Condoms

 

Introduction to Male Condoms

Birth control is a way for men and women to prevent pregnancy. There are many different methods of birth control; some types also protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms are one type of birth control that in addition to preventing pregnancy also prevent the spread of STDs.

There are two types of condoms, the male condom and the female condom.

 

What Is a Male Condom?

The male condom, or "rubber," is a thin covering made of latex, plastic, or animal membrane that is rolled over an erect penis. The covering prevents semen, the fluid that contains sperm, from entering a woman's vagina.

 

What Are Male Condoms Made of?

Most condoms are made of a type of rubber called "latex." Latex condoms are the most effective condom at preventing STDs. Recently, condoms made of polyurethane (a type of plastic) have become available. These are more expensive than latex condoms and seem to break more easily. They are mainly useful for people who are allergic to latex. There are also "natural" condoms, which are made of animal membranes (lambskin). These are expensive and although they are effective at preventing pregnancy they do not decrease the spread of many sexually transmitted diseases.

 

What Types of Latex Condoms Are There?

Condoms come in all shapes, sizes, and materials. Here are some characteristics to consider when buying condoms.

• Size. The standard size will fit most men. Extra-large condoms are available, as well as "snug" sizes that are a little smaller and fit tighter than the standard size.
• Shape. Some condoms come with a nipple in the end to hold the fluid when the man ejaculates. Others have a rounded end.
• Thickness. Extra-strength condoms are available. These are stronger and are especially useful for rectal sex and for men who have problems with condom breakage. Extra thin condoms also are available, but these are not recommended because they may break more easily.
• Lubrication. Many condoms come pre-lubricated. This lubrication can be a substance that kills sperm (spermicide) and many disease-causing germs. Lubrication may give some extra protection in preventing pregnancy, especially if the condom breaks. Lubricated condoms taste bad and are not recommended for oral sex.
• Flavored. These condoms are meant for the male to wear when receiving oral sex. They are not lubricated and have a mild flavor (usually mint).
• Color. Condoms come in many colors. The color of the condom doesn't make it any more or less effective.

 

How Is the Male Condom Used?

Take caution when opening the wrapper to avoid tearing the condom with your teeth, fingernails or rings. Gently pinch the air out of the tip of the condom before putting it on. The condom is rolled over the erect penis before sexual activity begins. If the condom does not have a built-in nipple, leave about 1/2-inch of the condom free at the tip of the penis so that semen has a place to collect.

A new condom must be used each time you have sex. The condom must be in place before the penis gets near the vagina. If you use lubricants with a condom, be sure to only use water-based lubricants, such as K-Y Jelly. Oil-based lubricants, such as Vaseline, massage oils and body lotions can cause condoms to leak or break. Certain vaginal medications used to treat yeast infections can also weaken condoms.

What Causes Male Condoms to Break?

There are several reasons why a condom would break:

• Condoms too old. Modern condom wrappers have a date after which the condom should not be used.
• Improper storage. Heat damages latex condoms, so they should not be kept in a hot place, such as a car glove compartment or wallet.
• Not enough lubrication. Additional lubrication is always needed for rectal sex. It may also be needed for vaginal sex. The lubricant should be water-soluble, such as KY jelly.
• The wrong kind of lubricant. Lubricants that contain oil -- such as Vaseline, baby oils and vegetable oils -- should not be used with latex condoms since they weaken the rubber.
• Condom too small. Try a larger size.
• Partner too tight. Use an extra strength condom and more lubricant.

What Causes Condoms to Come Off During Sex?

A condom may come off during sex because:

• Condom too large. Try a snug condom.
• Loss of erection. Remove your penis, holding on to the rolled edge of the condom, as soon as you begin to lose your erection.

 

How Effective Are Male Condoms at Preventing Pregnancy?

Condoms are about 85 % effective. With careful use, they are even more effective. Keep in mind that the best way to avoid getting pregnant is to not have sex (abstinence).

 

What Is a Female Condom?

The female condom is a lubricated polyurethane (plastic) tube that has a flexible ring at each end. One end of the tube is closed.

 

How Is the Female Condom Used?

Before sexual activity begins, the woman inserts the condom into her vagina so that the closed end of the tube covers the cervix, and the other end slightly covers the labia (lips on the outside of the vagina). The condom blocks sperm from entering the womb. Female condoms should be discarded after one use.

 

How Effective Is the Female Condom at Preventing Pregnancy?

The female condom is about 75% effective.

 

Do Female Condoms Protect Against STDs?

Female condoms provide some protection against sexually transmitted diseases, but the male condom provides the best protection if you have sex. Female condoms should not be used in combination with male condoms. The friction of the two could result in product failure.

