Top 10 Reasons to use condoms

Condoms have been around for hundreds of years, with reams and reams of scientific research available touting their benefits. It is one of the most popular methods of contraception among men, with nearly one-third of sexually active guys reporting condom usage the last time they had sex¹. Nonetheless, another study shows that 8% of men had unfavorable opinions about condoms². Many of the misconceptions about condoms that are out there are based on myths, such as their diminishment of pleasure or ineffectiveness, making the correct education around condom usage absolutely essential.

If you do happen to find yourself in the small minority, or if you think that condoms can only be used as a form of protection against STDs or pregnancy, then you are certainly in the right place, because this guide has been specially created to outline 10 brilliant (and perhaps unexpected) benefits of using condoms. Read on now to learn the reasons for using condoms today.

In this article, we will cover the following advantages of condoms:

Reduce the Risk of HIV
Reduce the Risk of Other STDs
Prevent Pregnancy
Easy to Access
Cheap Contraception
Boost Penetrative Sex to Last Longer
Boost Pleasure
Useful for Both Anal, Vaginal, and Oral Sex
Easy Cleanup Process
Simple To Use
Alternatives With the Lowest Side Effects
Conclusion

Reduce the Risk of HIV

One of the main reasons to use condoms is to help prevent yourself from contracting and spreading HIV, which is a dangerous, debilitating, and even life-threatening disease. The great news is that not only are condoms 90-95% effective when it comes to preventing transmission of the virus, but consistent condom users are 10 to 20 times less likely to become infected when exposed to the virus itself³. This makes wearing a condom absolutely crucial if you are serious about protecting yourself against HIV! If you are serious about reducing the risk of HIV, learning more facts about HIV can certainly help you be more prepared.

Reduce the Risk of Other STDs

It is not only HIV that condoms protect against but a whole host of different STDs, both viral and bacterial. When it comes to bacterial diseases, condoms offer 90% protection against gonorrhea, between 50 and 90% protection against chlamydia, and 50-71% protection against syphilis. As for viral infections, condoms provide 90% protection against Hepatitis B and 10-50% protection against HSV-2⁴.

With that said, it is definitely worth bearing in mind that these statistics only apply when condoms are used 100% correctly and consistently every time you have sex. Incorrect usage, such as putting the condom on the wrong way, creating tears in the condom, or not using enough lube to reduce friction, will result in a decline in condom effectiveness. If you are concerned about STDs and what you can do to better protect yourself against them, it is definitely worth learning more facts about STIs today!

As both you and your partner will be protected as a result of you deciding to use condoms, you will both be naturally more relaxed, increasing the pleasure for both of you!

Prevent Pregnancy

Having a baby is a huge decision, resulting in a complete change in your life, both economically and emotionally. If you are not ready to have children, then it is super important to make sure that you protect yourself before, during, and after sexual intercourse. The great news about condoms is that if you use them correctly during sex, they are 98% effective at preventing pregnancy.

Easy to Access

One of the best things about condoms is how easy they are to access. Condoms can be bought in many easy locations, making access simple and pain-free. This is especially true when compared to the pill, which requires a doctor’s prescription to use. The list of places where you can buy (or grab free) condoms includes:

Community Health Centres
Doctor's Offices
Grocery Stores
Drugstores
Online
Planned Parenthood Centres
Vending Machines
Convenience Stores
Gas Stations
Sex Shops

The best part about condoms is that there is no age restriction on purchasing, meaning that you have no barrier to access. While you might feel a little embarrassed, especially when buying condoms for the first time, there is absolutely nothing to worry about. There is a very high probability, the person selling you condoms does not care what you buy, just as long as you pay for it. They have probably seen hundreds of people buy condoms at their store before you. And talking of price:

Cheap Contraception

Condoms are remarkably cheap compared to other methods of contraception. If you buy a larger pack, the price per condom can go down to as little as 50 cents. Considering the downsides of not using a condom, including the huge price involved with raising a baby, or even healthcare costs to deal with the treatment of STDs, this is simply great value for money!

Boost Penetrative Sex to Last Longer

If you want to last longer when having sex, then using a condom is a great idea. This is because condom usage has been linked to decreased sensitivity in the penis⁶. This is especially important if you find yourself suffering from premature ejaculation, which is defined as cumming within one to five minutes of sexual intercourse. This does not necessarily mean that you have to go on for hours! Satisfying sex, according to a long-ranging survey, can be anywhere from three to 13 minutes⁶, a task most people, except for those with erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation, certainly can achieve. Additionally, if you are looking for extra long-lasting sex, then there are actually condoms available on the market that are laced with agents that desensitize the penis considerably, meaning that you are less likely to come sooner, giving you and your partner longer-lasting pleasure — perhaps even wave after wave of multiple orgasms for your receiving partner!

