Condom Usage

Types of Condoms & How to Use Them

External Condoms

• Provides a barrier for external regions
• Traditional condom, dental dam, latex gloves

https://www.cdc.gov/condomeffectiveness/index.html

How to Use a Dental Dam

Dental dams are easy to use. Simply unroll the dental dam and place it over the vulva or anus before performing oral sex.

Make sure to use the dental dam during the entire session, from start to finish.

People should only use dental dams over the vulva or anus. When performing oral sex on a man, a person should use a condom instead of a dental dam.

Here are a couple of tips for using a dental dam:

• Use a water-based lubricant. Avoid using oil-based products, such as petroleum jelly, lotion, or oil, as these can make the dam less effective. Apply the lubricant between the dam and the skin to prevent irritation.
• Avoid spermicides or nonoxynol-9 products. These substances can increase the risk of irritation to the mouth or throat.
• Only use a dental dam once. Be sure to use a fresh one for each instance of oral sex.
• Store correctly. Double-check expiration dates and keep the dams in a cool, dry place.
• Look out for allergies to latex. Opt for a polyurethane dam if either partner is allergic to latex.
• Throw away damaged dams. If the dam gets crinkled or rips during oral sex, throw it out and use a new one.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323768#making-a-homemade-dental-dam

Internal Condoms

• Provides a barrier for the vagina and anus
• FC2 Condom
• Perks: Latex-free can be inserted 4 hours before sex

Female condoms are also known as internal condoms and can be used for both vaginal and anal sex. As they provide a physical barrier, they are likely to prevent transmission of sexually transmitted infections during anal sex.

Internal Condoms: Vaginal Usage

Squeeze the ring at the closed end of the pouch with your middle finger and thumb and insert it into your vagina like a tampon. Place your index finger inside the condom and push the ring up as far as it will go.

Internal Condoms: Anal Usage

If you’re using the female condom for anal sex, you can either insert it into the anus, or you can put it onto your partner’s penis in order to insert it into the anus gradually. The outer ring should sit outside of the anus – which then makes it easier to remove afterward. Do not try to remove the inner ring before insertion as this risk breaking the condom. Make sure you use plenty of lubricant, because the anus doesn’t create its own. This will reduce the likelihood of passing on STIs and HIV too. Female condoms aren’t approved for anal sex by any government authority, but they will protect against STIs and HIV.

Lube

Lubricants are often used for things like bicycle chains and machines to help cut down on the friction caused by moving parts. Personal lubricants contain different ingredients, but the idea is the same, they’re used to reduce the friction on your own moving “parts” to make sex and masturbation easier and more enjoyable. Proper lubrication is essential to safety and pleasure in the bedroom.

If you’re using sex toys, experimenting with anal play, or faced with problems related to vaginal dryness, personal lubricants can help to make experiences more comfortable and even heighten sensations. There are many types of lubricants available on the market today.

Lubricants may be water-based, oil-based or silicone-based, flavored, or hybrid. There are pros and cons to all types of lubricants. A water-based lubricant is a product designed to reduce friction during foreplay, intercourse, and masturbation. Water-based lubricants offer many benefits when compared with oil and silicone-based formulas. Because the lubricants contain water, they can be easily cleaned and cared for using plain water and a little soap. This makes washing your hands, bathing, and cleaning sex toys simple and convenient. Many men and women like the lightweight gel consistency of water-based lubricants, as they feel wet and natural and reduce friction without leaving behind a greasy or slippery coating on the skin. Unlike oil-based lubricants, water-based lubes can be safely used with latex condoms. They are also safe for use with all types of sex toys. Only water-based lubricants can be universally used. This makes them more versatile for individuals and couples who own multiple toys. In addition, water-based lubricants cannot be used in the tub, shower, hot tub, or pool because they dissolve in water. A water-based formula may also not be thick enough to make anal intercourse and anal play with sex toys comfortable.

Oil-based lubricants can damage the materials of many toys. Oil-based lubricants work great for masturbation and massage. The problem with oil-based lubricants is they can weaken latex condoms and cause them to break. As a result, the condom may not effectively protect against unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases.

Silicone-based lubricants are safe for condoms and don’t need to be reapplied as often as water-based ones. They have a slippery, smooth texture that’s ideal for reducing friction. Silicone lubricants should not be used with toys constructed out of silicone. Silicone is hypoallergenic, so it’s a great choice for lube users with sensitive skin or allergies. Unlike water-based lubes that would be quickly washed away in the shower or tub, silicone lubes (especially when in gel form) stay put and keep friction at bay while you enjoy some slippery, wet fun. The best thing about silicone-based lubes, they’re great for water play.

With a hybrid lube, you get to enjoy the natural feeling of water-based lubes while also getting the benefits of a longer-lasting silicone formula. There’s no need to have one kind of lube for in the bedroom and another for water play, a hybrid lube formula can pull double duty. Just remember that, like any lube that contains silicone, a hybrid lube can put some serious wear and tear on your silicone toys, so avoid using them together. Flavored lubes are good for oral and foreplay!

Information found at:

Walgreens www.walgreens.com

Astroglide www.astroglide.com

Cosmopolitian www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/advice/a226/lube-during-sex/