| Some Solutions to the Most Common Condom Problems |  | | by Nicolas Sheon, Berkeley Free Clinic, 1998. |  |  |
| Condoms feel tight |  | Use larger brands like Trojan Magnum, Maxx, Pleasure Plus, or Durex. These bigger
brands can fit anybody, regardless of size, since the ring at the base is not any
bigger. Put a drop of water-based lube inside the tip to help conduct heat and help
the end to move around more. Lube also reduces friction and risk of breakage. Make
sure the ring is completely unrolled to the base of the penis. In order to unroll
the condom all the way, unroll it with your fingers before putting it on the penis.
Then put it on like you would a sock or tights. Be careful not to tear the condom
with your fingernails. |
 | | Can't feel anything |  | Try a thinner, higher quality condom such as Maxx or Kimono. Try condoms and lubes
without nonoxynol-9 spermicide. Nonoxynol-9 can irritate the lining of the vagina or
anus and cause numbness, and it tastes and smells awful. For the same reasons, use
lubes without spermicide. For those of us who grew up with the older, thicker type
of condoms, it's no wonder we hate condoms. Condoms are a lot better nowadays. They
are not only thinner, they are more reliable. More than anything, a drop of lube in
the tip will make it feel more natural. Water conducts heat better than latex, and
more play in tip means more sensation on the most sensitive part of the penis. |
 | | Condoms break |  | Make sure you don't leave any air pockets in the tip of the condom. There should be a
loose little reservoir at the tip. To make a reservoir, pinch the tip as you unroll
it and work out any air bubbles by rubbing the shaft down. Use a few drops of lube
in tip before you put the condom on. Use good quality condoms known for their
reliability. Avoid keeping them in a warm place and always check the expiration date
before opening the package. If you're having a marathon session, check that the
condom is holding up and change it once in a while. |
 | | No condoms around when I need them |  | Keep them in a handy place in your bag, coat pocket, and by the bed. Don't keep them
in your car or wallet since exposure to heat will weaken your condoms. Think ahead
if you are going to drink or use drugs to make condoms easy to find. Don't worry
about your reputation just because you carry condoms around with you. Your partners
will just as likely be relieved that you thought of protecting both of you and even
more impressed that you had the good sense to bring it up before having sex. |
 | | I might be allergic to latex |  | Allergies to
latex are increasingly common, but even more common is an allergy to the
spermicide (nonoxynol-9) found in most spermicidal lubricants. Try condoms and lube
without spermicide. If you still suspect an allergy to latex, you might want to try
Avanti condoms, which are made of plastic and very thin, and can be used with oil-based
lubes. Much like the "female" internal condom, the plastic Avanti condoms are not
stretchy like latex so they tend to get baggy and slip off. Use Avanti as a last
resort because they have a higher breakage rate than latex condoms. |
 | | If I ask him to use one he'll go limp again |  | This problem is usually due to a break in the momentum when one of you goes to find
condoms or has trouble getting the thing on. Nerves also play a part, especially
when you're with a new partner. Condoms can also be a turn-off at first because we
have so many bad associations with them. The best way to get over this kind of safer
sex performance anxiety is to practice by yourself (yeah, that's right) so you can
get used to the feel and learn different ways to put it on (rolling it down or
pulling it on like a sock). Get your partner involved in getting the condom on to
make it more fun (a third hand is always useful to squeeze the tip to keep air out).
Just because you or your partner got soft in a condom once, doesn't mean that that's
it for condoms. Talk it over with each other and try it a different way. Practice
makes perfect. Remember that your brain is your biggest sex organ. Make condoms a
habit and put your mind at ease. |
 | | Condom slips off |  | Hold the base of the penis when pulling out. There is a brand (Mentor) of condom
designed for heavy duty use and has an adhesive at the base. Don't linger inside
your partner once you come -- pull out before the condom gets loose and slips
off. |
 | | Should I use Condoms For Oral Sex? |  | This is controversial. A few men have been infected from sucking and swallowing the
cum or pre-cum but such cases often involve cofactors such as throat infections,
bleeding, or trauma to the lining of the throat. If you don't let your partner cum
in your mouth, then you are already having safer oral sex. This is just one good
strategy. You can also avoid sucking the tip of the penis, or use a non-lubricated
condom like Lifestyles Kiss of Mint. Oral-vaginal sex (cunnilingus) with someone of
unknown HIV status is also relatively low risk. The risk of infection with STDs is
higher if there is menstrual blood or an unusual vaginal discharge. Make your
partner a Saran Wrap panty or use a latex dental dam with a harness for even safer
oral sex. Take good care of your teeth and gums in general but don't brush or floss
right before sex. Use mouthwash to freshen your breath instead. One clever
suggestion for a barrier comes from a client: Place non-lubed condom inside out like
a little cap over the head of the penis. Whatever method you try, avoid getting cum
in your mouth. Arrange with your partner to pull out before and finish the job with
your hands. If you get cum in your mouth, the idea is to "swallow or spit, just
don't let it sit." |
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