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How Do I Get More Sexual Pleasure While Using Condoms?

 

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You can safely bet that this is a question that will be agreed by most, if not all, adults in the world as belonging to the “Billion Dollar Question” category.

 

While many men and women would like to have sexual intercourse without the use of condoms, the benefits of condom usage are so high that their usage is only likely to increase in future. The key drawback of condoms usage is of course that they result in a (at least perceived) reduced sexual pleasure.

 

So, what are the solutions to this dilemma? This section of Billion Dollar Questions does research and provides inputs.

 

This page – like all the other pages at BillDoll.com, The Billion Dollar Questions Site - is a work-in-progress and stuff will get added regularly.

 

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Related sections @ BillDoll: A-Z of Diseases – diagnosis & treatment resources for over 200 diseases @ BillDoll Diseases section

 

How Do I Get More Sexual Pleasure While Using Condoms?

 

Some observations & points to begin with:

 

  • The notion of reduced physical pleasure has social and masculine realities attached to men's lives and emotions. Men commonly claimed genital desensitization and reduced pleasure when wearing condoms. Some had "learned" from friends that condoms reduce pleasure of sexual intercourse. In some cases, condoms were perceived as barriers to the "right" to enjoy sexual pleasure with a paid sex worker. It was also noted that many men think that women themselves cannot achieve sexual pleasure when a man is wearing a condom.
  • Many studies have clearly shown that reduction of sexual pleasure is a key reason for people not using condoms always. In a survey published in the New England Journal of Medicine, over 40% of respondents cited reduction of pleasure as the reason they do not use condoms. A 1996 study, reported in the Journal of Psychology and Human Sexuality, confirmed that decreased pleasure is the number one reason for not using condoms.
  • In reality, condoms need not necessarily reduce sexual pleasure, as sexual pleasure is primarily a perceived pleasure. However, this perception is many times enhanced because of the physical feeling of pleasure. Thus, while many people could perceive a loss of pleasure when using a condom, some people actually might not, and for some using condoms might be more pleasurable than otherwise during sex.
  • Because of an obvious barrier of the skins, sensory stimulation is sacrificed, especially with older style thicker condoms, causing some people to dismiss condoms as limiting their pleasure (though this effect can be largely overcome by properly applying lubricants internally and externally). However, a woman can partially solve this problem by training her vaginal muscles, specifically the pubococcygeus.
  • Some condoms claim to increase sensitivity do so by making the latex thinner. Some claim to increase sensitivity through special designs, for instance having pouches at the right places. ( eg. Inspiral's shapely seashell-like curves fit snugly forming twisting spiral ridges of latex)
  • Some condoms are lubricated on the inside with a special body heat-activated climax control lubricant that allows long lasting sex and pleasure for both partners. Some condoms are designed for an easy-on better fit. Some other are thin and contain more lubricant for a more natural, intimate experience.
  • You would ideally wish to use condoms that make you feel as if you're using nothing at all. One option is to use condoms made with micro-thin technology for maximum sensitivity.

 

Some more points:

 

  • Ribbed condoms, for example, are known to increase sexual pleasure.
  • Thinner condoms increase sexual pleasure

 

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References:

 

 

Notable Companies, Personalities & Brands

 

  • Beyond Seven
  • Crown condoms
  • Kimono Microthin condoms
  • Carter Wallace - the Trojan Ultra Pleasure, Trojan Supra condoms. The Trojan Extended Pleasure, introduced in 2001, was the first condom containing a delaying lubricant to prolong a man's staying power. The Trojan Her Pleasure condoms were designed with the woman in mind.
  • Ansell - Lifestyles Xtra Pleasure
  • Dr. Alla Venkata Krishna Reddy  - Inventor of the Pleasure Plus condom, then created the Inspiral condom
  • Global Protection Corp – now owns the rights to Pleasure Plus Condom
  • In 1995, Durex introduced the world's first polyurethane condom for men, the Durex Avanti condoms. It quickly rose to the top of the condom market, and is known for it's unique benefits - it is heat conductive (warms to the body's temperature), has no taste or odor, can be used with oil-based lubricants and is designed for those who are allergic to latex.
  • Some of the thinnest and most sensitive condoms in the world are manufactured in Japan by Okamoto. The Okamoto brand Japanese condoms are condoms with superior latex technology; the line includes Crown Skinless Skin, Beyond Seven & Beyond Seven Studded.

