Sexually active or not, it’s important to know about condoms for your own safety. We wish everyone talked about them freely and there wasn’t such a taboo around them because they really are the handiest thing when it comes to sex! Fret not, here are the answers to all your questions about condoms.
Question 1: Are condoms effective against HIV, sexually transmitted diseases and other sexually transmitted infections?
Yes, they are. While all forms of contraceptives (birth control pill, contraceptive patch, vaginal rings) prevent pregnancies, only condoms prevent diseases and infections that are transmitted during sex. In fact, research shows that condoms are most effective in preventing STIs spread by bodily fluid and skin to skin contact. However, condoms can only protect against these diseases if the sores are in areas covered by the condom. So girls, use a condom even if you are on the birth control pill.
Question 2: Is using two condoms better than one?
Double of everything isn’t always the best thing. ‘Double bagging’, as it is called, is in fact, counter-productive. The friction between two condoms can increase the chances of your condoms ripping. So save one and use it for the next round.
Question 3: Can you use condoms under water?
Condoms may not be as effective when you have shower or pool sex. The steady stream of water will lead to slippage and will also wash off the lubricant on the condom (unless it is water based). Also, condoms are not tested for their performance under water and manufacturers don’t know how the latex will react to water. So, you’ll have to be very careful with the condom, if you use it. And, ah, it may kinda kill the mood too.
Question 4: Does using a male or female condom make sex less pleasurable?
The answer to that is a definite NO. Unless and until you are allergic to latex. Also, sex feels a 100% better when you’re not constantly stressing about getting pregnant or getting an STI.
Question 5: Are female condoms harder to use than male condoms?
They aren’t any harder to use than male condoms but they do require a little practice. Remember the first time you used a tampon? It may have taken a while for you to get the hang of it but it ended up being the most convenient thing ever, right?. Same goes for a female condom.
Question 6: Can I use lubricants with condoms?
Yes. Lubricants can and should be used with condoms. However, make sure you use silicone or water-based lubricants only. Oil-based lubricants and products like petroleum jelly or body lotions must never be used.
Question 7: How can I check if a condom is safe to use? Can I reuse a condom?
Condoms are tested before packaging. However, to be sure, check for the expiry date on the condom packet, as well as for any visible damage to the packaging. Do not check these condoms by filling them with water before intercourse. This will damage the condom. Also, NEVER reuse a condom. It is not comfortable to wear or reuse and the chances of it malfunctioning are very high.
Question 8: Why aren’t condoms 100% effective?
Condoms are not 100% effective for three reasons. The first is, if the condom breaks or falls off. The second reason is that condoms are susceptible to oil-based lubricants and may disintegrate when used with them. The last reason may be if the condoms are expired or were not stored properly they may not be effective.
Question 9: What do ‘ribbed’ and dotted’ mean?
Ribbed and dotted are textures of condoms. When the external surface of the condom is raised in a finely striped pattern it’s called a ‘ribbed condom’ and the one with tiny circles is called a ‘dotted condom’. The idea is that the patterned condoms cause greater friction to provide more pleasure.
Question 10: Should condoms be used for oral sex?
Ideally, you should use condoms for oral sex since most STDs can be transmitted through fluid exchange during oral sex as well. However, if you’re in a monogamous relationship and both of you have been tested, you could skip them. Remember, though, NEVER use long lasting ones for oral sex because they’re coated with chemicals that are not meant for ingestion.
Question 11: What should I do if a condom breaks during sex?
If the condom breaks in the middle of things, stop immediately. Take an emergency contraceptive pill, only if you’re not on any other contraceptive. Take an ‘at-home’ pregnancy test to put your mind at rest if your next period is late. Also, remember to be tested for STDs, just in case. If it keeps happening with a particular brand of condoms, switch to another one immediately. GIFs: Giphy, Tumblr
