How To Put a Condom On
To learn how to put on a condom the right way you don't really need an erect penis, anything with the approximate size and shape of an erected penis - like a banana - will do it. Male condoms (you can read about the new female condoms a bit farther down) are packaged in a rolled-up form, and they are designed to be applied to the tip of the penis and then rolled over the erect penis. To begin, open the pack and take the condom out. It's crucial not to damage the condom with your finger nails, because a torn condom won't protect you from Sexually Transmitted Diseases nor avoid pregnancy - and protection is what condoms are all about. Next, you will see a small tip hanging on one side of the condom. Grab this tip with your thumb and index finger to squeeze the air out (trapping air inside the condom is never a good idea!). While keeping your fingers on the tip, place the condom on the head of your penis with the tip up. Now use your other hand to roll the condom down the length of your shaft and you're done! One last piece of advice: Only use condoms that fit your penis' size otherwise a big condom might start to slip off your penis during intercourse, or you can tear a condom apart that is too small for you. If you are completely new to condoms, buying a couple of sizes and trying them all to find the best one for you is probably a good idea; there are several condom sizes available, from snug to standard, magnum, and XL size.
Materials And Designs
Most condoms are made of latex because of the outstanding elastic properties of this natural material - these condoms can be stretched by 800%. There are also polyurethane condoms on the market, that can be made thinner than latex condoms and are not as sensitive to temperature and ultraviolet light. And unlike natural latex condoms, they can also be used together with oil-based lubricants e.g. vaseline. On the other hand polyurethane condoms are more likely to slip or break than the latex variety. Lambskin condoms - that are actually made from lamb intestines - have been around for centuries and are available to this very day. They have a greater ability to transmit tactile sensation as synthetic condoms and they are less allergenic than latex. The problem with them is that they don't really protect against Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) because the pores in the lamb skin let bacteria and viruses slip through.
Rather new developments are the invisible condom and the spray-on condom, that are both in clinical trials and not yet available on the market. The invisible condom is a gel that hardens after insertion into the vagina (or rectum), while the spray-on condom is applied to the penis and dries in about 5 seconds to a perfect fit. Female condoms ("femidoms") are polyurethane condoms that are larger and wider than male condoms but have the same length. Female condoms have a flexible opening that is shaped like a ring and are inserted into the vagina or the rectum. Additionally the female condom contains an inner ring to aid insertion.
Condoms are available in a big variety of colors, shapes, and thicknesses, but also different flavors and lubricated or textured surfaces. Many condoms come with a spermicidal lubricant while others are ribbed or have small bumps added. The latter ones are sometimes called lifestyle condoms, because their users see their main purpose in enhancing their personal sex life rather than in protecting them from pregnancy and STDs.
Effectiveness of Condoms
Condoms are effective in preventing unwanted pregnancy and transmission of most STDs if used properly. Different studies show different results, but as a general rule of thumb wearing condoms reduces the risk of infection with HIV/AIDS and veneral diseases by approximately 70% - 85%.
Other Words for Condoms
Popular synonyms and slang words in the English language are: prophylactics, rubbers, rubber johnny, jimmy hats, rain coats, Hazmat suits, love gloves, something for the weekend (UK). Sometimes popular condom brands are used to refer to condoms in general, like Durex, Condomi, Trojans / Trojan, Fromm's and so on.
You can find more information on condoms and other sex advice at this website, that also offers educational pictures and videos that teach you how to get the most out of your sex life.