 

Related Resources

 

  • The Incredible Melting Condom – One proposed answer to female “condoms” is vaginal microbicides. These are virus-killing gels and creams a woman can use. Research is in progress to find the most effective vaginal microbicides. Another unique solution being researched is a microbicide-containing lining for the vaginal tract that is a squishy solid than a liquid. This would prevent it leaking out. The researches also imagine that the instant condom would be clever enough to melt on cue, releasing anti-HIV drugs whenever it comes into contact with semen. See also: About Microbicides – from Global Campaign for Microbicides, International Partnership for Microbicides

 

 

Novelties & Alternatives

 

  •  A Ukrainian scientist has come up with a musical condom that gets louder as the sex gets more vigorous. The "singing condom" is designed to be a laugh for couples who want to make their own sweet music, according to its inventor Dr Grigoriy Chausovskiy. Different lovemaking positions determine what tune is played by the condom – Jan 2007 News
  • Women Are Tired of Relying On Men to Wear a Condom! We Want Something That We Can Control! - By Sarah Chase, Nov 2001 article in The Body
  • Beyond Latex - Will Microbicides Offer an Alternative to the Condom? - by Anna Forbes, Mar 2000 article in The Body

 

Condom Usage – Tips & Suggestions

 

  • A rather interesting demonstration planned, and a question asked in that context; see the answer from the link:"I am a peer health educator at Texas Tech University and I am putting together a health fair on condom usage for students. The "Condom Olympics" will be held in a dorm. I was wondering if you had any suggestions for information my group could use or any suggestions on games that we could play to teach people how to use condoms correctly." - from Go Ask Alice

 

 

Condoms – Research & Future

 

  • The Latex Condoms – Recent Advances, Future Directions – from Family Health International
  • Demanding Microbicides: An Invisible Condom in Your Future? - By Anna Forbes, The Body, 2003 article - discusses rectal microbicides containing lubricants which could become widespread in future

 

Contraception References

 

  • Contraception Methods – pill, condoms, diaphragms & caps – from BUPA, UK

 

 

And now the fun part…condoms & humor

 

  • Condoms 'too big' for Indian men - By Damian Grammaticus, BBC News, Dec 2006. However, Indian men need not overly worry, says a journalist. "It's not size, it's what you do with it that matters," he said. "From our population, the evidence is Indians are doing pretty well." - Fair enough!
  • Condom Fun Facts – interesting and amusing condom trivia – from Olin Health Center, Michigan State University
  • Condom Fun – amusing condom (alleged) facts – from Uncyclopedia

 

 

Content Derived from Wikipedia Reference on Condom

 

A condom is a device, usually made of latex, or more recently polyurethane, that is used during sexual intercourse. It is put on a male partner's penis, for the purpose of preventing pregnancy and/or transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV.

 

Overview

 

Male condoms are packaged in a rolled-up form, and are designed to be applied to the tip of the penis and then rolled over the erect penis. They are most commonly made from latex, but are also available in other materials. As a method of contraception, condoms have the advantage of being easy to use, having few side-effects, and of offering protection against sexually transmitted diseases. With proper knowledge and application technique - and use at every act of intercourse - condom users experience only a 2% per-year pregnancy rate. Condoms may be combined with other forms of contraception (such as spermicide) for greater protection.

 

Some couples find that putting on a male condom interrupts sex, although others incorporate condom application as part of their foreplay. Some men and women find the physical barrier of a condom dulls sensation. Advantages of dulled sensation can include prolonged erection and delayed ejaculation.

 

Materials

 

Latex

 

An unrolled latex condomMost modern condoms are made of latex. This material has outstanding elastic properties. Tensile strength exceeds 30 MPa. Condoms may be stretched in excess of 800% before breaking. Natural latex condoms have a minimum thickness of 0.046 mm.

