All About Condoms

Why a Condom?
Why do I need to wear a condom when having sex…

Condoms are the only effective protection against both, the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as HIV and herpes simplex, and pregnancy.

Choosing the Right Condom?
How do I choose the right condom for the job…

There are a number of different types of condom now available. Generally speaking, a condom refers to the “male condom”, but there are also female condoms, or vaginal sheaths available, which fit inside a woman’s vagina.

Condom Materials?
What the heck are condoms made of…

Condoms are generally made from latex or polyurethane. We recommend using a latex condom, as they are believed to be somewhat more reliable, and are readily available in most countries world wide.

It is important to know that latex condoms can only be used with water based personal lubricants, not oil based lubricants such as Vaseline or cold cream. Oil based lubricants will break down the latex. There are some people that have an allergic reaction to latex, therefore must use polyurethane condoms as an alternative to latex.

Polyurethane condoms are made from a type of plastic, are thinner than latex condoms, increase sensitivity and polyurethane condoms tend to look and feel more agreeable to some users. Polyurethane condoms are also more expensive than latex condoms and are slightly less flexible, thus requiring more lubrication.

Polyurethane condoms have the advantage, in that both oil and water based personal lubricants can be used. with them.

Some condoms are not lubricated at all, while others are lubricated with a silicone substance or water-based lubricant. The lubrication on condoms aims to make the condom easier to put on and more comfortable to use. It can also help prevent condom breakage.

What About Spermicides and Nonoxynol 9?
Condoms with lubricants sometimes contain a spermicide called Nonoxynol 9…

Nonoxynol 9 was originally believed to help reduce the risk of pregnancy and the transmission of HIV and other STDs, but it is now known to be ineffective.

Some people have an allergic reaction to Nonoxynol 9 that can result in small sores. These sores can actually make the transmission of HIV and other STDs more likely.

What About Condom Size?
Condoms come in sizes depending on the condom manufacturer…

There is no standard length for condoms, although condoms made from natural rubber will always stretch if necessary to fit the length of the man’s erect penis.

The width of a condom can also vary. Some condoms have less width, thus are narrower, giving a closer, snugger fit. Other condoms are larger and fit more losely over the penis. Today, condom makers realize that different lengths and widths are necessary, and they are continually broadening their range of condom sizes.

When Do I Need to Use a Condom?
Use a condom any time your penis is going to come into contact with your partners body…

You need to use a new condom every time you have sexual intercourse, and never attempt to use the same condom twice.

Achieve an erection first, then put the condom on.

If you engage in anal intercourse, be sure to replace the condom before engaging in vaginal intercourse.

Are Condoms Effective at Reducing the Risk of Pregnancy and Disease?
When used properly, a condom is very effective at reducing the risk of infection with HIV and other STDs during sexual intercourse, and at providing protection against pregnancy.

What About Condoms and HIV?
In laboratory testing, latex condoms have been shown to be very effective at blocking the transmission of HIV…

The pores in latex condoms are too small for the HIV virus to pass. Unfortunately however, condoms are somewhat less effective outside of the laboratory, because people simply do not always use condoms properly.

Condoms and Anal Sex?
When engaging in anal intercourse, there is definately more strain on the condom…

We recommend using a stronger condom for anal sex, however, any standard condom will be just as effective when used appropriately and with plenty of personal lubrication.

You should not use condoms with a lubricant containing Nonoxynol 9, as Nonoxynol 9 can damage the lining of the rectum which in turn increases the risk of HIV and other STDs.

What About When Your Partner Says No to Using a Condom?
Most people find it difficult to discuss the use of condoms, which often leads to condoms not being used…

This of course is exasperated by the anxiety and unfamiliarity of couples coming together for the first time, and also by the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Although it can be difficult to talk about using condoms, you shouldn’t let embarrassment become a health risk. Your potential sex partner may not agree at first when you say that you want to use a condom, but be firm, your life may depend on it.

If the idea of using condoms during sex interrupts your level of passion, then introduce the use of condoms into your lovemaking ritual. You never know just how sexy it can be to have your partner help you put on a condom until you’ve given it a try. There is nothing like putting on a condom together.

Talk with your partner about condoms before the opportunity for having sex arises. That way you remove the anxiety and embarrassment from the equation, and knowing where you both stand on the condom issue gives you confidence in knowing you both agree to the use of a condom.

Always have condoms handy and within easy reach. There is nothing worse than having to rush out to the corner store just when things are getting exciting.

Stock up on condoms today. You’ll find a large section of some of the best condoms on the market today, right here at the 4PlaySexToys online super store!

History and Background of the Common Condom
It is believed that the Roman army were the first people to use condoms. It all started when the soldiers began fraternizing with local women as they marched true villages while away from Rome. They used dried sheep intestines as “sheaths” for protection against the likes of which no man wanted… the most notorious “Mount Vesuvius Rash”.

Once the Roman Empire fell, condoms became rare. Condom technology (that is if you can call wrapping you dick in dried sheep intestines technology) was nearly lost forever during the Middle Ages. It was the Marquis De Sade in 17th century France that reinvented interest in the condom when he wrapped himself in a strip of bacon (that is around his penis) before he took to sodomizing live chickens.

Hmmmm, bacan wrapped piggies in a blanket… yum!

Of course early versions of the ever more common condom were not very effective at preventing pregrancy or the transmission of disease. Lets see, history has it that Benjamin Franklin produced 53 illegitimate children during his illustrious and prolific career as a founding father of the United States of America, and he reportedly wore condoms.

It wasn’t unitl 1921 when the first modern adaptation of the condom came to be. A factory worker in Akron, OH, Alfred Trojan, accidentally dunked his erect penis into a vat of vulcanized rubber. His condom empire now consists of $50 million in sales to over 40 countries around the world, but his once-proud penis was reduced to a blackened, shriveled twig.

Today, the condom is used as not only a method of birth control, but also as an effective means for preventing the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, most notably the deadly AIDS virus.

View our selection of Condoms.