How Effective Are Condoms, How to Put a Condom and The 6 Most Ridiculous Reasons Guys Aren’t Using Them

By David Beeshaw

Posted 3 years agoSEX

Let’s get one thing clear: nobody likes condoms. They smell and feel weird. They’re basically a pain in the ass. But consider this: Pregnancy or herpes are an even greater pain in the ass.

Now, a guy can choose not to wear a condom for many different reasons and I get that. In the heat of the moment, condoms is the last thing you want to think about. But trust me, forgetting about condoms can make your life hell.

If you often find yourself refusing to wear a condom, you’re not alone. A recent study from the Journal of Sex Research revealed that 80% of men have tried to resist using that type of protection at one point or another.

How Effective Are Condoms?

When used correctly every time you have sex, male condoms are 98% effective.

What baffles me is that even though we know that using condoms prevents the spread of STDs and STIs, we still tend to be reluctant to use them every single time we have sex.

Guys who brag about convincing their hot one night stand dates to have sex without a condom are just weird. Sure, they get all the pleasure, but when they do that they’re also technically having sex with every single person who slept with their current bedfellow.

That thought alone should be enough for a guy to go running to a pharmacy and get a pack of condoms as quickly as possible.

In the face of more or less serious sexually-transmitted diseases, not to mention all the risks of unplanned parenthood, I wondered why guys still refuse to wear condoms.

So I’ve done my research and I came up with these 6 ridiculous reasons guys give for not wearing a condom.

Excuse 1. It reduces pleasure

The Gates Foundation recently offered $100,000 for the design of a condom that would increase pleasure. Not a bad research project!

The problem is real because apparently many guys refuse to wear condoms principally because condoms reduce pleasure.

And that makes sense. Even a thin layer of latex is bound to have an impact on the experience.

Many people who discuss that point also talk about men as pleasure-seeking creatures in general, probably because it matches that public image of man as lustful beasts who can’t control their instincts.

But we need to dig a little deeper into this problem and ask men why they’re actually worried about reduced pleasure in the first place. Men have a share of expectations about sex, just like women. And in the chase of maximizing their experience, they might forget that about the risks of unprotected sex. Everyone likes to feel good, but chlamydia or syphilis are a high price to pay for a couple of happy hours.

Plus, we’ve come so far in designing condoms that fit well and help to give the receiving partner more pleasure. The textures, shapes, and sizes are there to play with and if you’re worried about dryness, just use some lubricant to increase the sensations for both you and your partner.

Excuse 2. It affects performance

In some cases, men can be simply allergic to latex. Solution? They should use latex-free condoms that are widely available on the market.

But what happens, when wearing a condom affects the male performance in the bedroom?

That is a common problem and it has to do with what we have been taught throughout the centuries: namely that our self-worth is connected to our sexuality.

For the most part of human history, men derived their value from two things: their ability to go out and kill animals, and their sexual prowess. A real man is full of stamina and vigor. Anything else renders him less of a man.

I think anyone would agree that these days, the above is simply bullshit. I mean, being a man means something else in an age when nobody needs to hunt their dinner anymore.

Excuse 3. Because it might not fit

Another reason men give for their refusal to use condoms is the fear that the condom might simply not fit.

Recent research confirms that. One study revealed that participants decided not to use a condom because they were afraid that it would break, slip, or be ill-fitting. A 2009 study from Indiana University found out that guys with larger or smaller penises (than the imagined average) tended to have a kind of negative attitude when it came to wearing condoms.

Just in case you’re wondering, the average penis length for a guy is between 6 and 8 inches.

There are lots of condoms available on the market, so being afraid that something will go wrong with the condom doesn’t make sense. As a guy, you should look out for your best interest and never put your health on the line just because you’re afraid that the condom might not fit (and obviously learn how to use a condom correctly).

Excuse 4. Condoms kill the moment

There is no denying that condoms are not exactly exciting or romantic. In fact, most guys would agree that condoms kind of kill the moment.

