Sex-Ed Friday #2: CONDOMS (The Basics)!

I would love to say that EVERYONE uses them every time they have sex (NO MATTER WHAT) but it isn't true. I will say though that they are probably the most commonly used birth control.

What are condoms? 

There are two types of condoms; male and female. A condom is a barrier contraceptive - it blocks the route a sperm would take to fertilize an egg. They can be made from latex rubber, polyurethane, or lambskin. According the NHS (National Health Service, UK), males condoms are 98% effective against pregnancy if used correctly, while female condoms are about 95% effective. Nobody is sure what the origin of the English word "condom" is. There were rumors that Dr. Condom invented the condom for King Charles II of England. However, it is most likely that Dr. Condom, otherwise known as The Earl of Condom, never existed - also, condoms were around long before that period. Most likely the name comes from the Italian word guanto, meaning "glove". 

Lambskin condoms are still available. Lambskin condoms have been around for a very long time. Some people prefer them because they are better at transmitting body warmth and tactile sensation, compared to other condom materials. They are also less allergenic. However, modern materials are better at preventing the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Lambskin condoms are also very expensive. 

How do condoms work?

Condoms are rather simple devices. It is a physical barrier (as long as there aren't any tears and used properly) that will stop the sperm. Thus, it cannot enter the vagina itself and it cannot potentially fertilize  an egg. 

What is the history of condoms?

Condoms have been used for a very long time. They basically date back to the beginning of recorded times and were mostly made of animal intestines. There are literary references to condoms being used in the 17th and 18th centuries. The common condom we see today has been made of a rubber derivative called Latex which is thinner and cheaper to make than with any other material. It is also full shaft opposed to just the tip(which I can imagine never worked excellently). There are references to female condoms too but they have always been a less popular option as far as we can tell. 

What kind of latex condoms are there?

There are lubricated and non-lubricated condoms, as well as spermicide and non-spermicide condoms. There are flavored ones, colored/decorated ones, scented ones and even glow-in-the-dark ones!
*There are a bunch with different shapes and body too for a different experience. Trojan is the #1 seller for these variations.*

There are MANY condom brands and types so let's explore them! 

non lubricated

lubricated

colors!

A common condom section in a store

Major condom companies

One's decorative packaging

One's awesome pride packaging

glow in the dark

colors again!

Unrolled condoms/size comparison.  From right to left: standard, magnum, "my size" aka extra large

Proper condom instructions:

• Talk with your partner and decide to have sex.
• Discuss protection methods with your partner. Many people find it easier to talk about protection before engaging in sexual activity to reduce pressure or embarrassment in the moment.
• Check the expiration date on the condom. If it’s past the date, get a new condom.
• Check the package of the condom for holes, tears, or any sign of damage. To do this, you can fold the package in half – before opening! You should be able to see and feel the pocket of air protecting the condom in its wrapper. If you can’t, get a new condom.
• Carefully open the condom wrapper (with your fingers, not your teeth!) and remove the condom.
• Make sure the penis is erect.
• Place the condom on the head of the penis.
• Hold the tip of the condom to squeeze out any air and leave space to collect semen.
• Roll the condom down to the base so the entire penis is covered.
• Use water-based lubricant to prevent breakage.
• Have vaginal, oral, or anal sex.
• Keep the condom on the penis until you are finished having sex, whether ejaculation occurs or not.
• Hold onto the rim of the condom at the base of the penis and withdraw the penis.
• Carefully take the condom off the penis.
• Throw the condom in the garbage, NOT the toilet, the bushes, under the bed…
• Use a new condom if you want to have sex again
• 
  
• Video Link:
• Planned Parenthood condom use video

How much do condoms cost and where can I get them?

Condoms are widely available. They're for sale on the internet, in grocery stores, in sex shops, in Target, at 7/11 and other convenience stores/gas stations, ETC!

1. You can get condom coupons for both online and in-store. (Saving like a boss!)

2. A 3-pack of condoms are TYPICALLY about $3-$4.

3. Condoms are cheaper in large packs so if you know you'll be having sex more than thrice or if you're not just planning for a possible future than buy in bulk.

4. You can get free or nearly free condoms from most college resource centers, Planned Parenthood and college health centers and sometimes people go around passing them out randomly or you get someone like me in your dorm building whom had a box of condoms on my door. ;)

For more information check out planned parenthood and the actual condom websites.