A Cross-Examination Between Birth Control & Condom Use

A Cross-Examination Between Birth Control & Condom Use

 

            The two most prevalent methods in modern society for practicing safe sex (i.e. engaging in sexual activity in such a way that limits chances of conception and/or reduces the risk of spreading sexually-transmitted infections) are birth control (the pill) and using condoms.  Though far from the only alternatives (think of how many ways you can get to work – biking, walking, pogo-stick jumping – and how many just end up driving their car), these two remain the top methods thanks to their general ease of use and widespread availability.

            The birth control pill, commonly referred to simply as birth control, significantly reduces the chances of pregnancy for users.  Pros include its habitual nature and simplicity – taking one pill a day to not get pregnant seems like an easy trade off for most.  But its cons can be overwhelming.  For instance, one half of the safe sex game is voided by using the pill (it lowers the risk of pregnancy but does little or nothing to halt the spread of STIs.  Furthermore, the pill relies on routine for success, so those with less-than-stellar schedule-keeping abilities may find themselves on the wanting end.

            Condoms, however, are nearly as easy to use (though many fear putting one on is harder than it is in reality).  They’re also cheap and readily available, and protect against diseases, which makes them all-around successes.

 

Safe Sex Can Come in Better Boxes

             Ever feel that you’re stuck in the age of the Trojan when you’re doing your condom shopping?  It’s probably because Trojan condoms flash up on every shelf in every pharmacy or superstore, and that isn’t an accident.  The company is a very strong advertiser that is known for its meticulous attention to branding, but branding alone doesn’t make a strong or reliable condom.  The problem with the over-saturation of the condom market by a single brand is that users come to believe that only a single brand will provide the protection one wants during sex.

            But there are alternatives, I promise.

            If you’re looking for a condom that breaks the traditional mold and offers something more than ‘TROJAN’ slapped across the box, a new company offers great design and creative packaging that adds some allure to the condom game.

            “ooo” boutique, an independent condom company based out of California, sells condoms in fashion packaging, and the packs come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

            A tryst cube from “ooo” boutique comes with six condoms, and makes for a discreet nightstand box.  Or the passion pack, which also comes with six condoms, can hang from your closet doorknob with a sexy string and sleek, white casing.

            If you’re looking for something less subtle, try the take me set, with suggestions of where to do it.

Fifteen Step Guide for Condom Use

If you are after an easy to follow guide that states how to put on a condom then follow the 15 straightforward steps below:

1.  Erection

It seems like an obvious thing but you need to have an erect manhood before you attempt to put a condom on. Roll the condom down the erect penis before any vaginal, oral or anal contact is made.

2.  Damage to the condom

Before you put the condom onto the penis make sure that the foil wrapping which encases the condom is not torn nor has signs of any wear and tear. For example, if the foil has a slippery feel to it this is an indicator that a lubricated condom has lost an amount of its lubrication because of damaged packaging. Do not use a damaged condom as the chance is that it won’t be effective.

3.  Expiry date

All condoms have an expiry date. Assure that you check the date before using a condom. For your own safety don’t use a condom that has passed its expiry date.

4.  Tear open

When opening the condom foil use your hands to tear open the airtight packaging in the middle or at the notch. Take care not to rip the condom with any sharp objects or nails. Don’t use your teeth to open the packaging with – this is just asking for trouble.

5.  The right way up

Assure that the part of the condom that unrolls is on the outside before placing onto the penis to make sure that you have it on the right way round.

6.  Be gentle

Gently draw back the foreskin of the erect penis.

7.  Squeeze

In order to clear space for the semen after ejaculation squeeze the tip of the condom between the forefinger and the thumb to dislodge any air from this area.

8.  Unravelling

Hold the tip of the condom between your thumb and forefinger and use the other hand to unravel the condom down the shaft of the penis. If you mistakenly put the condom on the wrong way round and it won’t unravel you will need to throw away the condom as the clear pre-ejaculation fluid on the end of the penis contains sperm that can carry STIs. Once a condom has been in contact with the penis it cannot safely be turned over and used the right way round.

9.  Sexual lubricant (if needed)

If you require some extra lubrication ensure that it is water based if your condom is made out of latex. Oil-based lubricants damage latex condoms.

10.  Intercourse

During intercourse it is advisable to always change a condom if you are moving from anal to any other type of intercourse.

11.  Ejaculation

After ejaculation has taken place hold the rim of the condom to the base of the penis and withdraw. The sperm should stay inside the condom.

12.  Shrinkage

Make sure that you withdraw the penis from the condom whilst still erect because if it ispermitted to go back to a flaccid state the seal of the condom to the penis will fail.

13.  Don’t forget to tie a knot

As soon as the penis is withdrawn from the condom tie a knot in the end to avoid leakage. Do not forget a condom should only be used once.

14.  Disposal

After you have finished with the condom, dispose of it in a rubbish bin. Do not flush down the toilet because it will pollute the system.

15. Wash your hands

Written by Amy Shepherd who who works in marketing for the successful UK based e-tailer Venus Sales Ltd, who operate a number of online retail websites including Temptations Direct, Purple Pleasures and Sinful Sensations who sell adult toys online.

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