Truth About Condoms: Awful Things You Need To Stop Doing Now
Photo by Charles Deluvio on Unsplash
While modern condoms have existed for almost 200 years, we actually use them correctly only 82% of the time. If used perfectly, their effectiveness could reach 98%, which is quite significant as they're the only way to protect against STIs and pregnancy.
However, the Internet is crowded with forums perpetuating false information about condoms. And the most asked questions on Google confirm that.
"Do condoms really suck?", "Can condoms cause more harm than good?", and the best for the end: "Should I wear three condoms?"
People are also less afraid of STIs than a few decades ago, as there is a growing misconception about them being easily treatable. It led to decreasing use of condoms, and as a consequence, rising STIs: in the United States, 26 million STIs cases were found in 2018!
More than ever, educating people could help them to stay healthy.
Dos and don'ts with a condom - How to use a condom properly?
DO use a condom every time you have sex
You should put a condom on whenever you have sexual contact with your partner or a sex-toy, thus a risk of STIs, infection or pregnancy. When we say having sex, we mean any contact penis/vagina, penis/anus, genitals/mouth.
DO use double protection (not two condoms!)
Even if they're very close to 100% effective, it's better to use a second contraception method.
DO put a condom BEFORE sex
The pre-ejaculatory fluid is as efficient to make a woman pregnant as the sperm released during ejaculation. As soon as there is sexual contact (penis/vagina, penis/anus, genitals/mouth) there are risks of STIs and pregnancy. It means that during this time, you should use a condom: from the first contact until the end, after ejaculation. It should then be removed once out of the vagina/anus/mouth.
DO research about the risks of STIs
One of the main reasons to use condoms is to be protected against STIs, but they're not always efficient for herpes, syphilis, or human papillomavirus.
DO check if you have allergies
There are several components in condoms that can cause allergies: latex, gluten, corn, and some additives like spermicides.
DO use a condom for oral sex
As you still can get STIs through sexual contact between the genitals and the mouth, it's safer to use a dental dam - a sheet of latex or polyurethane that covers the vagina or anus to prevent STIs' transmission during oral sex.
If you don't have any at home, you can make one by cutting the top and bottom parts, and then one side of an unrolled condom.
DO control the expiration date and potential defects
Even if a condom is designed for a shelf life ranging from three to five years, it's always preferable to verify if it has any defect before using it.
Our tips: if the condom seems dry, stiff, sticky, discolored, if it has a nasty smell, tiny holes, or if the package is torn, you should get another one.
DO use condoms that are certified
Certifications guarantee that a product meets the requirements of the medical device directives and that it has been tested to high safety standards. Condoms should at least have the CE-EU standard or the BSI kitemark.
DO investigate what your condoms contain
Be aware that some condoms contain additives that can be harmful chemicals. Here, at Green Condom Club, we produce condoms that are vegan and free of toxic chemicals.
DO take action in case a condom breaks
What to do when condoms crack? Stop, withdraw, and put a new one. After that, you should get an emergency pill and get checked for STIs.
DO know how to put and take off a condom correctly
The first risk is to put on a condom inside out. If that happens, you won't be able to roll down the condom on your penis anyway.
You should unroll the condom once it's on your penis, not before, and make sure it's unrolled all the way to the base of the penis to avoid any slippage. Then, only after ejaculation, and before you go soft, you can pull it out.
DO make sure you’re using the right size
If the condom is too big, the condom can slip off, and if it's too tight, it can break. Read our guide to know which size you are!
Dos and don'ts with a condom - What are the things to not do with condoms?
DON'T use several condoms at the same time
Far from protecting you better, it's more likely that the friction between the two condoms will damage them. Thus preventing them to be effective.
DON'T reuse condoms
There is no such thing as a reusable condom.
DON'T store your condoms in your wallet
A condom should be stored in a dry and cool place. Thus, it shouldn't be placed in your wallet, your car, or your pocket. Because of friction and heat, condoms get damaged over time.
DON'T throw your condom in the toilet after use
You should know how to dispose of your condoms properly, and be aware of their environmental impact.
Throwing condoms in a toilet can clog your sewage system. Instead, a condom should be disposed of in the rubbish.
DON'T have dry sex
The lube that's already on condoms is only to ensure they unroll properly but doesn't replace lubricant during sex, which helps to prevent the condom from breaking. Avoid oil-based products, though, as they will do the exact opposite and can cause a condom to break: for example, baby oil, lotion, petroleum jelly, cooking oil (yuk!), and moisturizers.
Use water-based or silicone-based lube instead, and make sure it doesn't contain harmful chemicals - like ours!
DON'T use condoms with spermicides
It's not as efficient as birth control, and it doesn't protect against STIs. On top of that, it contains Nonoxynol-9, which causes irritation, hence increasing the risks of infections.
DON'T keep the same condom going from anal to vaginal sex
You should change condoms in between: women can get an infection if rectal bacteria gets in the vagina.
DON'T keep the same condom when changing partners
By using the same condom, you carry and "share" bacteria with all your partners. One person = one condom!
Last advice for the road?
Don't see condoms as lame! They allow keeping control of our fertility, and make us feel safe for worry-free sex life. What more could we ask for? ♥︎
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