Condoms

What is a condom?

You might think this is a stupid question. In fact, I hope it is. But people are still getting AIDS, other STDs and unwanted pregnancies all the time -- so it's obviously not stupid enough.

A condom is a thin latex (usually) or lamb membrane cover that fits over an erect penis.

How does it work?

The whole idea is that when the man ejaculates, the sperm, semen, or whatever you prefer to call it, gets trapped in the tip of the condom and does not make contact with the vagina, rectum, mouth, or anything else.

How effective are condoms?

If used properly, condoms have about a four percent failure rate. Unfortunately, many people don't know how to use condoms, so the actual failure rate is more like 12 percent.

Both of those percentages can be decreased by also using a water-based spermicide (oil-based spermicides will weaken the latex). But the best way for you to avoid any dangerous situations is to learn to use the condom properly.

Advantages

Because it is a barrier method, it provides protection against STDs, as well as being a reliable method of birth control. This makes it ideal for those with multiple partners.

They're easy to carry around in a pocket, wallet or purse.

They're available almost everywhere.

They can be used as a backup to other methods of contraception.

They don't involve any internal bodily changes.

They come in all kinds of flavors, colors, and wild varieties, so they can actually "spice up" sexual activities.

Disadvantages

They decrease sexual spontaneity. Just when things start to heat up, the action has to stop, so the condom can be placed on the penis.

Right after sex, before the erection is lost, the man must withdraw in order to prevent any semen leakage. This limits the "warm and cuddly time" after sex, which everyone looks forward to.

Some people are allergic to latex and/or spermicides.

Many people complain that the darn things just don't feel as good as the real deal.

How do I use them?

Boys and girls, even if you think you know how to use a condom, you should check this out. Look at it this way -- 30 seconds right now might save you hours, days, or even nine months of worry in the future.

Be careful when opening the condom package that you don't tear the condom.
Unroll the condom a small distance over your finger to ensure it is being unrolled properly. The rolled rim should always be on the outside of the condom.
Pinch the tip of the condom as you place it on the erect penis. This allows some space for the semen to collect, and is believed to help prevent breakage.
Unroll the condom down to the base of the penis. If the condom has been unrolled the wrong way, then throw it away and use another one.

Withdrawal:

Removing the penis from the partner soon after ejaculation is very important. While the penis is still hard, grab the rim of the condom and hold it to the penis to make sure it is removed along with the penis.
Once the penis is away from the partner, slip the condom off the penis making sure no semen spills from the condom.

True story:

I was in Florida, and I had taken a girl in my parents' car to a secluded area of the beach. She was reluctant to get out of the car, so we decided to fool around in the back seat. This was senior year in high school, by the way. We got very close to that point, and she was like, 'Did you bring anything?' I was like, 'Yeah, sure.' I got the condom out of the wrapper, put it on, and that's about all it took. [laughs] I had sex and she wasn't even a part of it. I was thinking, 'Oh god, this sucks!' But I was so embarrassed, that I had to fake having sex with her.
Share Your True Story!

Map | Search | Help | Send Us Comments