Read Together as a Couple! The Importance of Choosing the Right Condom

Learn Through a Quiz! The Proper Knowledge About Condoms

Question 1: What is the main role of a condom?

A) To enhance sexual pleasure
B) To prevent infections
C) To improve the atmosphere during sex
D) To reduce noise during sex

Question 2: What risks arise from not using a condom?

A) Increased sexual pleasure
B) Higher risk of unexpected pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
C) Shorter duration of sex
D) Cost savings

Question 3: What should you pay attention to when choosing a condom?

A) Color and design
B) Size and shape
C) Brand name
D) Low price

Question 4: Why should a condom be used before sex?

A) To ensure safety during sex
B) To make cleaning up easier after sex
C) To enhance sensations during sex
D) To show it to your partner

Question 5: What impact does using a condom have on a relationship?

A) Makes the relationship more relaxed
B) Increases trust and respect
C) Makes sex more exciting
D) Increases costs

Answers and Explanations

B) To prevent infections
Explanation: The main role of a condom is to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unexpected pregnancies. By using condoms properly, you can ensure safety during sex.

B) Higher risk of unexpected pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Explanation: Not using a condom increases the risk of STIs and unexpected pregnancies. For self-protection, the use of condoms is essential.

B) Size and shape
Explanation: When choosing a condom, it's important to pay attention to size and shape and select one that fits you properly. This maximizes both comfort and effectiveness.

A) To ensure safety during sex
Explanation: Condoms are used to ensure health and safety during sex. They play a role in preventing STIs and reducing the risk of unwanted pregnancies.

B) Increases trust and respect
Explanation: Using condoms can enhance trust and respect in a relationship. By prioritizing each other's health and safety, a better relationship can be built.

So, now that we understand the importance of using condoms, how do we choose the right one?

Men's penises vary in size, and selecting the appropriate condom to match is crucial.

Refer to the following to choose the perfect fit!

How to Choose a Condom

What Shapes Do Penises Come In? Choosing Condoms Based on Penis Shape

• Mushroom-ShapedCharacteristics: The penis has a rounded, wide tip, and the glans (head) is larger compared to the shaft, resembling a mushroom cap.Benefits: The wider tip allows for enhanced stimulation of specific areas.

  Suitable Condoms: Fit or snug-fitting condoms that ensure the condom stays in place and provides a secure fit.

• Rocket-ShapedCharacteristics: The penis has a uniform thickness throughout its length and gradually tapers towards the tip, resembling a rocket.Benefits: The smooth, tapered shape facilitates easy insertion and often reduces discomfort.

  Suitable Condoms: Straight condoms. A standard-shaped condom should work well due to the even thickness.

• Banana-ShapedCharacteristics: The penis is slightly curved, often upwards but can curve left, right, or downwards.Benefits: The curvature makes it easier to stimulate specific areas (e.g., the G-spot).

  Suitable Condoms: Flexible material condoms. Choose those with high elasticity to fit the curve comfortably.

• Cylindrical-ShapedCharacteristics: The penis has a consistent thickness throughout, with the tip and base being nearly the same size, creating a cylindrical shape.Benefits: Provides a consistent level of stimulation due to the uniform thickness.

  Suitable Condoms: Standard or straight condoms. Select ones that fit comfortably from base to tip with consistent thickness.

• Pencil-ShapedCharacteristics: The penis is long and narrow with a slightly pointed tip, tapering smoothly from the base to the tip.Benefits: The slender shape makes insertion easier and allows for entry into tighter spaces.

  Suitable Condoms: Fit or tapered condoms. Opt for ones that fit securely at the base while allowing for a looser fit at the tip.

• Cone-ShapedCharacteristics: The base is wider and the penis gradually narrows towards the tip.Benefits: The wider base provides stability and a secure feel.

  Suitable Condoms: Wide-fit condoms. Choose those that accommodate a larger base without constriction and relax-fit condoms for a more comfortable, natural sensation.

Summary

Each penis shape has its own unique characteristics and benefits. Choosing the right condom that matches your shape can enhance comfort and safety. By understanding how to select and use condoms based on penis shape, you can improve the quality of your sexual experience.

Tips for Choosing Condoms

Try Different Options: It’s important to experiment with different types and brands of condoms to find the one that suits you best. Variations in comfort and fit mean that trying several options can help you find the most suitable one.

Seek Advice: If you have concerns or need guidance, consulting with pharmacy staff or medical professionals can be helpful.

Read Reviews: Reading reviews and ratings from others can assist you in finding a condom that suits your needs. You can gain insights into comfort and usability from others' experiences.

Note: Be aware that reviews might come from individuals with different shapes and sizes. Use them as a reference, but don’t rely solely on them.

