Adult Condom Guidelines
It’s easy to worry about condoms and how uncomfortable or dull they are, but they can actually be much more enjoyable than most people think. Here’s your guide to finding the condom that’s right for you.
Condom Basics
Let’s start with a quick guide. Condoms are used to prevent pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted infections. There are two main types of condoms: latex and polyurethane. There are also condoms made from animal skin (usually lamb skin), but they do not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Condoms come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and textures. They may or may not be lubricated. Some condoms also contain spermicide.
How to put on
If you are new to using condoms or have never felt comfortable with them, I highly recommend practicing putting them on yourself first so you get a feel for how they work. Keep repeating the process until you feel like it’s second nature. It may seem like a waste of condoms, but the lack of anxiety while you are with your partner is worth it.
Take the condom out of the wrapper first. One of the biggest mistakes people make is turning a condom upside down and then realizing it won’t actually unfold.
Play a little with the rim to make sure you know which direction it is going.
Apply a few drops of water-based or silicone-based lubricant to the tip of the condom, which will greatly improve your condom experience. (Never use oil-based lubricant with condoms!)
Squeeze the tip to leave some free space, then slide the condom over your penis or toy. If you are not circumcised, you can push your foreskin back slightly and then put on a condom. (This will help your foreskin move inside the condom.) While holding the tip of the condom with one hand, roll the condom down to the base of your penis or with another toy.
Find your size
Condoms don’t work for everyone. The idea that all condoms are alike is the biggest condom myth and a huge reason so many people don’t like using them. For this reason, I was so excited when I stumbled upon Lucky Bloke a few years ago. They made it their mission to help people find the right condom for their body.
Lucky Bloke has developed a simple strategy for sizing toilet rolls. Place your erect penis or sex toy on an empty toilet paper roll. If there is extra space around the circumference, look for condoms in the snug category. Lucky Bloke says about 35% of guys fall into this category. If a roll of toilet paper fits perfectly, look for medium to standard sized condoms. This category includes 50% of men. If it’s convenient, you’re looking at large condoms. This is about 15% of the guys. Or you can purchase their “Not Sure Which Size to Buy” sampler kit, which comes in small, medium and large sizes. If you have the feeling that you are probably on the smaller or larger side, you can also check out their Perfect Fit Finder sampler packs (use the same link above), which are available in small to medium or medium to medium sizes. big. …
Keep in mind that the size of condoms is similar to the size of clothes: it is tempting to choose the size you want to be or think you should be. But you will be much more comfortable if you choose a size that really suits your body.
Experiment with add-ons
Condoms also come in ribbed or spiked for added stimulation. You can buy ultra-thin condoms that promise more sensation than the standard thickness. Contrary to myth, thinner condoms are also less likely to break. There are also “comfortable fit” condoms that have more headroom. (Some men find that extra space increases sensitivity.) I highly recommend using many different options for a test drive. You can buy themed sample kits from mainstream sex shops or online at places like Condomania and Condom Depot . Using so many different options can make condom use more fun, and you’re more likely to find a specific brand or style that you really like.
But avoid desensitizing, arousal, or flavored condoms
You can also find condoms made with desensitizing gels. On the other hand, some condoms claim to have “aphrodisiac” characteristics such as a warming or cooling sensation. And of course, there are flavored condoms that are commonly used for blowjobs. In general, I am not an ardent supporter of these types of condoms as they may contain chemicals that I would not like to have in the most sensitive parts of my body. They can cause side reactions, including skin irritation. If you want to try any of these, make sure your partner is willing to try too.
Use condoms on toys
Using condoms on toys makes cleaning quicker and easier. You can also quickly change condoms during sex so that you can safely use the toy on another person. You might be thinking about the size of the toy, but that’s not a bad idea. You will be less likely to slip if you have a condom that fits your toy correctly.
Female condoms
The female condom is similar to the male condom but has two soft, flexible rings. You squeeze the inner ring to insert the condom into your vagina. The inner ring pops out around the cervix, keeping the condom in place. The outer ring remains at the outer edge of the labia. Female condoms can also be used anally. You just need to remove the inner ring before installation.
The great thing about the female condom is that it can be inserted four hours before intercourse. It might seem a little odd to have small talk on a dinner date with a condom that’s hopefully in your vagina, but at least you don’t have to worry about messing around with the wrapper right now.
The most widely available are the FC2 and Pasante female condoms . Both are more expensive than male condoms.
Men who are worried about performance or who generally don’t like wearing condoms may especially enjoy having sex with a woman who wears a female condom. You will not have anxious moments when you try to put on a condom and pray that your erection will not go away. You also don’t need to worry about the condom falling off if you lose your erection halfway through. Some men like the lack of the restrictive tightness of the male condom and think that the female condom is more enjoyable.
Condom care
Here are some more tips on how to get the most out of a condom:
- Condoms do run out, so always check the expiration date before using. If it has expired, the likelihood of breakage is higher.
- Do not store them in your wallet. They will get too hot and may break. Before a date, you can throw a condom in your wallet or pocket, but don’t leave it there for more than a day.
- Always use a lubricant. This is a step that many people skip, but it can greatly improve the experience. It’s much nicer and closer to sex without a condom. Lubrication can also prevent the condom from breaking.
- When you’re done using a condom, be sure to hold onto the base of the condom as you pull it out! Otherwise, it may slip and remain inside your partner. (If this happens, you will need to discuss adopting a Plan B and getting an STI test.) You can tie a knot if you want to prevent a leak and then throw it in the trash. Never go to the toilet, please!