 

Some latex condoms are lubricated at the manufacturer with a small amount of nonoxynyl-9, a spermicidal chemical. According to Consumer Reports, spermicidally lubricated condoms have no additional benefit in preventing pregnancy, have a shorter shelf life, and may cause urinary-tract infections in women. nonoxynyl-9 was once believed to offer additional protection against STI's (including HIV) but recent studies have shown that the opposite to be the case. The World Health Organization says that spermicidally lubricated condoms should no longer be promoted. However, they recommend using a nonoxynol-9 lubricated condom over no condom at all. In contrast, application of separately packaged spermicide is believed to increase the contraceptive efficacy of condoms.

 

Polyurethane can be considered better than latex in several ways: it conducts heat better than latex, is not as sensitive to temperature and ultraviolet light (and so has less rigid storage requirements and a longer shelf life), can be used with oil-based lubricants, is less allergenic than latex, and does not have an odor.

 

Polyurethane

 

Polyurethane condoms can be thinner than latex condoms, with some polyurethane condoms only 0.02 mm thick.

 

However, polyurethane condoms are more likely to slip or break than latex, are more expensive, and may not be as effective in protecting against STDs (large clinical trials have not been performed).

 

See Also: AT-10 Resin

 

Lambskin

 

Condoms made from one of the oldest condom materials, labeled "lambskin" (made from lamb intestines) are still available. They have a greater ability to transmit body warmth and tactile sensation, when compared to synthetic condoms, and are less allergenic than latex. However, there is a great risk of transmitting STDs because of pores in the material. While the pores are not large enough to allow sperm out, much smaller bacteria and viruses may easily slip in and out between the condom.

 

Invisible

 

The Invisible Condom, developed at Université Laval in Québec, Canada, is a gel that hardens upon increased temperature after insertion into the vagina or rectum. In the lab, it has been shown to effectively block HIV and herpes simplex virus. The barrier breaks down and liquefies after several hours. The invisible condom is in the clinical trial phase, and has not yet been approved for use.

 

Spray-on

 

As reported on Swiss television news Schweizer Fernsehen on November 29, 2006, scientist Jan Vinzenz Krause of the Swiss Institut für Kondom-Beratung ("Institute for Condom Consultation") recently developed a spray-on condom and is test-marketing it. Krause says the advantages to his spray-on condom, which is reported to dry in about 5 seconds, is that it is perfectly formed to each penis.

 

Form

 

Condoms in many colors

 

An example of flavoured condomsIn recent decades, condom makers have diversified in colors, shapes, and thicknesses. Flavors or designs thought to have stimulating properties are sometimes added. Such stimulating properties include enlarged tips or pouches to fit the glans penis better and textured surfaces such as ribbing or studs (small bumps). Many condoms have spermicidal lubricant added, but it is not an effective substitute for separate spermicide use. Most condoms have a reservoir tip, making it easier to leave space for the man's ejaculate. Condoms also come in different sizes, from magnum to snug.

 

Testing

 

In 1990 the ISO set standards for production (ISO 4074, Natural latex rubber condoms) and the EU followed suit with its CEN standard (Directive 93/42/EEC concerning medical devices).

 

Condoms are tested for holes with an electrical current. If the condom passes, it is rolled and packaged. Batches of condoms are tested for breakage with air inflation tests.[14]

 

Effectiveness

 

In preventing pregnancy

 

The effectiveness of condoms, as of most forms of contraception, can be assessed two ways: method effectiveness and actual effectiveness. The method effectiveness is the proportion of couples correctly and consistently using the method who do not become pregnant. Actual effectiveness is the proportion of couples who intended that method as their sole form of birth control and do not become pregnant; it includes couples who sometimes use the method incorrectly, or sometimes not at all. Rates are generally presented for the first year of use. Most commonly the Pearl Index is used to calculate effectiveness rates, but some studies use decrement tables.

 

For all forms of contraception, actual effectiveness is lower than method effectiveness, due to several factors:

 

mistakes on the part of those providing instructions on how to use the method

mistakes on the part of the method's users

conscious user non-compliance with method.

