Condoms

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• QHow can I help my partner keep an erection when he puts on a condom?

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  A Dr. Jan L. Shifren, MD , Reproductive Endocrinology, answered

  Many men who have had a history of erectile difficulties fear that a break in the action will cause them to lose their erection. Here are some tips for how you can avoid erection problems while still playing it safe:
  

  • Have the condom unwrapped and within easy reach.
  • Let your partner help you put the condom on if that person is comfortable doing so.
  • Focus on an erotic fantasy while you put on the condom. This will keep you from worrying about your erection.
  • Stimulate your penis as you get the condom ready and slip it on.

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• QWhy do some men lose their erection when they put on a condom?

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  A Dr. Madeleine M. Castellanos, MD , Psychiatry, answered on behalf of Good In Bed

  It may sound like an excuse to get out of wearing a condom, but many guys have problems maintaining an erection when putting one on. The interruption of sex play is often distracting, as is the stress of putting on a condom. Other times, deeper concerns, like guilt or performance anxiety, manage to seep into a guy's consciousness when there's a pause in sexual activity.
• QCan we use plastic wrap or a balloon if we don't have a condom?

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  A Carlos Mirabal, NASM Elite Trainer , Fitness, answered

  Absolutely not.  Do not use plastic wrap or a balloon in place of a condom.  Condoms are made specifically for protection while having intercourse. Don't risk anything without using a condom, it is not worth it. Take the time to go get condoms or try to be prepared ahead of time. 
• QHow do I use condoms and lubricants?

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  A Boston Women's Health Book Collective , Administration, answered

  The following guidelines provide basic information on condom and lubricant use:

  • For sex with a man, the condom must cover his penis when it is erect and before it touches your body, especially the vulva, mouth, or anus. Roll the condom over your finger first to see which way it unrolls. If you put the wrong side against the penis by mistake, it might touch fluid, so do not reverse it—use a new one. Be careful not to rip the condom with rings or fingernails.
  • Use a new condom each time you have sex, and have more than one with you just in case.
  • If you or your partner(s) experience irritation with latex condoms, do not despair! The irritation may be due to spermicide (chemicals that kill sperm) on the condom, so try a brand without spermicide—do not stop using condoms. If you experience itching, rash, or dryness, you might be sensitive to latex: Try using a polyurethane condom.
  • Flavored condoms may be more pleasant to use for oral sex, but the flavoring may contain sugars, which could encourage bacterial infections in the vagina if they are used for intercourse.
  • For extra sensation, try using a ribbed condom.
  • Use a lubricant if you are dry, because dryness can cause condoms to break. Lubricants can be put directly into your vagina. Putting a tiny amount in the tip of the condom may give the man extra pleasure—which could be a plus in persuading him to use condoms. Be careful to use only a tiny drop, and only in the tip, not the sides, so the condom won't get loose and slip off. Use only water-soluble lubricants, such as K-Y or Astroglide. Never use an oil-based product with latex. Vaseline, baby oil, or baby lotion will damage the rubber and destroy its protection. Using spermicide for lubrication is also not recommended. The female condom can be useful if your male partner(s) can't or won't use other condoms.
• QCan the HIV/AIDS virus get through a condom?

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  A Boston Women's Health Book Collective , Administration, answered

  No. Latex or polyurethane condoms, if used correctly, are the only way to effectively prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.

  Condoms also protect against other STIs. Oil-based lubricants should not be used with latex condoms, as they can cause the latex to break down and could allow HIV/AIDS to pass through. Natural membrane condoms may also allow the HIV/AIDS virus to pass through.

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• QDo condoms break during sex?

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  A Dr. Tiffanie Davis Henry, PhD , Psychology, answered

  It is possible for a condom to break during sex, but generally not due to manufacturer defect but more likely "user error."  It is safe to assume that condoms have been tested for quality prior to leaving the factory and that they are highly effective in protecting us against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.  While nothing is 100% fool-proof, there are a few things that you can do to ensure you have the best condom experience.  To minimize the chances of your condom breaking, follow these 6 simple steps:

  1. Use The Right Lube  - While many condoms come pre-lubricated, you may want to use your own.  That's perfectly fine.  Be sure that your lube choice is not oil-based (baby oil, vaseline, olive oil, etc.) as they can break down the integrity of the condom, causing it to thin out and break.
  2. Put It On Properly - Condoms should be placed on the top of the penis (like a little sombrero), squeezing the tip-like reservoir and gently rolled down to cover.  Squeezing the tip before rolling it down insures that you don't have excess air inside the condom, reducing the chance for breakage.
  3. Check The Expiration Date - Pretty much self explanatory but if the date on your condom wrapper or box has expired, it's best to throw it out and get new ones.
  4. Get The Right Fit - Condoms come in different sizes. Make sure you find a brand and size that fits securely, no gaps, but isn't too tight.  Too snug can burst.  Too loose can leak.
  5. Keep Away From Heat - Your wallet and the glove compartment of your car are no place for condom storage.  Be sure to store your unused condoms in a cool, dry, dark place (a drawer in your night stand, your naughty toy box, etc.) so that they're good to go when you are.
  6. No Teeth - Always open your condom wrapper with your fingers.  NEVER use your teeth or scissors to open.  Doing so increases your risk of tearing or puncturing the condom.

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• QWhat are the disadvantages of using a condom?

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  A Boston Women's Health Book Collective , Administration, answered

  Disadvantages of using condoms are as given below:

  • May disrupt spontaneity during sex
  • Can reduce sensitivity
  • Some men cannot maintain an erection when using a condom
  • Some men and women can develop an allergy or sensitivity to latex (in this case, polyurethane condoms may be used)

  Though condoms do have disadvantages, many of them can be overcome with practice and experience or by switching to a different brand or type of condom.

• QDo I need condoms to protect me against STIs when having oral sex?

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  A Boston Women's Health Book Collective , Administration, answered

  Yes. STIs can pass from person to person during oral, vaginal, or anal sex. Condoms should be used during any of these sex acts. Anal sex is a particularly high-risk activity, even more than vaginal intercourse, because the tissue in the rectum tears easily. Using extra lubricant with a strong, preferably latex, condom is recommended.

• QDo condoms make sex less enjoyable?

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  A Boston Women's Health Book Collective , Administration, answered

  This may vary from person to person. Condoms can have some positive effects. For instance, both partners may enjoy sex more if they don't have to worry about getting pregnant or contracting an STI. Using condoms also may prolong an erection. Some men believe that condoms are too small or tight for them. All condoms can stretch to accommodate various sizes.

• QWhat are the advantages of using a condom?

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  A Boston Women's Health Book Collective , Administration, answered

  Advantages of using condoms are as follows:

  • Do not require advance planning, clinic visits, or a prescription
  • Inexpensive and readily available
  • Can be carried easily and discreetly by men and women
  • Best means currently available of protection against STIs, including HIV
  • By preventing STIs, condoms can protect fertility
  • Allow men to participate in preventing pregnancy and infections
  • May help prevent cervical cancer
  • May decrease premature ejaculation and prolong intercourse
  • Catch the semen, so nothing drips from the vagina after intercourse
  • Have minimal side effects
  • Do not affect menstrual cycles