It might not be ideal for either partner to have to stop and wait a couple of minutes while the other fumbles down their pockets in search for a condom while things are getting hot and heavy, but it’s definitely worth it.

Actually, putting on a condom can become thrilling in itself, if you know how to go on about it. Ask your partner to do it using their hands or lips and you’ll see what I mean.

Excuse 5. Condoms aren’t for guys who were tested

So you get down to it and when the girl asks about a condom, you simply tell her that you’ve been tested. So you took care of your health? That’s great news!

Sadly, it has nothing to do with the situation in which you find yourself right now.

Just because you’ve tested negative for STIs doesn’t mean that you will be testing negative once you have unprotected sex. In other words, your current partner might be going through an infection without even being aware of that, and you’re pristine health record might be at risk!

Now, many guys think that having sex without a condom is something that builds trust between people.

I’d trade trust for healthcare in a second. If you use a condom, you show your partner that you care about yourself and about them as well. Don’t kid yourself, you can’t build trust with unprotected sex. In fact, most of the time having sex without a condom happens as a result of the trust you’ve already built in the relationship.

So don’t rush things, and wear a condom. You won’t regret it.

Excuse 6. Where’s my condom!?

The final reason for not wearing a condom is a simple one. Guys often don’t have condoms on them when the situation gets hot.

That’s clearly a strategic mistake, especially if you’re going out on a date that might get interesting as the evening unfolds. Putting a couple of condoms in your wallet is a must in this case. I mean, come on? You wouldn’t want to miss out on some fun just because you forgot to pick up some protection on your way to the date.

The male relationship with condoms is complicated. On the one hand, we can have more sex thanks to condoms. On the other hand, condoms often make sex less pleasurable.

That looks like a stalemate, doesn’t it?

The thing is, as long as we think about condoms the way we do now, nothing will ever change. Instead of treating a condom as a necessary evil for those who want to keep it clean and healthy, we could start thinking about them as sex accessories – something that brings in more excitement or even humor to the bedroom, all the while keeping both partners safe.
News that there was a marked increase in the recorded instances of sexually transmitted diseases such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea in the U.S. in the last few years will no doubt surprise some people. However the statistics will hopefully help to re-emphasize the importance of using contraception like condoms to help prevent the spread of these infections and other even more serious diseases.

The ubiquity of online dating platforms like Tinder and Grindr mean that casual sexual encounters are on the rise. Tinder alone has over 50 million users [2015].

Attitudes have changed towards condoms though and that can only be a good thing. Today it’s seen as responsible to carry one and thankfully that goes for both sexes.

Condoms are now pretty much available everywhere except perhaps your local church and they’re relatively inexpensive so there really is no excuse not to practice safe and protected sex.

Condoms have actually been around for centuries which may come as a surprise. While of course manufacturing technologies have made huge advances along the way meaning that this type of contraception is a lot more reliable than previously. There’s also an array of flavors, colors, and sizes available to suit most requirements.

In developing countries, condom use is very much encouraged by aid workers to assist in the prevention of HIV and AIDS which was and continues to be a major concern for the well being of citizens of that part of the world. While condoms of course have their function in assisting unwanted pregnancies, the role they play in stalling the spread of these diseases is of paramount importance to world health and the fight against AIDS worldwide.

Why and How To Put On A Condom?

This infographic below gives some background to condoms, with some facts you might not be aware of plus it explains the best way to store, use and dispose of them. You’ll also see how rigorous the manufacturing process is which will help to reassure you of their reliability (when you choose reputable brands of course!).

Check it out, you might learn something new!

Condoms-all-you-need-to-know (1)

Had some unprotected sex? Maybe there are something more you carry afterwards than just a few nice memories…

Signs of STD in Men: How to Know If You Have an STD

Even many children are affected by STD. so there are many ways other than sex by which people get affected. This includes sharing the same needle, breastfeeding and etc.