For instance, someone using oral forms of hormonal birth control might be given incorrect information by a health care provider as to the frequency of intake, or by mistake not take the pill one day, or simply not bother to go to the pharmacy on time to renew the prescription.

 

The method failure rate of condoms is 2% per year. The actual pregnancy rates among condoms users vary depending on the population being studied, with rates of 10-18% per year being reported.

 

In preventing STIs

 

According to a 2001 report by the National Institutes of Health, correct and consistent use of latex condoms:

 

reduces the risk of HIV/AIDS transmission by approximately 85% relative to risk when unprotected.

reduces the risk of gonorrhea for men by approximately 71% relative to risk when unprotected.

 

A University of Washington study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in June 2006 reports that proper condom use decreases the risk of transmission for human papilloma virus by approximately 70%.

 

Contraceptive Technology concluded that condom failure due to breakage and leakage amounted to 8.08 percent per sexual encounter.

 

Other studies have shown that the proper and consistent use of condoms prevented HIV from spreading from an infected partner to a non-infected partner in every case.

 

While different studies show a wide range of results, every scientific study verifies that engaging in sex with a STD positive partner without a condom increases the chances of transmitting an STD when compared to sex with a condom.

 

Other sexually transmitted infections may be affected as well, but they could not draw definite conclusions from the research they were working with. In particular, these include STIs associated with ulcerative lesions that may be present on body surfaces where the condom doesn't cover, such as genital herpes simplex (HSV), chancroid, and syphilis. If contact is made with uncovered lesions, transmission of these STIs may still occur despite appropriate condom use. Additionally, the absence of visible lesions or symptoms cannot be used to decide whether caution is needed.

 

An article in The American Journal of Gynecologic Health showed that "all women who correctly and consistently used Reality® were protected from Trichomonas vaginalis" (referring to a particular brand of female condom).

 

Causes of failure

 

Condoms may fail due to faulty methods of application or physical damage (such as tears caused when opening the package), bursting caused by latex degradation (typically from being past the expiration date or being stored improperly), and from slipping off the penis during intercourse or after ejaculation. Sometimes pregnancy may result even without an obvious failure at the time of use.

 

While standard condoms will fit almost any penis, some men may find that use of 'snug' or 'magnum' condoms decreases the risk of slippage, leaking, and bursting. Ethnic differences may play a role in correct sizing; a small exploratory portion of a 2006 Indian Council of Medical Research study concluded that standard condom sizes were too large for many among India's men.

 

Experienced condom users are significantly less likely to have a condom slip or break compared to first-time users, although users who experience one slippage or breakage are at increased risk of a second such failure. It is believed that instruction in proper condom use also reduces failure rates.

 

Among couples that intend condoms to be their form of birth control, pregnancy may occur when the couple does not use a condom. The couple may have run out of condoms, or be traveling and not have a condom with them, or simply dislike the feel of condoms and decide to "take a chance." This type of behavior is the primary cause of "typical use" failure (as opposed to "method" or "perfect use" failure).

 

Another possible cause of condom failure is sabotage. One motive is to have a child against a partner's wishes or consent, known to be done by men and women alike. Saboteurs usually pierce the condom's tip multiple times before intercourse.

 

Health issues

 

Carcinogenic nitrosamines have been discovered in 29 out of 32 condom brands tested by the Chemical and Veterinary Investigation Institute in Stuttgart. However, there have been no studies linking the use of condoms to an increased risk of cancer and a 2001 study from the University of Kiel concluded that humans regularly receive 1,000 to 10,000 times greater nitrosamine exposure from food and tobacco than from condom use and concluded that the risk of cancer from condom use is very low.

 

Some lubricated condoms are produced with dusting powders, such as talc, which aren't recommended by the University of Virginia School of Medicine for surgery because of "acute & chronic problems" that may arise if the powders find their way into the abdominal cavity (i.e. via the vagina).

 

Condoms lubricated with the spermicide Nonoxynol-9 may increase the user's risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. For this reason, Planned Parenthood has discontinued the distribution of condoms so lubricated, and the Food and Drug Administration has proposed a warning regarding this issue.

 

Latex condoms used with oil-based lubricants (e.g. vaseline) are likely to break due to rapid deterioration caused by the oils.

