve been there.)
Second: additives and chemicals. If you look at the actual ingredients of flavored condoms, sugar is not among them. Instead, the condoms are coated with glycerine, sodium saccharine or (an artificial sweetener) recently received press for its possible correlation with cancer. If I don’t want it in my food, I certainly don’t want it in my vagina.
Third: sexual pleasure and safety. Sugar and sugar-like substances act as drying agents. (Honey is often used to dry up babies’ umbilical cords!) Using condoms with a sugary coating effectively counteracts lubrication, whether synthetic or natural, that would normally allow pleasurable interaction. Furthermore, a dry condom is much more likely to break during intercourse, resulting in dangerous unwanted contact with bodily fluids. Pregnancy and infection can result.
So, now you know: flavored condoms are not for intercourse. Spread the news! For maximum safety and pleasure, remember it’s your mouth that craves chocolate, not your vagina.
Condoms and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
The following recommendations concerning condoms and the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are based on current scientific information. That information is concerned with how different STDs are transmitted, the physical properties of condoms, the anatomic coverage or protection that condoms provide, and epidemiologic studies of condom use and STD risk. By condoms here are meant male latex condoms. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are now known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV
Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, are highly effective in preventing transmission of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. In addition, correct and consistent use of latex condoms can reduce the risk of other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including discharge and genital ulcer diseases. While the effect of condoms in preventing human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is unknown, condom use has been associated with a lower rate of cervical cancer, an HPV-associated disease.
There are two primary ways that STDs can be transmitted. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), as well as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis - the discharge diseases - are transmitted when infected semen or vaginal fluids contact mucosal surfaces (for example, the male urethra, the vagina or cervix). In contrast, genital ulcer diseases - genital herpes, syphilis, and chancroid - and human papillomavirus are primarily transmitted through contact with infected skin or mucosal surfaces.
HIV, the virus that causes AIDS
Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, are highly effective in preventing the sexual transmission of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
AIDS is, by far, the most deadly sexually transmitted disease, and considerably more scientific evidence exists regarding condom effectiveness for prevention of HIV infection than for other STDs. The body of research on the effectiveness of latex condoms in preventing sexual transmission of HIV is both comprehensive and conclusive. In fact, the ability of latex condoms to prevent transmission of HIV has been scientifically established in "real-life" studies of sexually active couples as well as in laboratory studies.
Discharge diseases, including gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis
Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, can reduce the risk of transmission of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis.
Gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis are termed discharge diseases because they are sexually transmitted by genital secretions, such as semen or vaginal fluids. HIV is also transmitted by genital secretions.
Studies have demonstrated that latex condoms provide an essentially impermeable barrier to particles the size of STD pathogens. The physical properties of latex condoms protect against discharge diseases such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis, by providing a barrier to the genital secretions that transmit STD-causing organisms.
Genital ulcer diseases and human papillomavirus (HPV)
Genital ulcer diseases and HPV infections can occur in both male or female genital areas that are covered or protected by a latex condom, as well as in areas that are not covered. Correct and consistent use of latex condoms can reduce the risk of genital herpes, syphilis, and chancroid only when the infected area or site of potential exposure is protected. While the effect of condoms in preventing human papillomavirus infection is unknown, condom use has been associated with a lower rate of cervical cancer, an HPV-associated disease.
Genital ulcer diseases include genital herpes, syphilis, and chancroid. These diseases are transmitted primarily through "skin-to-skin" contact from sores/ulcers or infected skin that looks normal. HPV infections are transmitted through contact with infected genital skin or mucosal surfaces/fluids. Genital ulcer diseases and HPV infection can occur in male or female genital areas that are, or are not, covered (protected by the condom).
Protection against genital ulcer diseases and HPV depends on the site of the sore/ulcer or infection. Latex condoms can only protect against transmission when the ulcers or infections are in genital areas that are covered or protected by the condom. Thus, consistent and correct use of latex condoms would be expected to protect against transmission of genital ulcer diseases and HPV in some, but not all, instances.
A number of studies do show an association between condom use and a reduced risk of HPV-associated diseases, including genital warts, cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer.
SOURCES: These recommendations are based on information from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
We can all be forgetful in the height of passion, but don't let a moments forgetfulness lead to long term complications.
you never go out without you mobile phone, keys, cigarettes, money...so why go swinging without a CONDOM...
Are femdoms still available, or have they been taken off the market does anyone know?
Appears they are readily available on the web.
Femidom Female Condom
, or its too small. For the former there are specially sized condoms so they don't slip off. For the one's that say it won't fit, you can demonstrate to them by getting a large size condom, and making him stick his fist in it myth dispelled.