OK, some people STILL don’t think it’s important to use a condom & then they face unwanted pregnancies, infections, & possibly AIDS. But condoms can make a world of difference in your life & allow you to avoid having to deal with any of the above mentioned situations. Here is a brief rundown on condoms available for safe (& unsafe) sex.
Condoms are made from three basic materials; latex, polyurethane, & lambs skin. Latex is the most common & provides the largest variety of selection. They can be lubricated, non-lubricated, textured, & even flavored. Some people have an allergic reaction to latex but there are other choices of materials.
Polyurethane condoms are made of materials similar to plastic. They are not as plentiful in choice variety & are not as elastic as latex, meaning they have a little looser fit. A little extra lubricant & conscious awareness of the fit will prevent breakage or slipping off during intercourse. They are thinner than latex which conducts heat better making for a nice feel. They are effective in preventing pregnancies & STD/HIV transmission though they are not yet approved by the FDA for pregnancy & STD transmission but studies are in progress to get approval.
Lamb skin is another condom alternative to latex. It is made from lamb intestine or membrane & is effective in preventing pregnancy but NOT from STD/HIV transmission due to it being more porous. They have a tighter fit & many people do find them a fine alternative to latex.
There is a new condom material available made by Lifestyles from polyisoprene which come from the sap of a hevea tree but has no latex . They fit similar to latex condoms. This material is FDA approved in terms of pregnancy & STD prevention.
Another alternative is the female condom. These are made of polyurethane &, therefore, latex free. This give the woman full control on using protection & can be inserted up to 8 hours prior to sex. They can be a little tricky to insert so be sure to read the directions carefully. They are inserted much like a diaphram would be used.
With all condoms, use a water based or silicone based lubricant for ease of penetration & reduce friction causing breakage. Polyurethane condoms can be used with oils, unlike latex condoms. Flavored condoms should only be used for oral sex as the sugar flavoring can alter the Ph in the vagina or anus & lead to possible yeast or bacterial infection.
Other aspects to consider is size & texture. Find a condom that fits you properly & have fun “experimenting” with the different textures available to see what works for you & your partner.
Condoms don’t reduce the sensation of sex as much as people want to believe. Besides, what’s wrong with lasting a little longer before orgasm anyway?
Condoms are easy to obtain & are the best protection we have for fun, safe sex.
For more information on condoms, go to www.passionglow.com