 

Female condoms

 

Female condomRecently "female condoms" or "femidoms" (not to be confused with femdoms) have become available. They are larger and wider than male condoms but equivalent in length. Female condoms have a flexible ring-shaped opening, and are designed to be inserted into the vagina. The female condom also contains an inner ring which aids insertion and helps keep the condom in place inside the vagina. This type of condom was first made from polyurethane, though newer iterations are made of nitrile (this material change was announced in September 2005).

 

Currently, 14 million female condoms are distributed to women in the developing world on an annual basis. By comparison, between 6 and 9 billion male condoms are distributed per annum.

 

Sales of female condoms have been disappointing in developed countries, though developing countries are increasingly using them to complement already existing family planning and HIV/AIDS programming. Probable causes for poor sales are that inserting the female condom is a skill that has to be learned and that female condoms can be significantly more expensive than male condoms (upwards of 2 or 3 times the cost). Also, reported "rustling" sounds during intercourse turn off some potential users, as does the visibility of the outer ring which remains outside the vagina.[32]

 

The newer nitrile condoms are less likely to make these potentially distracting noises. It is hoped the nitrile condoms will also allow for significant reductions in female condom pricing.[29]

 

Female condoms have the advantage of being compatible with oil-based lubricants as they are not made of latex. The external genitals of the wearer and the base of the penis of the inserting partner are more protected than when the male condom is used. Inserting a female condom does not require male erection.

 

Although marketed only for vaginal sex, some researchers promote use of the "female" condoms for anal sex between men.

 

In November 2005, the World YWCA called on national health ministries and international donors to commit to purchasing 180 million female condoms for global distribution in 2006. Their statement stated that "Female condoms remain the only tool for HIV prevention that women can initiate and control," but that they remain virtually inaccessible to women in the developing world due to their high cost of 72 cents per piece. If 180 million female condoms were ordered, the price of the female condom was projected to decline to 22 cents per female condom.

 

Effectiveness and Risks of Female Condoms

 

The typical use failure rate for the first-generation female condoms lies at 21%. This means that of the women who intend to use female condoms as their only form of birth control, 21 out of 100 will become pregnant within one year. Among women who use the condom correctly at every act of intercourse, 5% will become pregnant after one year.

 

The effectiveness of the female condom at preventing STDs has not been studied to the same extent as male condoms, however it has been put forth that it should have similar effectiveness. They are also dangerous for those who have polyurethane allergies.

 

Role in sex education

 

Condoms are often used in sexual education programs, because they have the capability to reduce the chances of pregnancy and the spread of some sexually transmitted diseases when used correctly. A recent APA press release supported the inclusion of information about condoms in sex education, saying "comprehensive sexuality education programs... discuss the appropriate use of condoms," and "promote condom use for those who are sexually active."

 

In the United States, teaching about condoms in public schools is opposed by various religious organizations, primarily some Protestant denominations and the Roman Catholic Church. Opposition may be based on the belief that teaching about contraception encourages premarital sex, or that only parents have the moral authority to teach children about sex. Some religions also consider the use of contraception to be immoral - the Catholic Church, for example, teaches that only total abstinence, or periodic abstinence (using Natural family planning), are moral ways to prevent pregnancy. The Protestant quiverfull movement opposes all methods of family planning, including NFP. The Heritage Foundation, which opposes comprehensive sex education, believes that any sex education program should teach that "sexual happiness is inherently linked to... marriage," a moral message that is not found in comprehensive sex ed programs.

 

Groups such as Planned Parenthood, which advocate family planning and sexual education, argue that religious opposition to teaching about condoms results in increased number of unwanted pregnancies and the spread of STDs.

 

It should be noted that the Catholic Church directly condemns only artificial birth control, and sexual acts aside from intercourse between married heterosexual partners. The use of condoms to combat STDs is not specifically addressed by Catholic doctrine, and is currently a topic of debate among high-ranking Catholic authorities. A few, such as Belgian Cardinal Godfried Danneels, believe the Catholic Church should actively support condoms used to prevent disease, especially serious diseases such as AIDS. However, to date statements from the Vatican have argued that condom-promotion programs encourage promiscuity, thereby actually increasing STD transmission. Papal study of the issue is ongoing, and a 200-page document on the use of condoms to combat AIDS is being prepared for Pope Benedict's review.

