#HealthBytes: Myths and facts about condoms
Condoms are handy, easy to store, widely available, and above all, effective (in most of the cases). They can help you stay away from unwanted pregnancies and dreadful STIs. However, buying and using the right condom for yourself is crucial for ensuring your sexual safety and pleasure. Here are most common myths about male condoms, busted by facts.
Myth: Condoms aren't effective in preventing pregnancy
If used properly each time you engage in sexual activity, condoms can be as much as 98% effective in preventing pregnancy. Even with typical use, ie. with errors like irregular/incorrect use, condoms are known to be effective in avoiding pregnancy in 85% cases. Thus, that condoms cannot help prevent pregnancy is a major misconception.
Myth: Condoms are uncomfortable
If you buy the right type and quality, condoms are mostly comfortable and easy to use. If it's too tight or too loose, it's because you have got the wrong size. Find the right one for yourself. Also, learn to put on the condom correctly. Don't worry. Practise will help sail your boat.
Myth: Condom size doesn't matter
A lot of couples tend to take for granted the importance of buying/using the right sized condom. Since penis sizes can vary, it becomes important to use a condom that fits you well. This is so because using the wrong size of condom could be risky - if it's too loose, it might slip off, and if it's too tight, it might break/tear.
Myth: Using two condoms gives better protection than just one
Although, on the face of it, it might sound sensible that using two condoms will be more effective than just one. However, that's far from reality. In fact, using two condoms together will cause more friction, increasing the risk of tearing/breakage for one or both of them. Also, avoid using male and female condoms at the same time, for similar reasons.
Myth: Condoms cannot protect against STIs
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) occur via genital secretions. That's why condoms, by acting as barriers between the genitals of the partners, reduce the spread of these secretions, thus reducing the chances of getting dreadful STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, among others. So, make sure to use a condom every time you have a sexual encounter to stay safe from unwanted pregnancy and STIs.
