#HealthBytes: How to buy and use a condom correctly
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 pregnancy and dreadful STIs. Notably, buying and using the right condom for yourself is crucial for ensuring your sexual safety and pleasure. Here are tips to help you buy and use a condom (correctly).
How to choose the right size for yourself
Sizing is important. A bigger sized condom would be loose, and may fall off from the penis, and a smaller sized one might break during the act. The usual condom sizes are small-fit, regular-fit, and large-fit. One may use a regular measuring tape to figure the length and girth of their penis, and then choose the right condom size accordingly.
Flavors and sizes
Apart from the sizing part, one can choose from the many variants and styles condoms come in. You can choose from flavored or unflavored variants. Other available options are ripped and dotted ones. These add-ons can help enhance sexual pleasure during intercourse.
Choosing the right material; To lube or not to lube
Material: Condoms come in various materials. These are lambskin, silicone, polyutherane and latex, so one has to be wary of their allergies and sensitivities before choosing the right one for themselves. Lubricants: Using lubrication can augment your level of sexual pleasure. However, not all lubes go well with condoms. Use only water-based and silicon-based lubricants, as oily and jelly lubes can break condoms.
About using fresh condoms, checking packages, and storage
Always use a fresh condom during every sexual act, whether or not you go for intercourse. Condoms come with a limited shelf-life, thus you must check the expiry-date on package before using one. Also, condoms should be stored only in a cool and dry environment. One should also inspect the condom for any holes or cuts. Use of sharp objects should be avoided.
About the time of putting on, and the reservoir-tip
Additionally, one should put on a condom once the penis is erect but before any contact with the partner's body has been made. Don't leave condoms for the last-minute. Also, enough space should be left free on tip of the condom, to facilitate collection of semen post ejaculation. If the condom lacks a reservoir-tip, pinch the tip nearly half-an-inch while putting it on.
Putting the condom on correctly
Do not unroll the condom, down your penis, in one go. Instead, firmly place it at the tip of the penis, and while holding the reservoir tip, slowly unroll it down to the base. Also, be careful to never wear the condom inside-out. If you end up doing so, take the condom out and dispose it off, and start again with a fresh one.
How to withdraw from partner and remove the condom, correctly
After ejaculation, hold the rim of the condom, and carefully withdraw from your partner, to avoid any semen leakage. When done, pull out the condom gently from your penis, and dispose it off.