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Masturbation Normal or Harmful?

Masturbation is the self-stimulation of the genitals to achieve sexual arousal and pleasure, usually to the point of orgasm (sexual climax). It is commonly done by touching, stroking, or massaging the penis or clitoris until an orgasm is achieved. Some women also use stimulation of the vagina to masturbate or use "sex toys," such as a vibrator. 

Who Masturbates?

Just about everybody. Masturbation is a very common behavior, even among people who have sexual relations with a partner. In one national study, 95% of males and 89% of females reported that they have masturbated. Masturbation is the first sexual act experienced by most males and females. In young children, masturbation is a normal part of the growing child's exploration of his or her body. Most people continue to masturbate in adulthood, and many do so throughout their lives. 

Why Do People Masturbate?

In addition to feeling good, masturbation is a good way of relieving the sexual tension that can build up over time, especially for people without partners or whose partners are not willing or available for sex. Masturbation also is a safe sexual alternative for people who wish to avoid pregnancy and the dangers of sexually transmitted diseases. It also is necessary when a man must give a semen sample for infertility testing or for sperm donation. When sexual dysfunction is present in an adult, masturbation may be prescribed by a sex therapist to allow a person to experience an orgasm (often in women) or to delay its arrival (often in men). 

Note- If Masturbation is interfering with your life, and it becomes an addiction, then it can be harmful.

 

Is Masturbation Normal?

While it once was regarded as a perversion and a sign of a mental problem, masturbation now is regarded as a normal, healthy sexual activity that is pleasant, fulfilling, acceptable and safe. It is a good way to experience sexual pleasure and can be done throughout life. 

Masturbation is only considered a problem when it inhibits sexual activity with a partner, is done in public, or causes significant distress to the person. It may cause distress if it is done compulsively and/or interferes with daily life and activities.

Frequently asked questions about Infertility

HOW OFTEN ARE MALE FACTORS INVOLVED? 

About one-third of cases of infertility are caused by male factors alone. A combination of male and female factors causes about one-third of cases. 

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF INFERTILITY?   

Infertility can be caused by poor sexual or lifestyle habits that are easily remedied. For example, the couple may be using a sexual lubricant that interferes with the survival of the man's sperm. Or, they may not be having sex often enough. Other easily treated illnesses or lifestyle habits that may contribute to infertility are:

• Heavy use of alcohol, tobacco or drugs.

• Starvation diets or anorexia in the woman.

• Tight underwear or pants in the man, which raises the crotch temperature and reduces sperm count.

• Stress. In a woman, this may cause her periods to be irregular. In a man, stress may reduce his sperm count.

Changing the timing of sex and the couple's sexual techniques may also increase the chance of pregnancy. Sometimes the semen from the man fails to reach the woman's cervix. Placing a pillow under the woman's hips after intercourse may help prevent spillage of semen.

WHEN SHOULD I SEE A DOCTOR?  

Though there is no specific time frame as to when to consult your doctor but you can see your doctor if the pregnancy does not take place even after one year of unprotected intercourse.  

HOW IS INFERTILITY EVALUATED?  

Your doctor will obtain your medical history, examine you and test your semen at least twice. A semen analysis can tell your doctor about your sperm count and sperm quality. These are important parts of fertility. 

IS MALE INFERTILITY TREATABLE? 

More than one-half of cases of male infertility can be corrected. Treatment may help a couple get pregnant through normal sexual intercourse.

Frequently asked questions about sexual Problems

 

What is meant by "healthy" sexual relationship?

A healthy sexual relationship is different for every couple because every individual has differing sexual needs. While the activities involved in each sexual relationship can vary widely, in general, "healthy" sex should encompass the following:

• Both partners should feel equally pleased with the activities.
• Neither partner should feel forced into doing something they don't want to do.
• The right to say "no" to sex at any time, for any reason.
• Mutual respect before and after sex.
• Neither partner suffers a loss of self-esteem.
• Trust exists as well as openness about sexual history and current activities. 

 

How long does sex last?

It depends what you mean by sex! The time people devote to doing sexual things can last from a few minutes, to several hours, or even a whole day! The actual act of sexual intercourse will often last until a man has an orgasm (ejaculates or comes), although there's nothing wrong with stopping before this point.

A man might find he comes very quickly the first time he has sexual intercourse. Usually sexual intercourse lasts longer as people get more experienced and know what to expect. But with a new partner it can take time for people to get used to each other. Sex will usually be different every time - it depends on how a couple feel and what they want. 

How can I increase my libido?

