The condom is a device with long and quite amazing history. Our forefathers as well as we did not always make love in order to have children, so they made up some methods of contraception.

Ancient were made of materials that were far from being perfect. For instance, there were condoms made out of intestines of animals. Just imagine this picture: a loving couple enjoys incredibly tender foreplay and then stops to put on the penis something made of intestines. Poor, poor ancient men! They had to suffer a lot for the sake of love!

One of the oldest condoms is exhibited in London museums. The antiquarian contraceptive was made about 350 years ago. It was made out of intestines of an animal and it was to be soaked in milk before use for softening. This interesting specimen was found during diggings in one of towers.

Ancient Arabians turned out to be very inventive. They were the first to introduce some novelties for sex. Archaeologists have found only cases for penis that were adorned with gems. These cases were buried together with the corpse of the man. Can you imagine what were Arabian contraceptives like?

According to other sources the first condom was made of leather and it was used by none other but pharaoh Tutankhamen. In fact no one knows whether Egyptians used such devices for contraception as Egyptian condoms were adorned with gems. Probably men used these devices to compare their manhoods.

Also there is a indirect evidence of the fact that Egyptians did not use these devices as a method of contraception: to prevent pregnancy ancient Egyptian women used special tampons soaked with juice of acacia and even crocodile's dung!

At the same time Japanese invented a similar device that was made of soft leather. It was called “kavagata”.

In the Renaissance a famous doctor Fallopio described use of fabric as an analogue of condoms. At that time epidemic of syphilis raged in Europe and doctors tried to fight it by all possible means.

There are rumors that the famous lover Casanova preferred to make love only with armor on the manhood. Of course, manufacturing of condoms was not so active in the 18th century, but it did exist. The condoms were very expensive, but nothing could prevent Casanova from getting sexual pleasures.

Traditional condoms appeared only with the invention of rubber and only in the 19th century. These condoms were similar to those we use today.

Modern people are much happier than ancient people. Today any person can choose a condom he or she likes, as there are colored, flavored and textured that do not only protect from infections but provide extra pleasure as well. There are even vibrating condoms that are a method of contraception and a sex toy simultaneously.

We have a very large choice, so why not to choose safer sex?

Facts

About 5 000 000 000 condoms are sold yearly in the world
More than 50 percent of condoms are bought by women
There are more than 100 condom brands in the market.

1. Condom is the only effective (besides sexual abstinence) method of contraception that protects you against sexually transmitted diseases, such as AIDS, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, papilloma virus and others.
   This effect is achieved due to the fact that a condom (male or female) serves as a barrier that prevents contact of body fluids.


2. Condom does not contain hormones and, unlike birth-control pills does not have side effects (the only exception is latex allergy that occurs very rarely).


3. Condom is much more available than other methods of contraception as it does not require consulting a doctor. This cannot be said about other methods of contraception, especially hormonal ones that must be prescribed by a doctor and that can cause lots of troubles if chosen without a specialist.


4. You do not have to wait until it starts to work (like with foams, creams and other chemical contraceptives). Put it on and have fun!


5. Condom is very easy to use. You do not have to follow a schedule (like with birth-control pills), you do not need a doctor to adjust it (like with intrauterine methods of contraception).


6. Condom, unlike any other method of contraception helps men to cope with early ejaculation. If you suffer from early ejaculation and want to prolong intercourse you should not use ultra thin condoms. First of all a not too thin condom makes the head of the penis less sensitive to stimulation. Secondly, there are condoms that contain special lubricants inside that help to delay climax and to enjoy sexual intercourse longer.


7. Condom, unlike any other method of contraception can enhance pleasure of both partners.
   There are textured (ribbed, dotted, ribbed, studded, veined,etc) condoms that provide extra stimulation to both partners. Flavored condoms greatly enhance oral sex. This might surprise you, but oral sex does require protection as many sexually transmitted diseases can be transmitted through oral sex.
   By using a condom for oral sex you will achieve two goals: first of all you will protect yourself from infections, and secondly, you will greatly enhance pleasure of the giving partner. The variety of flavors is great so anyone can choose the flavor he or she likes most.
   Also there are condoms containing warming lubricants that enhance sensations and add extra spice for sexual experiments.
   What is more, there are vibrating condoms! These condoms come with a cock ring that has a vibrating bullet! Vibrating bullet turns the condom from method of contraception into a sex toy!


8. Condom is very small, it can be put even in the smallest handbag or in a pocket. This is a method of contraception that can be always handy. Just make sure to buy new condoms as soon as you have used the last one.


9. Willingness to use a condom shows your care about your partner. This is the evidence of your being a responsible person who is worth trusting.


10. Putting on the condom can become a very spicy element of love play especially if the condom is put on the penis by a woman. Some women know how to put it on with mouth!

Though condom is one of the most effective and easy to use methods of contraception some people refuse to use it since use of the condom causes such unpleasant effects as edema, irritation, reddening, rash and itch in them. In men use of the condom might cause paraphimosis. Why do these troubles happen?

