The Guide to Embarrassing Problems that Occur from Using Latex Condoms, Including Latex Condom Allergies
Latex Condom Allergy:
You may wonder if you are allergic to a condom if you notice irritation, redness, or itching after using it. It is actually highly unusual to have an allergy to latex condoms, but it would be sensible to switch to a polyurethane type such as Durex Avanti. There have been zero reports of allergic responses to polyurethane material.
Too much friction may be causing the irritation. This can be resolved by putting some lubricant inside the top of the condom to cover the surface of the penis as you roll the condom on.
Putting it on and taking it off:
Condom manufacturers do not mention the problems involved with putting on and taking off condoms. They instruct you to unroll it onto the hard, erect penis and to pinch the teat or closed-end to keep it empty at the same time. It is best to do this with three hands or the assistance of a cooperative partner. Researchers at the University of Sydney, Australia, conducted a survey and discovered that two-thirds of the men who took the survey lost their erection while trying to put it on (Reproductive Health Matters 1994;3:55-62). The researchers suggest not pinching the teat at the end of the condom when putting it on. They found that pinching the teat makes no difference in the likelihood of the condom breaking or slipping off during intercourse. They also suggest trying to put on the condom like a sock with the thumbs and fingers inside instead of rolling it on.
The condom is probably inside out if it does not reach the base of your penis or is difficult to roll down. You should take it off and try again with another one.
Slipping off:
Many men assume that a condom that slips off is probably too big for them. In fact, it is probably too small. If the condom is too tight, you probably aren't rolling it all the way down the penis, which means that during intercourse, the ring at the base of the condom is entering the partner's vagina, and it can be dragged off. A condom that is the right size will be right at the base of your penis and will remain outside of the vagina during sex.
It may be difficult to find the right size of condom, and many men resort to trial and error. Most manufacturers do not show the length and width of the condom on the pack. Many men do not know how their erect penis size compares to other men, so they are not sure if they need a large condom. Be sure to consider the length and the width of the penis; just like short fat legs in stockings, a short fat penis needs a large condom.
Splitting or breaking:
There are several reasons why condoms split. A common cause of tears is damage from ripping the packet open with teeth, scissors, knives, or pencils. The University of Australia study found that men were most likely to break condoms if they didn't use condoms often and if they rolled the condom on rather than pulled it on. The use of a lubricant will help to reduce condom breakage. Penis size is a possible reason for condom breakage. Condom manufacturers claim that condoms are designed to stretch enough to accommodate a large penis. However, a study from Australia found that if you have a thick penis, it is more likely you will break a condom, but that the length of the penis is not a significant factor. (International Journal of Sexually Transmitted Disease and AIDS 1998; 9;444-7).
What to do if a condom slips or breaks:
- If a condom slips off or breaks during intercourse, the woman should visit a family clinic as soon as possible for emergency contraception (the morning-after pill) to prevent pregnancy.
- Emergency contraception doesn't always work, so it is good to have a pregnancy test if the next period is late.
- In addition to emergency contraception, it is a good idea to use an additional birth control method, such as the birth control pill or the birth control shot. However, be aware of these birth control methods' side effects, one of which is an increase in blood pressure, which eventually can affect the heart after the prolonged use of this method.