Contrary to popular belief, safe sex does not equal lame sex. In fact, having good sexual health habits keeps sex fun. No one wants to deal with the discomfort that accompanies certain STDs - burning urination is definitely not fun, and we all know about the consequences of some of the more serious STDs.
To lessen your chance of catching a nasty STD, it is essential to pick condoms that are effective and even add an element of fun to your sex life, in case you need yet one more reason to cover up. After all, who doesn't want to get the most bang for their buck?
Selecting Your Condom
When it comes to condoms, size definitely matters. Ignore that macho voice in your head that says bigger is better. If you get a condom that is too large, it will leave too much space at the tip or the base to fit properly. Not only will this leave your condom vulnerable to slippage, but it will also make you look smaller relative to the size of your condom.
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However, if your condom is too small, it may break during sex. Finding the right fit is an important part of the selection process. If you are not sure about the proper size, read the packaging to find out what works for your package. There are often charts or guides on the back of a condom box that will help you find the perfect fit.
There is a vast selection of textures, including ribbed, extra thin, and condoms with exotic patterns. These are marketed as pleasure enhancers, but in practice, it all comes down to preference: some men like the added sensation, while others find it distracting. The same goes for women. Before you undress, address this issue so you avoid any distraction during the main attraction.
Pre-lubricated condoms also figure into the mix. These condoms cost more than your standard protection, but they may add a new layer of excitement to your sex life. Pre-lubricated condoms can also be big timesavers in the bedroom. Between getting the condom on and lubing up, you can waste precious time. With pre-lubricated condoms you elimiate one step and get down to getting down faster.
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Flavored condoms are popular for oral play. It is vital to realize that no matter what flavor, material or brand you use, your partner is still taking a trip down to your nether regions, and that means you still need to wash up; flavor should be an enhancement, not a cover-up for your funky junk.
Spermicidal condoms are great for people who want an added layer of protection to ensure that they don't make any babies. Because spermicidal condoms taste bad, make sure that you keep a few flavored condoms on hand. Use the flavored condoms to start, then switch to a spermicidal condom when things start to heat up.
Condom Material Matters
Another condom selection issue is the material. This means that you need to know in advance about any allergies. Some women and men have allergic reactions to latex or rubber. If you notice inflammation issues during sex with a certain material, avoid that material when you shop for condoms in the future.
When it comes to feeling the most sensation during sex while still playing it safe, microsheer is the ideal material. It is thinner than other materials, yet more resistant to tearing than anything else currently on the market. It also transmits body heat from you to your partner, so you might even forget it is on. Microsheer costs more than latex or rubber, but think of it as an investment; the cost of a doctor visit or emergency contraceptives is higher than the cost of condoms, after all.
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Why Condom Use Is Important
Unwanted pregnancies are tough. So are sexually transmitted infections. When you hear friends complain about how condoms ruin the experience, bear in mind that some extra padding between you and your partner feels better than the panic of having an unwanted pregnancy or disease on your hands.
Aside from the pain and irritation high-risk sex can lead to, there is also the limitation on your pool of potential partners. Medical experts are required to respect your privacy, but any time you infect a partner, word gets around.
When this happens, the idea that condoms make sex less enjoyable becomes moot. You cannot have worse sex if you are having no sex at all. The sheer range of condom selection and the fact that you can pick condoms that will actually enhance your sex life should help you to get over this mental hump so that you can hump safely.
Condoms are Important for Men and Women
Condom selection is a specific aspect of sexual health that every sexually active person must consider. For women who do not want children, birth control is a key component of their health care, and one that is addressed during gynecologist visits. However, birth control and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections are two entirely separate things. This means women on birth control should always carry condoms, just to be safe.
For men, condom selection plays a bigger role in their sexual health because there are fewer prescriptions and surgical options. Vasectomies are costly, fairly permanent and can be risky for young men, plus they do not address the risk of catching a sexually transmitted infection.
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Condoms will address both issues, and they will be more affordable and practical while you are still playing the field, or even when you settle down but are still not ready for children just yet.
Overall, the facts above mean that no matter your gender, what type of sex you plan on having, or how often you plan to have sex, it is essential to your sexual health that your condom selection is smart and that you practice safe sex with every partner. If you have specific questions about condom selection, practicing safe sex or other sexual health issues, contact a gynecologist or urologist.
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