The reasons might be as follows: latex allergy, allergy to some components of the lubricant the condom contains (for instance to spermicides or flavors) non-allergy reaction to lubricant.

Latex Allergy

According to scientific data about 6 percent of people suffer from allergy to latex. If some other objects made of latex (gloves, toys, sex toys) cause unpleasant effects in you, than, perhaps you have allergy to latex. Usually allergy latex causes skin reactions. Particles of latex can be transmitted through air. In this cases symptoms of filler's lung appear.

Often those who are sensitive to latex turn out to be allergic to many kinds of fruit and vegetables, such as potatoes, bananas, kiwi and others. You can easily find out whether you are allergic to latex or not, as simple blood test reveals allergies.

What to do

First of all you should find out whether you have latex allergy

If you realized that unpleasant effects are not caused by latex, you should find out what caused troubles. If irritation, itch and other effects were caused by some components contained in lubricant, you should use unflavored condoms without spermicides and lubricants that prolong intercourse.

If you turned out to have latex allergy you should opt for some other method of contraception.

As you know condom is the only method of contraception that protects you from sexually transmitted diseases as it prevents contacts between body fluids. Taking this into account you should understand that all other contraceptives should be used only provided you have a regular and faithful partner. If you don't have one you should opt for polyurethane condoms that do not contain latex and that will not cause allergy in you.

In the vast majority of cases use of condoms does not cause any difficulties. Usually troubles that occur (mainly this is breakage of the condom, its slipping off the penis or some difficulties with erection) are caused by improper use of this contraceptive.

Below you will find some tips that will help you to use condoms comfortably and safely.

Breakage

The condom might break because of being improperly used or stored. Often this trouble happens to unexperienced men, that is why young men before having their first sex are recommended to masturbate with a condom on in order to get used to condoms. Also there are some tips, that, if followed will prevent breakage of the condom in future.

1. Use the right lubricant. Keep in mind that only water-based or silicone based lubricants are compatible with latex condoms. Oil-based lubricants damage latex. If you prefer oil-based lubricants, then use non-latex condoms, for instance polyurethane condoms.
2. Use a considerable amount of lubricant, especially when having anal sex. Put some amount of lube on the condom and inside the anus to provide easier glide and to reduce frictions.
3. Use right-sized condoms. A too small condom will prevent you from maintaining erection and is more likely to tear.
4. Change condoms every 30 minutes. The longer you use a condom, the more likely to tear it is. So it is a good idea to check whether everything is OK with the condom during sex. If intercourse lasts for more than 30 minutes, change it for a new one.
5. Do not stretch it. The condom should be unrolled, rather than stretched, so do not be too enthusiastic when putting on the condom.
6. Use only one condom. Some people think that use of two condoms can double protection. In fact the effect is quite the opposite: two condoms are more likely to break than one.
7. Store condoms properly. Never store condoms in wet and hot places. Also they should not be exposed to sun rays.
8. Remove air bubbles. Sometimes air remains in the condom and this causes its breakage. So every time, when putting on the condom squeeze the tip of the condom to remove air bubbles.

Slipping off

The other problem is that sometimes the condom might slip off the penis during sexual intercourse. If this problem occurs too often, than you should do the following

1. Do not put lubricant on the bare penis. Lubricant under the condom might make the latter slip off the penis.
2. Use right-sized condom. Usually condoms slip off the penis being too big.
3. Unroll the condom completely. A condom might slip off the penis because it was not unrolled up to the base of the shaft.

Erection problems

Sometimes men refuse to use condoms thinking that these might prevent them from achieving and maintaining erection. Here are some recommendation regarded this matter

1. Never use too small condoms. These do influence erection. There is a great range of big-sized condoms, try to use some of them.
2. Erection rings. There are special erection rings, that are sex toys designed to be worn at the base of the penis and to maintain erection. The rings are available in a great variety of models. Try a few models to find the one that will suit you best.
3. Visit your doctor. If the problem persists, than perhaps it has nothing to do with condoms. The doctor will find out what causes erection problems and will prescribe treatment.

Most failures that happen with condom are connected with the wrong way people put on or take off it. On the other hand, many men are unaware that condoms differ in sizes and that can create some problems. In spite of the fact that size does matters in terms of condom measurements, many men face the difficulty to choose the right size of the condom.

When do I know it's a wrong size?

The main cause for condom size concern should be its fit. When you feel that condom feels loose it may indicate that condom is bigger than your penis, if it feels too tight, you should consider larger size of the condom.

Besides you should check if the collar of the condom to reach the base of the penis, in case it doesn't – you should choose longer condom.

What can happen if it's wrong size of the condom?

If you feel uncomfortable during the intercourse or experience considerable difficulties putting on or taking off the condom, these can result in the following:

• Slip off of the big condom
• Tearing or splitting of the small condom
• Loss of the condom in vagina or anus

What are condom sizes?

Condom manufacturers usually have small variations from the standard size of the condom which means that most condoms measurements will be between 98 and 106 mm wide, with 52-54 mm circumference and 180 mm length. This size is considered to fit the average penis size in erect state that according to various researches is 4- 9 inches long.

