I came across a great how-to site for how to properly use a condom. I’d like to share some excerpts from the site here, as well as my own two cents on the subject of using condoms. This is part one of a two part update…I will post part two soon, with more information and reflection on the condom.

the female condom
The site I am referencing focused more on the male condom, but I wanted to say a few words first about the female condom. First, I will say that I have no personal experience will using one, although I’ve heard it said that they are a little frustrating/bulky for sexual activity at times. Behold, the female condom:

The female condom was approved by the FDA in 1993. It is a polyurethane sheath approx. 6.5 inches in length, with a flexible ring at each end. The closed end is inserted into the vagina to hold it in place; the other end with the open ring stays outside of the vulva at the entrance. There is a silicone-based lubricant within the condom, but you can use extra lubricant if desired.

In 2005, an updated version of the female condom was released, this time made with nitrile which is cheaper to produce.

for more information on the female condom, please click here to check out a very informative site .

the male condom

Now, I’m going to spend a bit more space on talking about the male condom because personally, I’m more familiar with it and therefore have more to say. So here we go.

Condoms are usually made of polyurethane or latex–latex being slightly more reliable. You can use latex with water-based lubricants…you should stay away from oil-based lubricant because it can break down the condom. However, if you have a latex allergy, polyurethane is where you want to go. Polyurethane are a bit more expensive; they are also slightly thinner than latex condoms and a bit less flexible, so you will most likely want a lubricant of some sort with them. Polyurethane condoms are compatible with both water and oil-based lubricants.

dun dun DUNNNN…Spermicide
What is spermicide? Spermicide can be a cream, gel, and/or foam used in addition to condoms to kill sperm and helf prevent pregnancy. Some condoms come with spermicide, fancy that. The most common is known as Nonoxynol 9. I like to call it my arch nemesis.

I became sexually active in high school and it was never a question: protect yourself. Use condoms. My first few experiences were with condoms that contained Nonoxynol 9 and, like many women, I experienced an allergic reaction. The allergic reaction sucks. Think redness, irritation, itching, and misery. So when it comes to the Non-9, proceed with caution. Condoms without the Non-9 are just as safe.

“Get me a hat.”
If you’re in the midst of foreplay and you know where it’s all going, or where it *might* be going, do yourself a favor and have the condom(and lube, if preferred) ready and nearby. I’d recommend not opening the condom until you’re ready to slide that sucker on. Also, when you are opening the condom, make sure to tear at the corner carefully, so you do not risk damaging the actual condom within. And before opening check the expiration date.

I’d like to say officially, here and now, that it’s pretty darn sexy to put a condom on your partner. It’s also sexy to watch them do it. Please me sure you know how to put the condom on(and there is a correct way). Things to remember:

- When you take the condom out and place it over the head of the penis, make sure to pinch the reservoir tip(or if there isn’t one, pinch some space at the top of the condom) to leave room for ejaculation–the ‘boys’ need somewhere to go, mais oui? The condom should roll down the shaft of the penis easily. If you are having trouble rolling the condom down, it may be inside out. The rim should be on the outside. Your best bet is to hold the shaft at the bottom with one hand, and roll down with the other. Smooth out any air bubbles, as trapped air can cause breakage. Speaking of…

Breakage & “where did it go?”
What do you do if a condom breaks during sex? Pull out immediately. Replace the condom if you want to continue having sex(sometimes, truth be told, a broken condom can kind of…er, kill the mood. But you shouldn’t let it!). If the condom breaks and you are concerned with the potential release of semen(or if breakage is discovered post-ejaculation), please consider emergency contraception such as the morning after pill. Better safe than sorry, I think.

Never had a condom break, but I’ve had a couple experiences with a condom “disappearing.” You look down and realize ohmygodwherediditgo?! You and your partner search the sheets, the floor, yourselves. Sometimes this means going to the bathroom, taking the deep crouch position, and doing some internal searching. It’s not fun, but the sooner you find that sucker and get it out the better. The vagina can be deceiving in this situation. You may really need to reach up within yourself(which isn’t particularly a PREFERRED activity, but it is kind of fascinating). Again, you may want to consider an emergency contraceptive back up if this happens to you.

During sex, make sure to check the status of the condom now and then. Especially if you change positions a lot. This doesn’t have to be done in a clinical-ish manner. You can make it sly. You can be sexy about it. If he’s on top, make sure to look down and note the pleasant visual of penetration. You should be able to see the condom in place. If you aren’t exactly in a position to spot the sucker with your own eye, consider using your hand at the base of the penis shaft to check the placement of the condom. Both partners should be aware of this, and take responsiblity to check.

For more information on condoms, please go to this site .

some cents
I can’t say I have too many complaints about the condom. I know that they aren’t for everyone, but I don’t consider them to be something that gets in the way. They aren’t hard to find, and I think they can be incorporated into sex play very easily. For someone(like myself) that cannot take birth control, this is important. There are so many colors, brands, and even flavors to choose from(this goes for lube as well).