Protection versus Pleasure: A Trade Off?
- The National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior found that adults reported the same level of pleasure using a condom as compared to not using one.
- Condoms provide an effective, economical and convenient means of avoiding STIs and unwanted pregnancies, enhancing the sexual experience.
- There are various types of condoms: external, internal, ribbed, ultra-thin and figuring out which one works best for you and your partner combines pleasure with protection.
- Practice makes perfect! Learn to properly fit a condom and don’t hesitate to use lube.
Myth-Busting
A very commonly held perception is that condoms decrease the sensation and pleasure during sexual intimacy. How true is this allegation? Do condoms really pull out the fun from the bedroom? Let’s find out.
In a study conducted by sexual health researchers at Indiana University, it was found that adults experienced the same level of arousal, orgasm and pleasure while using a condom as compared to the times they were not using one. It is about time condoms and dental dams get their due credit. There are various factors to be kept in mind when we make a case for the use of condoms and how to address the issues some people face while using them.
Psychological Pleasure
Pleasure is as psychological as it is physical, although it is probably not talked about enough. Condoms provide the easiest, economical and the most convenient way to have safe sex. Imagine, would you actually be able to have a good time if you were riddled with concerns of catching an STI?
Moreover, they can be about 98% effective in preventing unwanted pregnancies. Sex and intimacy are best enjoyed when you are fully in the moment, and having an assurance that you are safe and protected can go a long way into adding pleasure to your experience.
Mood Killer?
Another take is that it feels mechanical and clinical to pause and put on the condom which might spoil the mood for some. However, a lot of what is sexy also depends upon one’s perception. Donning a condom can be made sexy and incorporated as a part of the foreplay.
“It’s like showering in a raincoat”
This is where lubrication comes in. Putting in a couple drops of lube inside the condom before rolling it on can help increase the pleasure. Lubrication is anyway highly recommended, especially in case of anal play since the anus does not have natural lubrication like the penis or the vulva. Besides, lube can also prevent breakage of the condom, which usually happens in case of increased friction.
There are condoms that already come with some lube on the inner and outer surface. However, it is important not to overdo the lube since it can make the condom slip.
If your condom is a latex one, refrain from using oil-based lubricants. Oil tends to break down latex, which is why silicon, glycerin and water-based lubricants work better with latex condoms.
But what about the sensation?
Condoms today are available in a range that has something for everybody: from super thin to ribbed and flavoured ones. Experiment to see what works the best for you! Trying out new things can be an exciting adventure in itself and once you figure out which type and size works best for you, it can be a game changer.
Get comfortable with practice!
The more confident and at ease you get with putting on a condom or using a dental dam, the more you’ll be able to enjoy. The correct placement and handling of the condom is super important! For instance, the internal condoms (designed to be placed on the vagina or anus) must not get twisted; external condoms (designed to be put on penis) work best when rolled on erections. Post-ejaculation, it is also important to hold the base of the external condom and pull it out fairly soon so as to avoid any leakages as the penis goes flaccid. It might require a little bit of practice, but the rest is cakewalk!
What to do in case of a latex allergy?
Latex allergy can show up as itching, runny nose, swelling or rashes when one comes in contact with latex. In such a case, condoms are available in other materials like polyurethane or polyisoprene which can work as substitutes for latex.
Conclusion
Remember, it is extremely important to communicate with your partner regarding the type of contraceptives and condoms you want to opt for so that sexual intimacy can be pleasurable for each party involved. Whether you want to go for a ribbed, transparent, flavoured, or transparent condom, consultation with your partner beforehand is an exercise you can’t miss!
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