为什么需要“玩具”这类调剂品?
June 16, 2023Kegel Exercise and How to do them
October 6, 2023How to Use Condom?
What are Condoms?
Let’s keep it simple; condoms are affordable, easy to use and effective. We all know that. But what really makes them different from other contraceptives, and how effective can they be? And what else do you need to know?
We’ll get straight into it and educate you! (We even did our research.)
- Condoms, when used correctly, prevent pregnancies and STIs (sexually transmitted infections) with up to 90-95% effectiveness. ₁ Among contraceptives, only condoms are useful in preventing STIs. They are the easiest and cheapest option, as you can get them at your local convenience store (or even online these days).
- Use of the condom by women’s partners as the most effective contraceptive method was highest among Asian women. ₂
- In one study, female condoms were associated with higher user issues than male condoms. Though according to postcoital PSA levels in vaginal fluid, both devices were highly protective against “high-level” semen exposure. ₃ [This means that both work very well when used correctly, but male condoms are better.]
- Among young adults and adolescents, those with a more comprehensive sexual health education are more likely to use condoms, thus keeping their partners and themselves healthy. ₄,₅
- Compared with other contraceptive methods:
- Injectable …………………………. 6.7%
- Pill …………………………….. 8.7%
- Male condom……………………….. 17.4%
- Fertility awareness (avoiding fertile days, i.e. before period) ……………………. 25.3%
Here’re some Pro-Tips to fully utilise your CARE Condoms
- If you cut a CARE condom up the side, you can open it and place it over the vulva as a dental dam for safer oral sex! (We recommend wiping off the lubricant first unless you like the taste.)
- Make sure no air escapes into the condom when you put it on! Air bubbles caught inside might pop when it rubs against the internal walls.
- Don’t do ‘double bagging’! (i.e. using two condoms at the same time) The friction between latex might cause breakage. (And a bit of a waste, in our opinion)
References (Told ya we did our research. Some might not be within the last 5 years, but all are thoroughly checked):
- Pinkerton, S. D., & Abramson, P. R. (1997). Effectiveness of condoms in preventing HIV transmission. Social science & medicine, 44(9), 1303-1312.
- Jones, J., Mosher, W. D., & Daniels, K. (2012). Current contraceptive use in the United States, 2006-2010, and changes in patterns of use since 1995 (No. 60). US Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics.
- Galvao, L. W., Oliveira, L. C., Díaz, J., Kim, D. J., Marchi, N., van Dam, J., … & Macaluso, M. (2005). Effectiveness of female and male condoms in preventing exposure to semen during vaginal intercourse: a randomised trial. Contraception, 71(2), 130-136.
- Finigan-Carr, N. M., Craddock, J. B., & Johnson, T. (2021). Predictors of condom use among system-involved youth: The importance of Sex Ed. Children and Youth Services Review, 127, 106130.
- Steiner, R. J., Pampati, S., Kortsmit, K. M., Liddon, N., Swartzendruber, A., & Pazol, K. (2021). Long-acting reversible contraception, condom use, and sexually transmitted infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 61(5), 750-760.
Condom Usage Guide: Basic Knowledge of Condoms & Lubricant
Summary
00:11 Condoms expired date and lot number
Remember to check the condom's expiry date before you buy/use it.The condom's expiry date is generally printed on the back of the box or on their individual foil.
00:33 Keep your condoms in a cool, dry place
If you habitually keep a condom in your wallet or laptop bag, remember only keep it for 1 month max as Malaysia's climate is really hot. If a condom gets overheated, it'll damage the quality of latex and tend to break easily.
01:12 How to correctly tear open your condoms
Remember, don't bite open with your teeth or cut with scissors. There's a saw-toothed edge to make it convenient for you to open the condom. All you need to do is push the condom to one side, and gently tear it open.
01:27 Condoms are only for single use
You can only use 1 condom every time. (**Don't use 2 condoms at the same time! It'll cause breakage.) Once you have used it, you'll need to throw it away. If you're using a condom for oral sex, then after oral, you'll need to change a new piece because your teeth or braces might accidentally scratch the condom.
02:38 How to wear a condom correctly
If you put the condom the other way round, condoms cant roll all the way down smoothly. Please don't force it down. You'll just need to take it out and turn it over. Remember not to stretch the condom when you put it on. The most crucial step before you roll it down is to remember to pinch the air out of the tip with one hand and the other hand to slide the condom down.
04:17 How to use lubricant correctly
If you like to change positions often, we recommend using a water-based lubricant. Remember not to use oil-based lubricants (massage oil, baby oil etc.) Lightly squeeze the lube on top and rub it around gently.