Condoms

Did you know that condoms are unique among birth control methods because they can prevent both unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? Not only that, but they're also one of the few contraceptives that provide extra benefits such as prolonging erection. That's why using a condom is widely recognized as an important safe sex practice.

For those who may be wondering about condoms— what they are, where they came from, and why they're so important— we've put together a handy guide to provide you with all the details.

What is a Condom?

A condom is a sheath-shaped device that a male or female person wears during sexual intercourse to reduce their risk of getting pregnant or getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It acts as a barrier that blocks the semen from entering the body of the partner.

Using a condom is one of the most commonly used forms of birth control. This is because they're easy to use and are relatively cheap. However, their effectiveness isn't one of its strengths.

According to Planned Parenthood, male condoms are only 85% effective. As for female condoms, it's effective for only 72-82%.

Keep in mind, though, that this effectivity rate applies to normal use. If you've perfected the art of slipping on a condom, you can actually protect yourself for about 95 – 98%.

Here's how to use it: Start with opening the wrapper gently and pinching the tip before unrolling the condom. Check the condom to see if it's going the right way—the reservoir tip should be pointing upwards. After that, place over the tip of your erect penis and roll down the base. Put water-based lube on the outer part of the condom to prevent tears. Once you're done with the deed, hold the condom's base to avoid any semen from spilling out, then gently pull out your penis. Dispose it properly in the trash bin. As for storage, keep the condoms in a secure spot, away from direct sunlight. When on the go, store condoms in a compartment of your bag or inside a cosmetic pouch.

Why You Should Use Condoms

Let's talk about the benefits. Due to its low efficacy rate (with normal usage), some people often underestimate the power a condom has in protecting STIs and preventing unplanned pregnancies. But with all of the advantages we'll share in this section, you'll understand why condoms stand out as a versatile and reliable form of protection.

First, condoms offer dual protection, something that no birth control has successfully provided. Second, beyond their protective benefits, condoms also contribute to sexual wellness by prolonging erection through stimulating lubricants and optimized designs. Not only that, but you can easily get condoms compared to other birth control methods. You don't need a prescription to order it from a pharmacy. If you're shy about buying them in-store, tons of online stores could discreetly deliver them to your doorstep. It's pretty cheap, too, with 3-piece sets going as low as ₱99 (highly-priced condoms usually come from luxury brands or are non-latex variations). Some clinics and community centers even provide condoms for free, ensuring that those who have financial challenges are still able to safeguard their sexual health.

Overall, condoms emerge as a versatile, accessible, and budget-friendly solution for individuals seeking to prioritize their sexual health and well-being. Learn more about these mentioned benefits below.

STI Protection

If you're looking for reliable protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), you can count on condoms to do the job. By acting as a barrier to bodily fluids, condoms help prevent the transmission of STIs from one partner to another, safeguarding your sexual health. Whether you're in a relationship or casual setup, you can count on this.

Prevents Unplanned Pregnancies

What makes condoms different from other contraceptives is they can protect you from both STIs and unintended pregnancies. Whether used alone or in combination with other contraceptive methods, such as birth control pills or contraceptive implants, condoms offer a reliable way to prevent sperm from reaching the egg and fertilizing it,

thereby reducing the likelihood of unplanned pregnancies and empowering individuals to take control of their reproductive choices.

Prolongs Erection

Aside from the sexual health-related benefits, condoms can also help people who are struggling to prolong their erection. Some condoms are designed with features such as a snugger fit or special lubricants that can help enhance sexual performance, allowing individuals to enjoy longer-lasting and more satisfying sexual experiences. If you or your partner wants to boost sexual stamina, consider getting those stimulating condoms.

Accessible

Unlike other birth control methods, condoms are widely accessible and readily available in various locations, including pharmacies, grocery stores, health clinics, and online retailers— no need to get a prescription from a doctor or go to certain spaces. Their widespread availability ensures that individuals have easy access to this essential form of protection, allowing them to make informed decisions about their sexual health.

Budget-Friendly

Condoms are not only accessible but also affordable! Compared to other contraceptives, condoms are generally more accessible to individuals of all socioeconomic backgrounds—some sexual health clinics and barangay centers even give them away for free. Their affordability makes condoms an inclusive option for people with varying financial means, ensuring that everyone can prioritize their sexual health without financial strain.

Types & Variations

One of the misconceptions about the love glove is that all variations are made of latex rubber. That's not necessarily the case, as some people are allergic to latex. Here are the common types of condoms and their main specifications.

Latex condoms are the standard type of condoms. It's made from a flexible and sturdy material, latex. However, some people tend to be allergic to latex. If you've tried a latex condom and it has caused redness, rash, and itchiness to your skin, it's better to seek other types.

The next type is synthetic condoms. These are usually made from polyisoprene, polyurethane, or polyethylene. What's great about this type is that it still gets the job done even though it's not made from latex.

Then there are the animal product condoms. This type is made from animals such as lambskin. One of the benefits of this type is that it actually provides a more "natural feeling" than latex condoms. However, this type can't protect you from STIs as it has small pores that allow the passage of viruses.

History

There's a fascinating history behind condoms. It all started in 3000 BC, when King Minos of Crete made a condom, goat's bladder sheath, to protect his wife from his "deadly" semen. He believed that his semen was full of "serpents and scorpions" and had resulted in several deaths from his other sexual partners. However, this story is still unproven, and historians still debate its legitimacy.

As for the documented origins of condoms, using a condom was apparently already a thing in the 15th century. There is documentation of limited use of glans condoms in China and Japan. These early types of condoms have been made with lamb intestine, oiled silk paper, tortoiseshell, or animal horn.

By 1839, Charles Goodyear invented rubber vulcanization, which resulted in rubber condoms being produced in 1855. However, condoms made from other materials are still more popular since they are cheaper. By 1920, latex was introduced to the game. It became much cheaper than rubber condoms and was easier to produce. This has become the standard material for condoms worldwide.