Using a condom 101
To prevent your first night of passion turning into a health disaster or an unwanted parenting adventure, read our five ‘Using a Condom 101’ recommendations – in advance!
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The big moment has arrived and you can’t read the miniscule writing on the condom packet or box in the dark, and of course you can’t seem to find the light switch anywhere...
Condoms, rubbers, sheaths... Whatever you call them, they’re the only type of contraception that prevents contamination by AIDS or other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Other contraception methods (the Pill, IUD, spermicides, etc.) only protect against pregnancy risks.
So, for better protection – and truly worry-free sex – master the condom!
1. Check the condom
Check that the condom’s individual packaging is intact and that the ‘use by’ date has not expired. Also check that the condom meets national and international quality standards and has the CE mark – really cheap and nasty Chinese copies will not do. Open the foil carefully so as not to damage the condom, using your fingers, not your teeth... a little delicacy please! Take care not to damage the condom with your nails, rings or any other sharp object.
2. Pre-condom precautions
Only put the condom on when the penis is erect. But before you actually get the condom on, avoid all contact between the unprotected penis and your partner’s genitals as sperm can leak well before ejaculation. And if the sperm is healthy and sportive, it may just make it all the way to fertilize an egg!
3. Perfecting condom technique
Check that the part of the condom to be rolled down is facing outwards. Pinch the end of the condom (the reservoir) to remove any air. Place the condom onto the tip of the penis and roll it down to the base of the erect penis, holding the reservoir throughout the whole procedure. The strange feeling you may experience right now will lessen once you get used to condoms. (You can even practice at home before the big night...)
4. Optimising the condom
To make penetration easier and improve protection, use a non-greasy, water-based lubricating gel. Don’t just use whatever comes to hand: no butter, Vaseline or body cream. And while oil is great for salads, it’s not an ingredient for your lovemaking sessions (except of course for sensual massage!). Oil and fats will damage the condom, making it porous and therefore permeable.
5. Track that condom
Without fixing your entire attention on it, do check that the condom stays on during penetration. If it slips off, then stop for a minute and put on a new condom. So much better safe than sorry!
Copyright © 2011 Doctissimo
Posted 20.07.2011
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