 

Use in infertility treatment

 

Common procedures in infertility treatment such as semen analysis and intrauterine insemination (IUI) require collection of semen samples. These are most commonly obtained through masturbation, but an alternative to masturbation is use of a special collection condom.

 

Collection condoms are made from silicone or polyurethane, as latex is somewhat harmful to sperm. Many men prefer collection condoms to masturbation. Also, compared to samples obtained from masturbation, semen samples from collection condoms have higher total sperm counts, sperm motility, and percentage of sperm with normal morphology. For this reason, they are believed to give more accurate results when used for semen analysis, and to improve the chances of pregnancy when used in procedures such as IUI.

 

The Catholic Church teaches that masturbation is immoral. For observant Catholics, collection condoms are the only morally permissible way to obtain semen samples. Although detrimental to the purpose, most Catholics put two or three pinholes in the collection condom to avoid violating the Catholic prohibition on artificial birth control.

 

Condom therapy is sometimes prescribed to infertile couples when the female has high levels of antisperm antibodies. The theory is that preventing exposure to her partner's semen will lower her level of antisperm antibodies, and thus increase her chances of pregnancy when condom therapy is discontinued. However, condom therapy has not been shown to increase subsequent pregnancy rates.

 

Prevalence

 

Condoms are more accessible in developed countries. In various cultures, a number of social or economic factors make access to condoms prohibitive. In some cases, cultural beliefs may cause some persons to shun condoms deliberately even when they are available.

 

Furthermore, regardless of culture and availability, many men shun condoms simply because they dislike using them. This dislike may be due to reduced sexual pleasure or to practical problems, e.g. difficulty in sustaining an erection hard enough for effective condom use.

 

Because they are generally available without a prescription, and because they have some effectiveness in reducing the spread of sexually transmitted disease, condoms tend to be especially popular among younger men, those who are not in exclusive partnerships, and newly-formed monogamous couples. Often, once a steady relationship has deepened, the woman may begin to use hormonal or some other type of highly effective contraceptive, at which time condom use typically (though not always) comes to an end. Ideally, however, this should not occur until blood tests have shown both partners to be free of infection.

 

Most research has revealed, through survey, four factors which establish the minimal use of condoms: various encumbering beliefs, reduced sexual pleasure, adverse experiences, and fears related to gender and tensions. New technology and beneficial studies have come forth that combat these various factors, however only a small proportion of individuals world-wide actually practice safe sex.[citation needed] This noticeable gap has lead several investigators to analyze whether social factors might be involved such as a residual social stigma attached to condoms.

 

In broad detail, social factors range from geographical location to race, and become as specified as methamphetamine versus non-drug users, so correlations within this research are not always strong and accurate, but it does establish that correlations do exist.

 

Geographic location

 

Several regions provide examples of social factors influencing the use of condoms within their populace. Two examples which contrast the effects of similar problems are South Africa and rural Lebanon.

 

South Africa has some of the highest HIV rates in the world, so there the statistics on condom use are being studied heavily. As of 2001, the 21-25 year age group has the peak rate of infection at 43.1%. These studies became more specified and it was discovered that despite all the information known today about HIV and the spread of infection, many young people of the study did not feel that they were in danger of contracting this disease. In fact, only 30% of people, males and females, felt they had any risk of contracting HIV at all. Of those that said they felt there was any chance of contracting HIV, only 12.9% thought there was a moderate chance, and 17.6% thought they had a good chance of infection. It seems that even though the youth of South Africa do have a relatively high level of knowledge concerning the risk factors of getting HIV, many feel that it simply won't happen to them. Many of the factors found in South Africa apply to well developed countries of the world and these new findings hopefully will help shape future campaigns against decreased condom use in the future.