Choosing the right condom for your penis shape is crucial for enjoying comfortable and safe sexual activity. By selecting a condom that fits well and suits your shape, you can maintain comfort and protection while preventing sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies. Try various options to discover the best condom for you.

Why is it necessary to 'choose' a condom?

• 1. Condom Damage or Slippage
  • Damage: If a condom is too small, it is at a higher risk of tearing during use due to stretching.
  • Slippage: If a condom is too large, it may slip off during use. This could potentially result in the condom being left inside your partner.
  2. Lack of Comfort
  • Discomfort: Condoms that do not fit properly in size or shape can cause discomfort or pain during use.
  • Reduced Sensitivity: Condoms that are too loose or too tight can diminish pleasure.
  3. Decreased Effectiveness
  • Reduced Contraceptive Effectiveness: If a condom does not fit properly, there is a higher risk of semen leakage, which can reduce its contraceptive effectiveness.
  • Decreased STI Protection: A condom that tears or slips off will also lose its effectiveness in preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
  4. Issues with Partner
  • Anxiety: If a condom does not fit well, it may cause anxiety for your partner.
  • Loss of Trust: Damage or slippage of a condom can lead to concerns about insufficient contraception or STI prevention, which may affect trust in the relationship.

Summary

Choosing the right condom is crucial for maintaining a comfortable and safe sex life. Using condoms that do not fit well in size or shape can reduce their effectiveness in contraception and STI prevention, and may cause physical discomfort or issues with your partner. By selecting a condom that suits you and using it correctly, you can minimize these risks and ensure a more secure and pleasant experience.

Other Situations Where Condoms Are Needed

1. Anal Sex

Using condoms is crucial not only for contraception but also for preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The anal area is more delicate and prone to injury compared to the vaginal area, so using a condom helps reduce the risk of infections.

2. Oral Sex

Condoms can also be used during oral sex to reduce the risk of STIs in the mouth. Some condoms made from latex or polyurethane are designed to minimize taste and odor.

3. Using Sex Toys

It is recommended to use condoms on sex toys to maintain hygiene and reduce the risk of infections. For instance, if multiple people are using a dildo or vibrator, it’s a good idea to use a new condom for each person.

4. Sex During Menstruation

Using condoms during menstruation helps reduce infection risks and maintain hygiene. However, sex during menstruation requires careful consideration. The cervix is open, increasing the risk of infections, and menstrual blood provides a suitable environment for bacteria, raising the risk of STIs.

Additionally, menstrual cramps, back pain, and headaches might make sexual activity uncomfortable. If feeling unwell, it's important to prioritize rest. Menstrual sex can also stain sheets and clothing.

Some women experience increased sexual desire during menstruation due to hormonal changes, which is natural. Open communication with your partner about menstrual sex is crucial to ensure mutual comfort. It’s important not to engage in sexual activity if it’s uncomfortable, and to respect each other’s opinions and feelings. Most men understand the discomfort of menstruation when explained, but avoid pushing through if it’s causing pain or distress.

5. Vaccinations and Medical Exams

In some medical settings, condoms are used to cover instruments during vaccinations or exams to further reduce infection risks.

How about preparing from the woman's side?

• Personally, I think it’s a good idea. Choosing together with your partner can also build trust. There are many other benefits as well!"
  1. Protect Your Health
  2. Demonstrate Autonomy and Responsibility
     • Enhancing Autonomy: Taking an active approach to your sexual health demonstrates autonomy and responsibility. It also shows respect for both yourself and your partner.
     • Strengthening Partnership: By carrying condoms, a woman can build trust with her partner, encouraging open communication about sexual activities.
  3. Ensure Safe Sex
     • Immediate Availability: Keeping condoms on hand allows for immediate use when needed, ensuring safe sex even in unexpected situations.
     • Adaptability: Being prepared for various situations, such as travel or outings, helps ensure you can enjoy peace of mind no matter where you are.
  4. Reduce Partner’s Burden
     • Shared Responsibility: Actively participating in managing sexual health rather than relying solely on your partner helps share the burden, contributing to a healthier relationship.
  5. Freedom of Choice
     • Selecting Suitable Products: By preparing condoms yourself, you can choose products that suit your needs, such as non-latex condoms if you have a latex allergy.

  Practical Advice

  • Prepare Various Types: Keep different types of condoms (e.g., thin, ribbed, flavored) to suit different situations and preferences.
  • Proper Storage: Store condoms in a cool, dry place, away from high temperatures and direct sunlight.
  • Check Expiry Dates: Condoms have expiration dates, so regularly check and avoid using any that are past their expiry.

While it is good for women to be prepared...

