CONDOMS ARE STILL VERY EFFECTIVE...

I have started again. I have not yet recovered from the controversies of ‘’the tighter the sweeter’’…now condom. What about condom? I felt I should share some naked truths about condoms after studying condomology. lol. Complaints such as ‘’ it’s not sweet with condom’’, ‘’Condom itches me’’, ‘’ I used a condom and still got pregnant’’, ‘’ the condom failed me’’, ‘’I caught STI even when I used a condom’’, ‘’ My partner does not like condom’’, ‘’I like it skin to skin’’ are among the million things I have heard about the ineffectiveness of condom and this led to my recent study. The increase in STIs and STDs as well unintended pregnancies calls for worries. Where are they really missing it?

So let us talk about condom…it’s not a sin to talk about it.

What is condom? Condoms are barrier method of birth control and it helps prevent sexually transmitted infections and diseases. They create barrier between the penis and the vagina. When used correctly and consistently, condoms are reliable at least up to 98%. Lest I forget, In the course of my study, I visited a few pharmaceutical stores to do random research…guess what I found? About 25 per cent of teenage boys patronize them too…were they sent on an errand or is it for their personal use? I asked. The responses I got were that it’s none of their business. In my opinion, they should be taught by the pharmacist on how to use it correctly. Some people are already crucifying me…I should discourage teenage sex right? Of course, I discourage it but these teens are adventurous (dem nor gree hear word). Lol. Let’s go on…

There are two types of condoms- The male condoms which are worn on the penis to trap semen and prevent sperm from reaching the egg while the female condoms which are inserted into the vagina. The male condoms are the most popular. There are four kinds of male condoms according to their materials-The latex, Polyurethane, Polyisoprene and Lambskin. The latex condoms are the most widely sold and least expensive in the market. They also come in various colours, shapes, textures, brands and flavours. Its elasticity makes it perfect for heat and friction of sex. Polyurethane condoms are stronger because its type of plastic conducts heat and sex friction better. It is also thinner making it more pleasure for men especially for men who complain that they can’t really get the taste of the ‘beef’ with the condoms on. Polyisoprene condoms came as a result of people who complained of latex allergy. They are softer and feel less like rubber while the Lambskin condoms are condoms made from the intestinal membrane of a lamb (cecum) making them have a more natural feel than the others. They are ineffective in protecting against STIs and STDs since viruses can pass the pores of the lambskin condoms but sperm cannot pass through the pores making them good to protect against pregnancy. Female condoms are worn inside the vagina to stop sperm from entering the womb. They are made from polyurethane which is a thin and soft plastic. Female condoms can also protect against pregnancy and STIs when used correctly.

Who should really use a condom? Most people can safely use a condom and different varieties make it easier for people to pick the one suitable for them. Most women complain that after using a condom they start itching. It shows that they are sensitive to the chemicals in the latex condoms. In this case, it is better to switch to the polyurethane or polyisoprene which have lower risk of causing allergic reaction. For the men that say they cannot lick ‘tomtom’ with the wraps on…I feel you. You can try the polyurethane or the lambskin (not advisable for prevention of STIs and STDs) or a female condom should be used (especially in cases where the man finds it difficult to get an erection with condoms because the penis must be erect to use a male condom).

A friend of mine, James, told us a story of a ‘sweet chic’ he had met and he was going to slay the chic that evening. To be well protected, he wore two condoms…so that even if the girl had all the STDs put together none will come nigh him.lol. Yes, he got past it. But on the contrary, using two condoms will cause a friction between the two sheaths causing them to tear. One is enough. (My people perish for lack of knowledge…lol). Anyways, there are things that can make the condom less effective. Such as the condom gets damaged by fingernails, scissors, teeth or jewellery while tearing the wrap (these brothers have no joy when tearing the wrap…sisters be on the watch). If it’s the only condom and its torn, abeg zip up oh). To open the condom wrapper, push the condom away from the edge you want to tear and use the easy-tear edges. Using oil-based lubricants like petroleum jelly can cause the condom to tear (Instead use water-based lubricants). For the rough riders…Immediately stop action and change condom if it breaks. Also, change condom while switching from anal sex to vaginal sex to avoid bacteria from the anus to the vagina.      

   

How to wear a condom: For the male condom, tear the wrap gently using the edges. Check for the right way it is worn. Hold the teat of the condom (to create an airspace for semen during ejaculation and reduces the chance of breakage) and place on the cap of the penis (ensure the penis is fully erected and should not touch vagina). Hold the base of the condom while you roll gently through to the shaft of the penis (please don’t slide the condom with your five fingers like you are holding a microphone)because if it is not worn to the shaft penis there will be a skin to skin contact and thus, exchange of body fluids. After its worn correctly...then action! When you are done, you or your partner should withdraw while holding the base of the condom to prevent it from slipping off and spilling the content (if it happens, please see a doctor or pharmacist for urgent attention).

Condoms come in various sizes. It is proper to pick the one that best suit you…Just the way you will pick a dress or shoes that fits you. If it’s too loose (big), tight or stops half way (small), please do not continue with the action.

Condoms are still very effective, if they are used correctly. Do not use one condom more than once. If condom makes you lose sensitivity, then go for the light ones. Please don’t get so drunk that you forget to use a condom. Dispose expired condoms and only use condoms that have been tested to high safety standards. Abstain if you can but if not, be faithful and if you can’t, then please use a CONDOM! You are accountable for your sexual health. AIDS is not Americans Idea of Discouraging Sex oh. AIDS is real. If your partner is faithful, then you are good to go…but dem nor dey know finish (Nigerians will understand that local parlance). You can’t tell if your partner is clean by looking at his or her face or status in the society (the elite can get HIV too). It will no longer be fun when five minutes pleasure takes away 50 years of your life.

Remember you are responsible for your health. Healthy people make a wealthy nation. Be wise!