 

Another end of the spectrum are the rural areas of Lebanon in the Middle East. Generally, the use of condoms and other forms of contraceptives in the Middle East is low even though there is a growing awareness of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS. A study revealed that only twenty-four percent of the women in the regions ever used a condom. A household survey was also done on condom use which found that ninety-eight percent of women had indeed heard of contraceptive methods, but only eighty-five percent of the women had heard of condoms. Some things to keep in mind also are that women in this culture are not expected to have knowledge or express openly knowledge of contraceptives or even sexuality. Also some background that is needed on the group surveyed is that the marital fertility rate of the surveyed women were about five children per woman, and each of the women had a different level of education. About sixty-one percent had intermediate-level education, twenty percent had a primary education, and eighteen percent had trouble reading or could not read at all. This provides evidence that condom use varies dependent on social factors like the area’s cultural background and education.

 

It should be noted that largely the variances in geographical location are highly affected by culture and cultural beliefs, as well as class and race, but also have dynamic influences resounding from economic yield for the area, use and expansion of communication, and other criteria. These social factors can again be examined in South Africa and rural Lebanon:

 

An example is that in South Africa, it was discovered that condom availability is a problem for young adults. Although condoms are given away by local clinics, many participants stated that there are instances when they found themselves without condoms because they never know when they are going to need one. Thus, this higher economic region has properly developed health services; they are just not being properly utilized by the public.

 

Opposing in the lower economic region of rural Lebanon, another reason for the lack of condom use is that public health services and family planning services are very inadequately developed. A health service that is trying to help is the Lebanese Family Planning Association but their funding is very limited and recently they have not been able to increase its budget to promote more complete reproductive health service.

 

Despite these specific social factors contributing to the differences between these regions and others, most research has identified issues such as trust and gender power in relationships and others as socially relevant to almost all countries worldwide.

 

Drug use

 

Condom use among intravenous drug abusers is low. One study found that only 99 of 699 male Out-of-Treatment Injection Drug Users (OTIDUs) participating in the study reported always using a condom. Of the 232 women OTIDUs, 22 claimed their male partner always used a condom. Methamphetamine in particular has been associated with even lower use of condoms, however. When the same study was restricted to methamphetamine users only, condom use rates dropped to a mere one third and one fourth of the above statistics, respectively.[46]

 

Anti-condom trends

 

Studies have shown baby boomers are increasingly contracting sexually transmitted infections because they choose not to wear condoms. Many have been married, and separated, and now have random sexual partners. Several reasons for this choice are given. Since the women are no longer capable of conceiving children, they do not see the large risk in not protecting themselves, and thus the importance of a condom becomes minimal. Also, since many of them have just come out of a long term relationship, they are starting over and they are too uncomfortable with their new partner to ask them to use a condom.

 

The practice of barebacking in Western gay culture is another example of a trend away from condoms. Barebacking partners often know that they could reduce their risk of sexually transmitted infection by using a condom, but choose not to.

 

Laws and policies restricting condoms

 

Ireland

 

In Ireland, condoms (and other contraceptives) were originally available only to those with a doctors prescription (finding a doctor willing to prescribe them was very difficult - almost impossible if one was unmarried) or via the black market (usually smuggled from Northern Ireland). This was later altered to being available only to those over the age of 18 in pharmacies in 1985. Sale outside of pharmacies was only legalised in 1993, although stores such as the Virgin Megastore had in fact been selling them openly since 1988. The age limitations were also removed in 1993.

 

Philippines

 

The Philippines is a predominantly Roman Catholic nation, and the Catholic Church is a powerful force in Philippine politics. The Church teaches that only natural family planning methods are moral ways to prevent pregnancy, and opposes promotion of condoms for any purpose.

 

While condoms are legal in the Philippines, the government will not promote them or pay for their distribution. As of 2004, several local officials - including the mayor of Manila - had banned distribution of condoms in government health facilities, and some locations even ban government health workers from discussing condoms.

 

Somalia

 

In 2003, a powerful Somalian Muslim group banned selling or using condoms in Somalia. The punishments for violating this include flogging.