It's natural for libido to fluctuate across the lifespan. After all, we're human, not machines. If you're experiencing low libido (low sex drive, low sexual desire) and this is distressing to you and/or your partner, the first step is to work out the cause of the drop in your libido. There can be many reasons for this, including lifestyle, stress, fatigue, illness, emotional upset, financial worry, relationship problems, low testosterone (in both women and men), painful sex, previous negative sexual experiences, and the list goes on. Our sexual response system is a very fragile one. Think of it like a circuit system in the body: the slightest negative thing can flip the switch from on to off, and when you experience repeated or ongoing sexual circuit flip switches to the off position it can eventually fizzle the sex drive so that the sexual arousal circuits in the body no longer spark at all, or do so only rarely. To bring the spark back to your libido, and increase your energy and desire for sex, you need to address the cause for your low libido.

 

Are you ever "too old" to make love?

Providing that both you and your partner are in good physical health, experts say both men and women can continue to have sex to any age. That said, the aging process itself, along with many health conditions, can make having sex increasingly difficult in later years.

However, even if intercourse is not possible, remember that physical intimacy can take many forms, and that sometimes getting older really does mean getting wiser about the many ways in which partners can bring each other pleasure.

 

How can we make sex last longer?

Many couples are curious about how to make sex last longer. Given the statistic that the average experience of sexual intercourse is 10 minutes, the goal of making sex last longer usually lies in making foreplay last longer. So, as a couple, engaged in physical and/or emotional sexual intimacy, try to spend at least 30 minutes on foreplay: spend time talking, bonding, kissing and emphasising sensual and sexual touch on the whole body. Foreplay encourages and emphasises you, as a couple, to create new sensual touch before engaging in intercourse. Making sex last longer isn't just about increasing stamina; it's all about stimulation, variety and connection.

 

What is the best diet for a enjoy good Sexual Health?

Fresh fruits and vegetables and lean proteins are the love ingredients. Complex carbohydrates make your love life simpler they give you the required energy. The chocolates when taken in control create the right mood lifting the libido and provide that mesmerizing start off. But excessive sugar, salt, saturated fat and highly processed foods are linked to frigidity, difficulty in reaching orgasm and lack of interest in sex and are best to be avoided.

 

I'm not able to have an orgasm. What can I do about it?

The inability to have an orgasm is more common among women than men, although at anytime during life, both men and women can experience anorgasmia (inability to have an orgasm). The first step to finding a cure, is to determine the cause of the problem. It could be physical, psychological or lifestyle. There might be a medical treatment, or side effect of a medication (such as an anti-depressant) that could be contributing to your inability to orgasm; there may be a lack of education or understanding about your sexual stimulation and response, anxiety, stress, relationship difficulty, or perhaps fear of intimacy. There are many causes, and each requires a specifically tailored solution for each individual or couple.

 

I have erectile dysfunction. Is Viagra my only option?

There are a range of medical treatments that have been developed since Viagra, in varying strengths and rates of effectiveness. There are also herbal treatments, and other medical interventions for treatment of erectile dysfunction, depending on the cause and nature of the problem. Please be aware all effective and researched treatments will be available and recommended by reputable sexologists and sexual health doctors.

 

What is the difference between AIDS and HIV?

HIV is a virus and AIDS is the group of disease acquired when the immune system is unable to defend the body against infection. AIDS is an advanced stage of HIV infection.

 

Are condoms effective against HIV and other STDs?

Condoms are very effective at preventing HIV transmission, and will also help to prevent the transmission of any other infection that's spread through semen or vaginal fluids. However, they are only effective if they're used properly every time you have sex.

 

How to overcome sexual boredom in old age?

In old age it is essential for both the partners to accept the fact that the problem exists for which both have to share equal responsibility. Sometimes the same atmosphere, the same manner, the same place, increases boredom with sex; to overcome it one should try on experimenting new sexual approaches such as change of environment, reading or watching sexual materials like books, pictures, movies etc.

Loss of communication and understanding between the two partners can lead to sexual boredom, hence it is important for both of them to talk to each other.

 

The best tip for a spiced up sex life? 

You don't have to be sexually radical to revolutionise your sex life. Research shows one small change has a great effect, so the best tip for a spiced up sex life is to initiate one small change at a time. This might be trying a new position or location, or more pillow talk. Focus on all that works in your relationship, and all that you love to do together sexually, rather than focusing your energy on the problem, or what's dissatisfying. Remember that good sex is about connection - not about a formulaic single-minded goal-oriented technique-only approach to orgasm. Try suggesting that once a month, you try something new, and alternate turns. With six ideas from you, and six from your partner, you'll develop 12 months of exciting anticipation around a rejuvenated sex life. You can truly spark your sex life from sedentary to spicy with small changes.