Condoms and Myths
3Cs - Coitus, condoms and cooties.
Move aside, cards, car and condo.
Friend: “I slept with someone last night. And also the night before.”
Me: “Oh. Ok.”
If you’re 26 year old with sexually active friends like me, you probably can relate -- gone are the days where mentions of being sexually active result in unceremonious stares and judgemental looks.
Coitus is Cool
Our friend Maslow might have been onto something when he placed sex as 1 of homo sapiens’ fundamental needs.
In a survey conducted by the Institute of Policy studies, 1 in 2 Singapore residents do not feel that premarital sex is bad. While married couples may also have their considerations about multiplying like rabbits from the get-go, the dating/ONS-ers (logically) have more reason to be concerned with contraceptives.
From birth control pills to female condoms (yes they exist too!), a multitude of ways exist for us to prevent bringing tiny humans into this world prematurely. Today, we talk about condoms and why they might be a good idea for you (or your partner) to wear one during sex.
And so Are Condoms
Let’s face it -- we all know that condoms are the only form of contraceptive that prevent against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STI) (more on that later). But alas, some still opt to go without it because of certain condom myths -- which we will bust today.
Myth #1: Condoms Are a One Size Fit All Solution
As Mr Banana can attest, happily ever after will only happen with 1 of the 3 condoms. If you’re not using one because it doesn’t fit, that’s not a good excuse because there are so many sizes around.
What happens when you don’t get the right condom?
Width issues -
“I can't feel anything during sex” : this means the condom is too narrow and constricting your blood flow.
“It slips or falls off during sex” : unlike a happy meal upgrade, condoms are not to be upsized willy-nilly. A snug condom is as important in maximising pleasure as it is in protecting against sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy.
Length issues -
“The condom is hanging off”, "it bunches up at the bottom" : an excessively long condom at best looks strange, and at worst makes it uncomfortable while increasing chances of it being tugged off accidentally during intercourse.
"It doesn't cover everything up" : using a short condom on the other hand, increases risk of STI due to the exposed skin.
Bonus - Foreskin drag
For our uncircumcised friends, the condom may get caught inside the foreskin, dragging it up during sex. Solution? Use a tighter condom.
Myth #2: Using Condoms Reduces Pleasure
If this is what’s stopping you/your partner from wearing a condom during sex, try using an ultra-thin or textured condom to increase stimulation.
Contrary to popular belief, couples have also reported having better sex using condoms -- knowing that both themselves and their bae are protected from unintended pregnancies and STIs.
#Condomtrivia: plastic and latex condoms provide the same protection against HIV. Animal membranes condoms (yes they are a thing 😮) however, do not protect against HIV and other STIs.
So.. does size matter?
When it comes to condoms, the answer is a resounding “Yes”. Much like everything else you wear on your body, getting the measurements right is key, especially for safe sex.
Measuring the dong
To figure out the correct condom size, the penis has to be erect when measured. Length is important for ensuring the condom covers the whole penis and leaves space for ejaculate
Measure from your pubic bone to the tip of your penis.
Girth affects how a condom fits and stays on. Measure around the thickest part of erect penis.
Credits: Medical News Today
2. Choosing your gear
Note that different manufacturers use different terms and measurements to describe condom sizes. Once you’ve narrowed down the brands that come closest to measurements, experiment to know which gives you and your partner the best experience. For the uninitiated, there are also flavored condoms for you to switch things up in the bedroom.. If “savories” are your kinda thing. Presenting to you 2019’s compilation of weird condom flavors.
Cooties and coming safely
The only proven way to prevent sexual transmission of STIs is abstinence -- or so they say.. (Mary can tell you all about the myth)
Jokes aside, having sex and riding a motorbike are the same -- both are safer with your helmet on.
Condoms Prevent Unplanned Pregnancies and STIs
When used consistently and correctly, condoms are 98% effective at pregnancy prevention. There is a decreased risk of gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomonas, syphilis, HIV and HPB in women whose male partners consistently use condoms. In a study of HIV-negative women whose only risk for infection was a stable relationship with an HIV-infected man, none of the women who consistently used condoms became infected. Also, regular use of latex condoms appears to decrease the risk of HIV infections by about 69 percent.
For those contemplating sex for the first time (or simply those who damn heng all those times you had unprotected sex), note that condoms only protect against STIs transmitted solely by genital fluids (e.g. gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis and HIV). This means that you may still kena chancroid, for example, that spreads through skin-to-skin contact.
Is Your Partner The Problem?
For some, their sexual partners may be the reason why they’re having unprotected sex. Try discussing this outside the bedroom or before you engage in sexual activities so you properly convey your preferences seriously.
Remember -- no glove, no love!
Check out other articles:
Medically fact-checked by:
Dr Rachel Teoh
MBBS (Singapore), Dip Family Medicine (Singapore), Dip Dermatology (UK)
Deputy CEO of MaNaDr and Medical Director in her current private practice with 20 years of clinical experience
