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Medical Video: Flavored Condom Taste Test
A condom with the right size is the most important thing to practice safe sex. The size that is too large risks being loose and detached, too risky for the material to easily stretch and tear.
Every time you have sex using a condom properly, this contraceptive will be very effective in reducing the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. However, not every product is created with the same functions and materials.
How do you choose the right condom to use?
Many condoms sold on the market attach inaccurate size tables - solely for raising male egos.
To avoid the wrong size, you can use one simple trick, which was reported by Men’s Health: take a roll of used toilet tissue cardboard, and put it into an erect penis.
If you see your penis leaving too much space in the tube, you need a small condom. If the remaining space is enough, not too narrow and not too loose, you need a medium-sized condom. If the tube feels very narrow and painful, you need a large size. One of the most important aspects in choosing the right condom size: prioritize penis thickness, not the length.
Once you know the size of the condom that is right for you, you are now faced with a new dilemma: which is the best for me?
Check the details below to find out the differences between each type of condom and its benefits.
Various types of condoms
1. Thin and Ultra Thin
Thin material aims to mimic sex without any protection, so you can increase pleasure between you and your partner. In addition, this type of condom can also maintain an erection.
But don't worry. Thin material does not mean the protective effect is just as thin. Each condom, thin or thick, has gone through various stages of testing and offers equally good protection from the risk of damage, unwanted pregnancy, and venereal disease, as long as these products are approved by the US Food and Drug Association.
2. Climax Control
About one third of men report having experienced premature ejaculation at least once in their lives, so this type of condom is marketed to help men last longer. However, this type of climax control has several disadvantages: First, the inner layer of the condom is coated with numb lubricants (containing benzocaine or lidocaine) which ironically can actually kill the erection. Second, if the numb-making agent sticks to the woman's vulva, your partner may also feel a numb sensation in the area of her vagina.
Actually, most men do not need additional control because even a regular condom will limit blood flow to the penis, which will delay ejaculation.
3. Spermicide
Designed to stop your sperm swimming into the womb, this type of spermicide has a deeper advantage in preventing unwanted pregnancies. However, the chemicals contained (nonoxynol-9) can cause irritation to a woman's vulva and cause small torn wounds that can increase the risk of transmission of HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases.
The CDC and WHO agree that condoms containing nonoxynol-9 should not be promoted and used as prevention of infection or disease. In addition, spermicides should not be used more than once a day.
4. Added Sensation
Now, condoms are available with various lubricants that have many features - cold, hot, tickling - to add sensation and excitement during sex.
Condoms feature cold lubricants, for example, contain menthol and L-arginine, supplements that function to increase blood flow to the penis and improve erectile performance when taken by mouth, although the effects of topical use are unknown.
Some gynecologists and sex practitioners doubt the safety of menthol as an additional substance in condoms. Menthol is alcohol, and can irritate the genitals and the sensation of cold may feel uncomfortable for your partner.
5. Textured and Her Pleasure
At least 30 percent of women report difficulty reaching orgasm during sex, and this is the reason why so many condoms with a variety of textures and bumps are designed in such a way - to increase the friction experienced by women against the vaginal wall. However, many also report this type does not have a significant effect on changes in sensation during sex.
6. Reservoir tips and Comfort fit
With additional space at the tip of the penis head, this type of condom ensures there is room for semen to gather, reducing the chance of condoms leaking or dislodging at climax. In addition to the additional space, a comfort fit type has a condom base that fits the body and the tip of a large head so that it can provide a boost for men to move more freely while in their partners, which also increases sensation because the tip of the penis will not be squashed.
Different types of materials, also different uses
Latex condoms, aka rubber, are the most effective for preventing pregnancy and venereal disease. Latex condoms are made from rubber tree sap and are generally the most expensive than other types of condoms. However, this condom can only be used with water-based lubricants. Oil-based lubricants or petroleum jelly products can cause the material to thin out, wear out, and damage. In addition, many people have allergies to latex, which can cause itching, burning sensation, or a reddish rash.
For those who have latex allergies, it is recommended to use polyurethane condoms; made of synthetic plastic, colorless and odorless, thinner and stronger, but less elastic than latex material. Polyurethane condoms can be used with water or oil based lubricants. Polyurethane ingredients also produce heat which can increase sensitivity during sex. Polyurethane is not porous, thus providing protection for the prevention of pregnancy and infectious venereal disease, although it is not known exactly how well the polyurethane condoms provide this protection.
Lambskin-based condoms offer super sensitivity, high resistance, latex-free, and have the most natural sensations compared to others. Sheepskin has very small pores, which can prevent sperm from penetrating out, but this type of condom will not protect you and your partner from venereal disease, such as HIV, herpes, and hepatitis B. So they must be used only if you and your partner are proven free from venereal disease and involved in monogamous relationships.
READ ALSO:
- Use double doesn't mean double protection too, you know!
- Be careful, ejaculation outside can still risk getting pregnant
- Did you know, orgasm in women is different from men?