We are sharing the symptoms & types of STD in men, so one of the most pleasurable activities on earth is also safe for you.

Symptoms of STD in Men

Here are some common symptoms of STD that you need to be worried about:

  • Unusual ache or irritation while having sexual intercourse  or when urinating
  • Presence of rashes and dreadful sores on or around the genitalia as well as mouth.
  • There penis releases unfamiliar blood fluid.
  • Agonizing or bulging penis

Specific symptoms can vary, depending on the STD.

Symptoms of STDs in Women

Are you concerned about the health of your partner? Are you finding it difficult to know if they have an infection or not? Here are simple signs to always look out for:

  • Are they complaining of a painful sexual encounter? You need to both get checked
  • Are you seeing some unusual sores or concentrated rashes around their genitals or mouth?
  • Do they lament of blood discharge from the vagina and they aren’t menstruating?
  • Is there frequent vaginal infection along with itchiness in or around the vagina?

These are some of the questions you need to have while contemplating your female partner has the illness.

These infections are transmitted from a single individual to the next victim via sex especially when one doesn’t seek to use protection or genital contact. However, fear not, treating the condition is possible.

Chlamydia

In the UK the most prevalent STD is chlamydia and. You can easily get it via a sexual encounter with an infected individual. The symptoms hardly manifest themselves, thus you can be unaware of the infection.

If you get your partner is constantly lamenting of first painful or a burning sensation while passing out urine. Second, irritating discharge from the vagina. Third, painful low abdomen while having sex. Lastly, the presence of blood during or after sex or between menstrual cycles or heavy monthly cycles. You need to both visit a gynecologist.

As a man, this infection can manifest itself in causing a painful or a dreadful sensation when you urinate. If your penis is discharging a white, watery substance you need to seek medical advice. Are you experiencing pain tender testicles? Its time to seek a medical opinion

This infection is serious as it can result in getting the rectum or throat as well as mouth infected as well

During diagnosis, medical practitioners carry out the urinalysis test. They can also take a swab of the infected region. Treatment is quite simple as one is given antibiotics.

Do not delay to get checked, as it can result in infertility!

Genital warts

These are tiny fleshy growing, bumps on the skin especially around the genitalia region. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause.

You need to be wary about itchiness or redness of the sores in the genital region. They might be painless but at times they result in bleeding.

 This infection is often passed through the skin to skin contact and not necessarily through penetration intercourse.

If you are worried about treating it, don’t be. There are various forms of medication such as applying creams on the skin and get warts frozen (cryotherapy).

Genital herpes

The monotonous cause is Herpes Simplex Virus. HSV is a similar virus infection that leads to sores in cold.

Within a few days of contacting with the virus, some people tend to display signs if you see tiny, irritating blisters or sores that often itch or tingle, or make urination painful. Seek a medical opinion.

Upon infection, the virus is usually inactive mostly. Nonetheless, there are specific factors that can activate it. They cause blisters to manifest once more. However, this time they can be tinier as well as have mild pain.

You need to get tested to remove all doubts once you see these signs. Sadly, STI’s such as genital herpes isn’t curative. Only antiretroviral medication can control the symptoms.

Gonorrhea

This is a bacterial STD easily spread while encountering sex with an infected individual. Shockingly more than fifty percent of women as well as 10% of men hardly display any signs. This had led to many not knowing if they have the infection.

Among women, they can comment about having painful or a heating sensation when going for a short call. If you here complain about vaginal discharge, often manifesting in a yellow or green watery substance, you need to both get examined. When your partner is complaining of the painful low abdomen while having sex or has blood discharge while having sex, the next appointment should be with a gynecologist.

As a man, you need to be on the lookout for painful as well as irritating feeling while passing out urine. Just to be certain, watch out if your penis is discharging some sort of white or yellow or green fluid. If this goes an extra mile and your testicles are tender and painful book an appointment with your gynecologist fast.

