Why do we love them so much? The real question is why don’t you?!
We’ve put together 10 great facts about condoms so maybe you’ll learn to love them just as much as we do!
1. Condoms are thin sheaths typically made of latex, polyurethane, or lambskin, used during sexual activity (including oral!) to prevent pregnancy and reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
2. Proper use of condoms can provide highly effective protection against STIs, including HIV/AIDS, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and syphilis. This means they prevent the STIs from passing from partner to partner during sexual activity such as oral or penetrative sex.
3. Condoms work by creating a barrier that prevents bodily fluids, including semen and vaginal secretions, from being exchanged between sexual partners.
4. It's essential to use condoms correctly and consistently for them to be effective. This includes ensuring the condom is intact, not out of date (check those dates, they’re printed on there for a reason!) putting it on before any genital contact, using appropriate lubrication, and storing condoms properly.
5. Condoms should only be used once and then disposed of properly. Reusing condoms increases the risk of breakage and transmission of infections.
6. Condoms come in various sizes, textures, colours, and flavours to suit different preferences and needs, so everyone can use them!
7. Some people may have latex allergies, in which case polyurethane or lambskin condoms can be alternatives. There are even vegan ones so no one is left out.
8. While condoms are highly effective when used correctly, no method of contraception is 100% foolproof. It's essential to combine condom use with other forms of contraception for optimal protection. This could be with birth control options such as the Implant, Coil or the Pill.
9. Condoms are widely available at your local pharmacy, your local supermarket, and all sexual health clinics, making them easily accessible for most people. If you are under 25 years old and living in some of the participating boroughs in London, you can also get condoms for free via the C-Card! Fellow sexual health service Young Hounslow Sexual Health is an official distributor for them for young people living in Hounslow. If that includes you, what are you waiting for? Get those free condoms!
10. Using condoms not only protects individuals from STIs and unintended pregnancies but also promotes responsible sexual health practices and mutual respect between sexual partners. Safer sex is good sex, and who doesn’t want that?