You are in a relationship and you believe it is going to lead to having sex for the first time. Even though you are not sure when this event will take place, you want to be mature and responsible by having a condom with you. You have seen them at the drug store and some of the guys carry them around like a badge, but you have no idea what kind to buy for yourself.
Condoms 101
*The majority of the condoms sold today are made of latex, they are the strongest available and your best protection against STD’s (sexually transmitted disease) and pregnancy. Condoms made from polyurethane are available and used when an allergy to latex is present in one of the sex partners.
* Condoms that you buy in most stores and vending machines are a standard size. This means one size fits most men. Some brands do offer different sizes marked “Large” or “Small”. This means the width of the penis and not the length. If a package is not marked, it is standard size. Some men need a larger or smaller condom and if you are one of them, it is important to get the correct size. If a regular condom is too tight, there is a chance it could break during sex voiding all protection. If it is too large it can slip off during sex, again voiding any safety. You are responsible enough to think ahead, this makes you are responsible enough to try one on for size before your actual first sexual event. This will give you the piece of mind that the standard condom is the correct size for you.
*Lubricated or not lubricated is another choice you have when making the purchase of a condom. Females have a natural lubricant that works in easing the sliding of the penis in and out of their vagina. Some females tend to be dry, causing friction during sex. The lubricated condom has a water based or a silicon based oil type of a lubricant on the outside so there will be less friction. Friction can cause the condom to break, so this is something you need to take into consideration. This is the type of condom commonly used for anal sex. Although the lubricant is not harmful, most people prefer to use condoms that are not lubricated for oral sex.
*There are condoms that come with a spermicidal lubricant which can help in giving extra protection against pregnancy. The sperm dies from the chemical in the lubricant. The spermicidal lubricant can be an irritant and is not safe for anal sex. Some studies suggest it can cause health problems when used over long periods of time. It is best to ask your primary care doctor before purchasing this type of condom. When using the common condom correctly, you should not need the extra protection of the spermicidal lubricant.
* Ribbed condoms provide more sensation during sex for both partners. The ribs rub against your penis during sex providing you a stimulating feeling as well as your partner. Ribbed condoms are liked by some and not by others, so this will need to be yours and your partner’s decision made from personal preference.
*The color of a condom has no effect on how a condom works or feels, it is just for visual pleasure. They come in just about every color of the rainbow and some even glow in the dark. Because STD’s can be transmitted during oral sex, you should wear a condom. Some condoms are flavored for this reason. They should not be used for vaginal or anal sex, unless otherwise stated on the product.
*The condom needs to be removed after ejaculation. Continued friction can push the semen or sperm up and out of the top of the condom or it can burst. When you pull out your penis, you hold the base of the condom to make sure it does not slide off. When removing the condom, do it from the top down, rolling it off.
Buying and using a condom for the first time can be intimidating, but it is the safe and mature thing to do when having sex. If you think “it can’t happen to me” such as an STD or fathering a child, think again. Be responsible and wear a condom.
