Where is your Condom Sense?!
Let’s play a quick game. I’ll say a word and you think of the first thing that comes to mind. Ready?
Dog …… (Cat? Adorable? CANNOT live without?!)
School …… (Informative? Boring? CAN live without?!)
Sex …… (CONDOM!)
When we say sex, you say condom. Sex: CONDOM, Sex: CONDOM. You get the point- we hope! Using a condom when engaging in sexual acts just makes the most condom sense right? There is a laundry list of reasons people have for not using a condom, but why should you use a condom?
Condoms can protect against certain STIs and can prevent pregnancy
Condoms come in different flavors for oral sex, as well as different textures and styles during vaginal and/or anal sex that can increase pleasure for both partners
Condoms can be used with sex toys to help keep them clean and to prevent passing bodily fluids from one person to another
Condoms are pretty easy to get and are always FREE at Family Planning Service!
If you still are not sold on using a condom, and still have some issues or questions about condom use- guess what? You are not alone! Here are some frequently asked questions and issues regarding condoms:
1. It doesn’t feel as good when I use a condom, can I fix that?
Try different kinds of condoms- with so many choices to choose from like ribbed/textured condoms, pleasure-shaped condoms, heating/cooling condoms, etc., it can spice things up a bit. Also, don’t forget the lube! Adding a couple drops of a water- or silicone-based lubricant on the inside of the condom can have you forgetting you’re even wearing one!
2. What if I am allergic to latex condoms?
You can use condoms made out of polyurethane, polyisoprene, or internal condoms (made out of nitrile) too!
*Lambskin condoms are not recommended as they do not protect against STIs.*
3. What if my partner doesn’t want to use a condom?
Communicate with your partner about how you feel about unprotected sex. Make it into foreplay! Choose a condom that adds an extra little somethin’ somethin’ that could be enjoyable for both partners! You could also offer to help them pick out a brand and style that they might enjoy.
4. I am only having oral sex- do I need to use a condom?
Yes! A condom should be worn on a penis and a dental dam, similar to a condom, which covers the vulva and anus can protect you from receiving or giving STIs orally. We offer FREE flavored external condoms to make it more enjoyable!
5. What do I do if the condom breaks?
If you think you may be at risk of getting pregnant, you can take the Emergency Contraception Pill (aka “Plan-B” or the “morning-after-pill”) up to 5 days after. This is FREE here at Family Planning Service and you do not need to be a patient to receive this! You and your partner(s) should also talk to your clinicians about getting tested for STI’s.
6. Should I use two condoms at once for extra protection?
a. Nope! Using two condoms, whether it’s “doubling up” on external condoms, or using an external with an internal condom, can cause the condoms to break more easily- not to mention that could create some friction pain that might kill the mood. Always use only one condom at a time, and be sure to use enough lubrication to reduce friction- it can also make sex better and more pleasurable.
7. What is an internal condom?
The internal condom has a removable ring inside to help hold it in place inside the vagina, or the anus (if someone chooses to keep the ring in during anal sex for pleasure), and an outer ring that may provide external stimulation and added pleasure to the user. It can be inserted into the vagina or the anus up to 8 hours before sex, and can protect against STIs and pregnancy. It is also latex-free, making it a great option for those who have a latex allergy!
8. Sometimes the condom breaks and I feel like I need a Magnum, right?
Not necessarily- let’s not start seeing gold JUST yet. While some individuals absolutely need to wear an XL condom, a small percentage of the population actually needs to. Wearing a Magnum or XL condom when it is not needed could do more harm. Slippage of the condom is the exact reason that the success rate of condoms is 85% when it should be closer to 98%.
While putting on a condom is not exactly rocket science, there is still a technique that can help avoid any mishaps such as the condom breaking, slipping, spilling, etc.
How to Use an External Condom:
Always check expiration date- an expired condom is like an old rubber band… SNAP!
Check the package for any holes. If you can’t feel a small air bubble in the package, it could be damaged
Carefully tear open the package. Don’t use teeth/sharp nails to tear the package because it could damage the condom
Make sure the condom can be rolled down, as it only rolls one way! It should look like a baby bottle or a sombrero- whichever floats your boat
Pinch the tip of the condom to remove any air- **This is kind of important**
Place the condom on the tip of the penis, while still pinching the tip of the condom
Roll the condom down the entire length of the penis
When finished, immediately pull out- to reduce the chance of spilling- and CAREFULLY roll the condom off the penis. Tie it up and throw it out… preferably in the trash! Never flush it down the toilet unless you want to pay a plumber to come clean out your clogged pipes of condoms- which could make for a funny story!
If our awesome steps to using a condom didn’t satisfy your curiosity- check out these cool videos below!
To learn more about how to properly use external condoms watch this video
To learn more about how to properly use internal condom watch this video
Remember- it just makes the most condom sense to use a condom. Stop in to either of our clinics whenever we are open to get free condoms!