While it's good for women to be prepared, it's also crucial for men to have a proper awareness of contraception. Personally, I believe that if a man says, 'I didn’t bring any, but is it okay to go without?' it’s worth reconsidering the relationship.

This isn't just a matter between the two of you. Sexual activity carries the risk of pregnancy, and pregnancy and childbirth are life-threatening events. Moreover, a baby cannot survive on its own and might become a burden if not properly cared for.

Only men who understand and are prepared for these risks and responsibilities should suggest going without condoms. If the intention is to avoid using protection due to forgetfulness or for the sake of pleasure, that’s irresponsible and unacceptable. If a pregnancy were to occur, would that man truly be able to protect both his partner and the child?

Are you prepared to become a single mother?

Many people who rush into marriage due to an unplanned pregnancy end up divorced and with men who do not pay child support. However, to avoid such situations, it's important that both partners share the responsibility for contraception. Both partners must maintain a strong awareness of contraception to build a secure and healthy relationship.

So, if a man says, 'I forgot to bring any, so is it okay to go without?' make sure to firmly respond with 'No,' 'We need to use a condom,' or 'Pulling out is risky and not safe.' Even if you have condoms with you, don't use that as an excuse to go along with it. Make sure to firmly refuse.

Build relationships with partners who can have proper conversations and foster trust. Ideally, you should date men who take contraception, pregnancy, and your future together seriously, or those with whom you can grow together. You should not rely entirely on your partner. Being a full-time housewife can be challenging, as it involves managing many aspects of life.

Don’t let irresponsible men compromise your health.

Moreover, in today's age, information is easily accessible online, and men are often more proactive in seeking sexual pleasure than in understanding the importance of contraception. Therefore, while they may quickly learn about pleasure, it’s unacceptable if they are unaware of contraception. Be cautious of men who only learn about fantastical aspects (like positions from adult videos or practices like 'gokkun' and 'bukkake') without understanding essential information.

However, there is a significant disparity in sexual education, and some men, as well as women, may lack knowledge or interest. If a man responds to proper explanation with, 'I understand, I’ll be careful. Let’s take care of this,' then there might be potential for growth.

I've heard that it feels better without a condom, but...?

The belief that using a condom significantly reduces sexual pleasure is a common myth, but research has shown that many people find the difference to be either "negligible" or "slightly different." Here’s an explanation based on this information:

Condoms and Sexual Pleasure

Myth vs. Fact

• Myth: Using a condom drastically reduces sexual pleasure.
• Fact: Numerous studies have shown that using a condom does not significantly alter sexual pleasure. In fact, the increased sense of security can sometimes enhance pleasure.

Research Findings

• Minimal Change in Pleasure: Many surveys indicate that the change in pleasure when using a condom is minimal and has little impact on the overall sexual experience.
• Increased Sense of Security: By reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy, condoms can enhance mental reassurance, which can also improve sexual pleasure.
• Quality Improvement: Advances in condom materials and designs mean that many products are now available that enhance pleasure. Thin condoms and those with textures, for example, offer various options to maintain pleasure while ensuring safety.

Personal Experience

• Individual Differences: The experience of sexual pleasure can vary from person to person. Some individuals may not feel any difference when using a condom, while others might notice a slight change. These variations are based on individual sensations, but choosing the right size and shape of condom can help maximize comfort.

The mind surpasses the body.

Mental fulfillment leads to the proper production of brain chemicals (like oxytocin), which in turn enhances pleasure and satisfaction. While being excited by the semen of a loved one is indeed a stimulating experience, it is fundamentally rooted in mutual trust and affection. Engaging in such acts before a relationship has developed to that level may result in discomfort and a lack of connection. Therefore, let’s avoid harming important relationships based on myths and misconceptions, whether you're a man or a woman.

Proper Use of Condoms

Before Use: Before using a condom, check the expiration date on the package and ensure there is no damage. It's important to inspect the condom carefully, as materials can deteriorate over time.

How to Put It On: When putting on a condom, ensure the penis is erect. Leave a small space at the tip of the condom and carefully roll it down, making sure no air bubbles are trapped.

During Use: Ensure the condom does not slip or break during sexual activity by confirming it is the correct size and fit.

After Use: When removing the condom, hold it at the base to prevent semen from leaking and carefully dispose of it in the trash. Do not reuse the condom.

Finally.

Even with the use of condoms, it is not possible to guarantee 100% protection against pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections. This is true for all aspects of life, as there is no such thing as 'complete,' 'perfect,' or 'absolute.'

Therefore, sex should be an act shared with someone important, and it is not a simple act that can be performed with anyone just because you are using contraception. Keep this in mind and approach it with care and responsibility.