Boost Pleasure

One of the biggest myths currently out there about condoms is that having sex with one is not as satisfying as barebacking. Or that it is not even the same thing as having sex without a condom. But this could not be further from the truth. With the right attitude, you can even make condoms sexy! Condoms come in all shapes and textures, with special designs — such as ribbed or dotted options — that can make sex way more fun and more pleasurable, especially when paired with lube. One of the most fun parts about condoms is their potential in the build up to sex. For example, why not, if someone is back at yours and you want to initiate sex, you can ask them if they have any condoms; a natural and fun way to tell them that you want to have sex with them! Additionally, perhaps the sexiest part of condoms is the multiple layers of protection that they can offer you during sex. Instead of worrying about STDs and unwanted pregnancies, you can fully focus on getting your freak on instead.

Useful for Both Anal, Vaginal, and Oral Sex

Condoms are incredibly versatile and exciting objects. You might think that they are only for vaginal sex, but, depending on individual compatibility, they can also be used for anal sex as well. This is especially important for men who have sex with men, as they are at a higher risk of contracting STDs than straight men or women⁷. Condom effectiveness for anal sex is around as high for vaginal sex, making their usage for both types of sex essential, meaning men and women alike experimenting with anal sex need to be using condoms during their anal play.

Condoms can even make blowjobs much safer — and more fun! This is especially true when there is a risk of contracting certain types of STDs from oral sex. For extra pleasure for the blowjob-giver, why not try a flavored condom paired with a slippery lube? The best part about this is that they come in all types of flavors, including cola, strawberry, bubblegum, and even chocolate!

Easy Cleanup Process

Cum is messy. It’s sticky. It can cling to your clothes, sheets, and hair. Depending on where it lands, it can be difficult to remove. Thankfully for you, there’s a very easy way to prevent cum from getting, well, everywhere. You guessed it. A condom. If applied correctly, a condom keeps all the cum inside of its plastic or natural rubber sheath. All you have to do after you have sex is walk to the bathroom, empty the cum, and dispose of the condom. Completely mess-free. This is definitely one of the most unsung advantages of condoms out there.

Simple To Use

Not only do condoms remove unnecessary mess from the bedroom, but they are also incredibly simple to use. With that said, if you are using condoms for the first time, they do get some getting used to. At first, it is recommended to practice putting a condom on by yourself for masturbation, so you can get used to using it. Otherwise, the simple steps for using a condom for sexual intercourse are:

Check the expiry date. Do not use an expired condom under any circumstances
Follow the directions provided with the condoms
Remove the condom carefully from the package, making sure not to snag or cut it in any way
Squeeze the air out of the tip of the condom
Roll the condom onto the penis
Enjoy amazing, safe sex
Remove carefully and dispose of in the bin

It’s important to follow these steps to ensure best practices carefully. If you are unsure about how to put on the condom correctly, then you can always consult the how-to instructions that come with the box of condoms, as well as watch educational videos online. Additionally, if you are not confident with putting on the condom, then why not ask your partner to do it? It can even be incorporated into your foreplay! For example, he or she can put a condom on your penis with their teeth! If you do decide to do this, however, make sure that it is on correctly before you proceed with sexual intercourse!

Alternatives With the Lowest Side Effects

You now know 10 reasons to use condoms. However, if, for whatever reason, you are not interested in using condoms, then there are, of course, other contraceptives that you can use. It is still worth bearing in mind that no other form of protection can protect against STDs and pregnancies at the same time. For example, the female partner might want to consider using the pill, which offers 99% protection when used correctly⁸.

That is why if you are keen on having sex without a condom, you have to bear these crucial facts in mind. Another option for protecting against pregnancy is by using an intra-uterine device (IUD). Although some women do report longer, heavier periods and more cramping⁹.

This is why condoms are usually touted as the best option. One side effect to be aware of is complications from latex allergies, which is why you might want to opt for non-latex condoms instead. The added benefit of non-latex condoms is the real-feel skin-on-skin sensation that they promote!

A final option that men can use to stop pregnancy with a trusted partner, usually after they have already had children, is to have a vasectomy. This is a form of male birth control that completely stops the supply of sperm into your semen. This is achieved by a specialized surgeon cutting and sealing the tubes that contain sperm. This is a big decision however, as once you have done this process, you will no longer be able to have kids. It’s worth having a deep think about making this decision before you decide to go through with it finally.

Conclusion

To sum up, while condoms are primarily intended for protection against STDs and unwanted pregnancies, this is not all they can do. Instead, this incredible, multi-functional tool can actually elevate the sexual experience, for both you and your partner. The good news is that there are many different condoms for you to choose from. Please feel free to browse the wide selection available at Durex® to find the best condom for you and your partner!