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.