 

Environmental impact

 

While biodegradable, latex condoms damage the environment when disposed of improperly. It is estimated that 61 million to 100 million condoms are improperly disposed of in Britain alone, often ending up in rivers or the ocean. According to the Ocean Conservancy, these condoms cover the coral reefs and smother sea grass and other bottom dwellers. The EPA also has expressed concerns that many animals might mistake the litter for food.

 

Condoms made of polyurethane, a plastic material, do not break down at all. There have been no studies to determine if lubricated condoms take longer to biodegrade than non-lubricated ones, but it is believed that their landfill mass is negligible.

 

Related Topics

 

Safe sex

Durex

LifeStyles

Trojan Condoms

 Condomi

State of Louisiana v. Frisard

Male contraceptive

Something for the weekend

 

Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Condom

 

End of Wikipedia content

 

 

Condoms Glossary of Terms

 

Abstinence: The voluntary self-denial of food, drink, or sex.

 

Birth control: use of any practices, methods, or devices to prevent pregnancy from occurring in a sexually active woman. Related terms are family planning, pregnancy prevention, fertility control, or contraception; birth control methods are designed either to prevent fertilization of an egg or implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus.

 

Cervix: The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb).

 

Female condom: Although the word "condom" usually conjures up the male condom, there is a female condom. The Reality Female Condom was approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in April 1993. It consists of a lubricated polyurethane sheath shaped similarly to the male condom. The closed end, which has a flexible ring, is inserted into the vagina, while the open end remains outside.

 

Gynecology: The branch of medicine particularly concerned with the health of the female organs of reproduction and diseases thereof.

 

Labia: The lips, either the lips around the mouth (the oral labia) or the lip-like external female genitalia (the labia majora and labia minora ). There are two pairs of lips at the entrance to the vagina. They are the labia majora (the larger outside pair) and the labia minora (the smaller inside pair). Together they form part of the vulva (the female external genitalia). Related words: Labial ; Labrose .

 

Lubricant: An oily or slippery substance. A vaginal lubricant may be helpful for women who feel pain during intercourse because of vaginal dryness.

 

Male condom: The male condom is a sheath placed over the erect penis before penetration, preventing pregnancy by blocking the passage of sperm. It is a barrier method of contraception.

 

Membrane: A very thin layer of tissue that covers a surface.

 

Obstetrics: The art and science of managing pregnancy, labor and the puerperium (the time after delivery).

 

Penis: The external male sex organ used to copulate and ejaculate semen and to convey urine outside the body. In Latin, the word "penis" originally meant "a tail ." The Latin "penis" is related to the verb pendere meaning "to hang down."

 

Pregnancy: The state of carrying a developing embryo or fetus within the female body. This condition can be indicated by positive results on an over-the-counter urine test, and confirmed through a blood test, ultrasound, detection of fetal heartbeat, or an X-ray. Pregnancy lasts for about nine months, measured from the date of the woman's last menstrual period (LMP). It is conventionally divided into three trimesters, each roughly three months long.  Related terms: Pregnant

 

Prescription: A physician's order for the preparation and administration of a drug or device for a patient.

 

Semen: The fluid that is released through the penis during orgasm. Semen is made up of fluid and of sperm. The sperm are manufactured in the testicles. The seminal fluid helps transport the sperm during orgasm.

 

Sexually transmitted disease: Any disease transmitted by sexual contact; caused by microorganisms that survive on the skin or mucus membranes of the genital area; or transmitted via semen, vaginal secretions, or blood during intercourse. These diseases include AIDS, chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts , gonorrhea, syphilis, yeast infections, and some forms of hepatitis. Also known as a morbus venereus or venereal disease.

 

Sperm: A sperm is the male "gamete" or sex cell. It combines with the female "gamete," called an ovum, to form a zygote. Related terms: ovum, zygote.

 

Vagina: The muscular canal extending from the cervix to the outside of the body. It is usually six to seven inches in length, and its walls are lined with mucus membrane . It includes two vaultlike structures, the anterior (front) vaginal fornix and the posterior (rear) vaginal fornix .

 

Womb: The womb (uterus) is a hollow, pear-shaped organ located in a woman's lower abdomen between the bladder and the rectum. The narrow, lower portion of the uterus is the cervix; the broader, upper part is the corpus.

 

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