What condom size to choose?

Unfortunately for today reality there is no wide range of condom sizes available in the adult market. Although you can find measurements on the condom pack and some condoms have such indications like regular, large and extra large . If you know that your penis size exceeds or otherwise condom doesn't give you comfortable fit, you should try on another condom.

Lifestyle and Trojan condoms are among those manufacturers who offer some variability in terms of condoms size, especially for those who have above average penis size.

Some Sico condoms, like Sico/Grip type have thicker ring with smaller diameter to fit your penis tighter.

Main advantages:

1. High percentage of protection.
   It is known that the latex texture does not contain big pores. Due to this fact condoms made of latex do not permit any infection or disease to attain the vulnerable parts of the body.
2. Fits any size.
   It is stretchable, elastic and usually comes to be perfect for every penis. There are individuals who are willing to acquire bigger sizes for better comfort and satisfaction.
3. Thickness
   Thickness reaches 0.0018 inches, while the average one is 0.0027 inches. Thus your senses and feelings are more significant, but the rate of durability is lower.
4. Latex material is compatible only with water-based lubes.
   In the situation when there the natural lubricant lacks and the condom doesn’t have enough sliding, certain individuals use different liquids in order to prevent the latex tearing and to enhance the pleasure. Such liquids as silicone, oil, etc may destroy its structure and lead to its cracking.
5. Low cost
6. Pleasant touch and smell

The disadvantages:

1. The tearing or breaking risk.
   Many experts think that these products don’t guarantee full protection. Taking into consideration that there are a lot of manufacturers on proper market who provide low quality goods and products. There are situations (in 5% of cases) when the condoms cracked.
2. Sensitiveness to temperature and ultraviolet light;
3. The possibility to allergic reactions. Some individuals are very sensitive and allergic to this kind of material.
4. Unpleasant rubber latex scent

What are they?

Spermicides' usage

How do spermicides work?

Effectiveness

Types of spermicides

• No restriction on age;
• No restriction on use;
• Safe;
• Effective whether used correctly and properly;
• Do not require health care providers' visit;
• Do not require partner's involvement;
• Immediate return to fertility;
• Easy to initiate and discontinue;
• Available without prescriptions;
• Relatively inexpensive;
• Convenient

• increased risk of HIV transmission;
• sexual activity interruption;
• no protection against STDs;
• need to use with each act of sex;
• disruption of bacteria's normal balance in a woman's body;
• local irritation and allergy because of nonoxynol-9;
• painful urinary tract infection;
• higher probability to become pregnant then with the other methods' usage; etc

• They are unwilling to interrupt the prelude for wearing the condom. In their opinion they loose desire and hardness.
• Wearing a condom means less pleasant sensations and reduced gratification. It is because of latex material the condom is made of that prevents the natural contact with the skin.

Honesty and confidence between partners!

• It doesn't matter is your partner for a night or for a long time period your aim is to confide and express him your point of view regarding the condom usage.
• Claim your gold rule: No condoms, no sex!!! Make him aware of your willingness to care your body and to protect from any STD.
• If your relationship expects to be serious and lasting try to maintain the confidence between you and your boyfriend. Predispose your partner to a confident tête-à-tête discussion. Be honest and loyal and demand this from him. Ask him to show you all the tests he had ever made during his life. Ask about the reasons he had never used the condoms before and the ways he protected himself and his former sexual partner.

Patience and trials for better results!

1. Tell your partner you have to pass some tests for assuring you are in good state of health. The result should be advantageous. Men's selfish character is awakening. The thought of being contaminated with a disease spread reasoning in their minds.
2. Have a discussion on topic "STDs and their consequences". Relate him stories and predictable facts taken from real events and perceive his concept of thinking. Make him aware of these diseases. Use humor, more examples, and situations, for a better accumulation and understanding of information. If he agrees you can consult a specialist's opinion and advices.
3. Try to convince him that sex in a condom is not so bad, insensitive and unpleasant like he thinks. It is a stereotype deeply imbuing men's mind and thoughts. This problem is mostly related to individual's psychology.
4. Another PRO you can easily bring is the wide variety of condoms the modern market offers. More and more condoms are characterized by their extra thin material they are made of, distinct sizes, flavors, colors. They are specially ribbed, shaped, studded, etc. Sex could become more interesting and funny. Nevertheless both partners feel pleasure and are protected simultaneously.
5. Be foxy and ingenious! Propose him a game. Give him a stunning night by offering to wear him the condom with your mouth and to play with his genitals. Pretty sure the win is going to be on your side. Who will refuse a magnificent foreplay?
6. And if all these suggestions and counsels are not taken into account and analyzed by your partner it is the very time to think of your future relationship! His negligence should awake and prepare you for further steps to be taken. Do not give up if your partner rejects the condom's usage. Be ambitious and do not let partner's listlessness cover your healthy thoughts regarding protection and a sexual life without risks of infections.