CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO THAT IS CONSIDERED ONE OF THE BEST AWARENESS VIDEOS EVER MADE TO USE PROTECTION
They’re the only way to help prevent STIs
Internal and external condoms are the only (!) way to prevent STI transmission during penetrative sex, says Kecia Gaither, MD, who’s double board certified in OB-GYN and maternal fetal medicine, and director of perinatal services at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln.
Likewise, dental dams are the only wayTrusted Source to reduce the risk of STI transmission during cunnilingus and anilingus.
And finger cots and gloves are the only way to protect against STI transmission during vaginal, anal, or penile hand hanky-panky (which, for the record, is underrated AF).
They can help prevent pregnancy
Both internal and external condoms can help reduce the risk of pregnancy.
External condoms
“External condoms are 98 to 99 percent effective when used perfectly,” Gaither says.
Key phrase here: When used perfectly.
But humans aren’t perfect. So external condoms are only about 85 percent effective IRL.
So, what does perfect use look like, exactly? Pleasure-positive sex educator Reba Corrine Thomas, CEO of Sexpert Consultants, explains:
Don’t double bag.
Check the expiration date.
Put it on before any genital contact occurs.
Leave 1 to 2 centimeters of space for the ejaculate to go.
Use with lube.
Avoid oil-based lubes, arousal oils, or massage oils that degrade latex.
Pull out if the wearer starts to lose their erection.
Use a new condom every single time.
Thomas calls out that lube is wayyy more important than you realize.
“Friction is the main thing that can cause condoms to break or rip,” she explains. Lube reduces this friction.
For a condom-compatible lube, check out these online offerings:
Sliquid Sassy
Uberlube
Sutil lube
Good Clean Love Almost Naked organic lube
Internal condoms
