Picking a Condom by Sabastein Huynh 1 Picking a Condom By Sabastein Huynh Picking a Condom by Sabastein Huynh 2 INTRODUCTION Condoms are a form of barrier contraceptive device made of thin latex, polyurethane, or polyisoprene material. It is a form of protection that is placed over the penis during any sort of sexual activity. They have the ability to prevent the exchange of bodily fluids, including semen, vaginal fluids, and blood. This barrier also helps to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections or STIs and unintended pregnancies. According to the NHS website, when condoms are used correctly every time you have sex, they are around ninety-eight percent effective. They are typically designed to be used once and then disposed of, though some condoms can be washed and reused. There are also various types of condoms, including male condoms, female condoms, flavored condoms, and textured condoms. CRITIQUE Choosing the right condom is important to ensure that it is effective in protecting against sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies. In an article by Kristine Thomason, there are different variants to condoms which include internal condoms for women, flavored condoms for oral sex, glow in the dark condoms, ribbed condoms, spermicide condoms, thin or ultra-thin condoms, tingling condoms, and lubricated condoms. With so many types and brands of condoms available in the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to choose. However, there are a few important factors to consider when choosing the right condom. The first factor to consider is the material of the condom. Whenever one may need to buy condoms, the material it is made out of will always be on the packaging. Most condoms are made of latex, which is a very popular and effective material. Latex condoms are relatively cheap and can easily be produced which is why many resort to it. When using latex condoms, it Picking a Condom by Sabastein Huynh 3 is smart to avoid oil based lubricants such as lotion, baby oil, and vaseline as they can break down the latex making it less effective. On the other hand, some people may be allergic to latex, in which case, polyurethane, polyisoprene, and lambskin condoms can be a suitable alternative. These condoms will be more known as non-latex condoms when searching for them at stores. Both polyurethane and polyisoprene work the same as latex condoms but they have the ability to use lubricants as well. Lambskin condoms work well for preventing pregnancy but are not recommended in prevention of sexually transmitted infections. Next, the size of the condom is also an important consideration. Wearing a condom that is too small or too large can increase the risk of breakage or slippage during sexual intercourse. This can result in an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy. When measuring condoms, the width of the penis should be taken into account more than the length although most people tend to focus on the length more. As can be seen in the article written by Grove Collaborative, condoms generally come in three different sizes that include snug, standard, and large fit. The size for snug condoms is a length of 6.5 inches and width of 1.8 inches. The standard size would be a length of 6.5 to 8 inches and width of 2 inches. Large fit condoms have the same length requirement of standard but the width would be anything above 2 inches. The type of lubricant on the condom is another factor to consider. Some condoms come pre-lubricated with either silicone or water-based lubricants which can make sex more comfortable and pleasurable. Some people may be allergic to certain types of lubricants, however, so it is important to read the label and choose a condom with a lubricant that is compatible with the person's body. Picking a Condom by Sabastein Huynh 4 In addition, the texture and shape of the condom can also be a consideration for some people. Some condoms feature ribs, dots, or other textures on the surface that can enhance sexual pleasure for both partners. A highly sought after condom would be thin condoms as they bring a more realistic feeling to sexual intercourse as it may feel like there is nothing there. Condoms also come in different shapes, such as those with a flared shape at the base or a more tapered shape, which can provide a more comfortable fit for some individuals. Lastly, the brand and quality of the condom are important factors to consider. It is recommended to choose a well-known and reputable brand of condom to ensure that it has been tested for safety and effectiveness. Popular brands would include Trojan, Durex, and Lifestyles and these can be found in stores such as Walmart, Target, and almost any convenience store. Cheap or unknown brands may not be as reliable in preventing sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy so it would be safer to stay away from these. CONCLUSION In conclusion, choosing the right condom involves considering factors such as the material, size, lubricant, texture and shape, and brand and quality. It is important to remember that condoms are an important tool in protecting against sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies, and using them consistently and correctly can help to reduce the risk of infection and pregnancy. Condoms are a tool that can be accessed and used by both men and women so it is better for both parties to be prepared when it comes to any sort of sexual activity. Men and women both should be knowledgeable of the different types of condoms as well for their own health and pleasure. Condoms are the most effective method of protection Picking a Condom by Sabastein Huynh 5 during sexual intercourse and are the better alternative rather than “pulling out” so it would be wise to use them and be safe rather than sorry. Picking a Condom by Sabastein Huynh 6 References Grove Collaborative. (2021, April 21). How to pick Condom Types & Sizes: A guide to condoms of all kinds. How to Pick Condom Types & Sizes: A Guide to Condoms of All Kinds. Retrieved May 5, 2023, from https://www.grove.co/blog/how-to-pick-condoms#:~:text=When%20choosing%20a%20 size%2C%20the,snug%2C%20standard%2C%20and%20large NHS. (2020). Condoms. NHS choices. Retrieved May 5, 2023, from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/male-condoms/ Wade, G., & Thomason, K. (2023, March 24). 11 types of condoms-and which is best for you. Health. Retrieved May 5, 2023, from https://www.health.com/condition/sexual-health/types-of-condoms
