Which condom type are you?

There are condoms and there are condoms, but are you using the right one?

Sex is one of the most wonderful experiences that a person can share with their partner. It is pleasurable and it unites two souls during the act. Sex also improves physical and mental wellbeing, and helps a couple stay connected through life’s challenges.

But if you do it the same way, with the same moves and even wearing the same condom, sex can become really boring. You owe it to your relationship to increase the pleasure of it, to make it more enjoyable. A condom can help you in this respect.

How can a condom enhance sex?

Earlier, only the most basic condoms were available, which provided functionality without enhancement. You could just slip the sheath on to the penis and have sex. But today, there are different types of condoms, in different make and materials. Condoms today are created to not just provide protection, but also to make the experience really enjoyable.

If you or your partner (or both) feel that wearing a condom is unnecessary, think again. It protects against STIs and unwanted pregnancies. You might be sure that neither of you has any STIs, but it doesn’t hurt to be safe. Besides, you cannot be wondering if you are helping create a pregnancy instead of focussing on enjoying the sexual act!

Picking the right type of condom frees you from any worries about your sexual health. It also increases your pleasure in each other.

What’s on offer?

There are many types of condoms to choose from, based on the condom thickness, material and texture. Start by picking the right size. The condom must fit snugly, like a glove, on the erect penis. If it is too tight, it might tear during sex. If it is a size bigger, it will slip off.

Once you’ve got the right size, it is time to find the condom with the right sensation. This aspect is more important for your partner, so choose well. Look for condoms from Durex, which has a wide range of condoms such as:

Fetherlite: These are super slim condoms to give couples the feeling of skin-on-skin contact during sex. But despite their thinness, they are tough enough not to break or tear during sex.

Extra safe: These condoms are slightly thicker than others. They are great for couples who don’t know each other very well, and who would like increased protection against pregnancies or STIs/STDs. These condoms are layered with spermicide for added protection.

Real feel: Their texture is like skin, so you feel like you’re having sex without a condom.

Pleasuremax: Their ribbed and dotted texture enhance her pleasure.

Ribbed, dotted: These condoms have ribs on the surface, or raised dots, to increase her sensitivity during sex.

Warming: These condoms are coated with warming lube on the surface.

Flavoured: For better oral sex for both partners.

Delayed climax: These condoms delay orgasm so you can enjoy the act for longer.

Why do I need a condom?

A primer on a few facts to know about condom use and why a condom is essential during sex.

A condom protects you and your partner from unwanted pregnancies and the transmission of sexual infections and diseases. It acts like a barrier between the exchange of sexual fluids. Condoms like the Durex range are rigorously tested and re-tested to negate the possibility of condom tearing during sex.

Condoms are necessary for good sexual health, since they keep a clean partner safe from the STIs or STDs of an infected partner. It also gives people suffering from STIs and STDs the freedom to have sex without risking their partner’s health.

Condoms also enhance sexual pleasure. Some couples feel that the condom takes away the skin-on-skin feeling that they yearn for during sex. However, condoms from companies like Durex shatter this myth. Durex has a range of condoms that provide specific sensations during sex. They increase pleasure and closeness during sex – you will love to have protected sex when you try these condoms that offer tingling, ribbed and warming sensations, among others!

So, this is how to use a condom…

There is never a bad time to wear a condom, since it has benefits for your health and sexual life. Even if your partner is not fond of sex with condoms, gently insist on wearing one for both your sakes.

* Choose the right condom. This depends on your sensitivity to rubber or latex. Pick the condom that is most suited to your penis length and girth. A too tight or too loose condom can break or slip off during sex.

* Wear the condom correctly. Do not use your fingernails on it while wearing it, or it might tear. Roll it down on your erect penis gently till the base.

* Suspect a malfunction? Discard it. Do not wear a condom that you suspect is expired (if it’s been in your wallet too long, it’s no good) or torn. It will tear during sex and put you and your partner at risk. Start with a new condom within its expiry date.

* Even sex toys need condoms. It sounds strange, but if you use sex toys that involve insertion inside your or her body, then it needs a condom, too. Sex toys are coated with sexual fluids that can contain the virus causing several STIs and STDs. Wash the sex toys and disinfect them before use, and put a condom on them just to be sure.

* Lubricants can be used with condoms. Make sure to use a water-based lube during sex, so that the condom does not cause pain or chafing for her. Most condoms are lube-safe, but don’t use oil-based ones with latex condoms.

* Wearing two condoms is unnecessary. You cannot increase ‘security’ by wearing two condoms. In fact, both will slip or cause friction with each other, resulting in tearing. One condom worn correctly is enough.