The rectum, as well as throat, can have this infection.

To get a diagnosis, you will undergo a urinalysis test. Your gynecologist can also swab the infected region. The condition is manageable by taking antibiotics. Once you suspect you have the condition take your antibiotics faithfully or you risk being infertile permanently.

Syphilis

There is another bacterial infection which you have to be cautious about. During the beginning stage, it’s usually painless. However, the rate of infection is high. Watch out for any sore wounds around the mouth as well as genitals. These wounds can be persistent for six weeks straight.

The second stage can manifest in rashes or get patches as well as cold symptoms. These normally disappear in a couple of days, thereafter symptom-free phase is over.

Another different stage to be wary about is when the infection can reoccur after a couple of years. This is disheartening is it can result in cardio disease, loss of eyesight as well as paralysis

It’s difficult to identify this infection’s signs. However, at any stage, a blood test can spot traces of syphilis. To manage the condition, antibiotics are given.

HIV

If you engage in unprotected sex, don’t be surprised if you get this infection. Moreover, this infection can be passed via sharing needles to inject steroids as well as drugs.

It’s a deadly disease which wages war with the immune system. As a result, it becomes a week and unable to concur any infections as well as incoming diseases. Sadly, no cure has been found. To manage the condition, you have to take antiretroviral drugs

HIV infection’s final stage is AIDS. At this point, the body can’t fight any life endangering illnesses.

Most individuals having HIV appear healthier as well as with no signs. Be on the lookout for cold-like signs such as fever or a sore throat or rash. seroconversion illness shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Dispensaries provide a quick test via a finger-prick blood test as well as the saliva sample to determine the state of affairs that one is in.

Trichomoniasis

This is as a result of Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) parasite. It is simply transmitted via sexual intercourse. Sadly, many individuals lack a clue that they may possess the infection.

Among women counterparts, they may display, a frothy yellow as well as watery vaginal discharge. It usually has a disgusting odor. If they are complaining about sores or an itch within the vagina as well as during urination, they need to get checked.

Shockingly among men this illness hardly displays signs. You may encounter a painful experience while urinating.

It is treated with antibiotics after a test.

Pubic lice

They are quickly transmitted to other individuals via genitalia encounter. These lice normally cling to pubic hairs as they dwell in warm areas.

They can swiftly jump from one individual to the next. It takes months before one notices them.

To successfully treat it, one requires a specified cream or shampoo and not necessarily shaves off your pubic hair as well as body hair.

Scabies

Minute mites which burrow underneath the skin result in scabies. You can easily get it via sexual contact, or while using the personal effects of an infected individual.

If you are experiencing irritating itch especially at night, chances are you have scabies. You itch in the whole body generally.

Scabies can be confused with eczema as it’s hard to see the mites.

If you are diagnosed with this condition, you’ll get a unique cream or shampoo over the counter in most chemists. The itch continues for quite a while.

Conclusion

Have you engaged in unprotected sexual intercourse of late? Are you scared of getting an STD? The most horrifying part is that symptoms take time to manifest. One can generally go for months without ever knowing about an infection. Then boom! Rashes or sores as well as unending fevers. Symptoms vary depending on the infection. But now treatment is available for all the sexually transmitted diseases.

Different individuals display various symptoms. Many individuals acquire symptoms approximately in two weeks’ time. Others go up to more than a month. More deadly STDs such as HIV may take roughly between 3 to 6 months to test positive. If you are encountering slight cold or head pain you may not link it to STD at the beginning. This is usually why it takes time to detect HIV

Upon diagnosis of any infection, stick to medication to get better. Always be open with your partner to get moral support and also to contain the spreading of the illness.

About the author David Beeshaw

David Beeshaw is a strong supporter of safe sex, healthy lifestyle and staying fit. Often blogging about sexually-transmitted diseases, health issues or HIV, David has found himself supporting raTrust, a non-profit organization that aims to prevent STIs and HIV and help all those at risk.