Condoms: Pros and Cons

If you’re an eighteen year old getting jiggy in the backseat of your dad’s Cadillac, condoms probably seem like a pretty nifty invention. If, however, you’re a grown-up with a regular sex life, they can be more than a bit annoying. Today we’re going to take a look at the pros and cons of condoms. Sure, we know they work. When used properly, that is.

But, if contraception is your only concern (i.e. you’re in a monogamous relationship and needn’t worry about STD transmission) this is a pretty outdated method for preventing a bun in the oven. I’m not saying you shouldn’t use them – if you’re single and like to mingle you’re a nutter if you don’t use one of these. This article is really directed at couples who are off the market but are still using them. Time to wake up and see how much aggravation these things really are. Let’s take a look at the good and the bad.

Pros

• When used PERFECTLY they are 98% effective at preventing pregnancy and disease communication.

• You can get them almost anywhere.

• Latex condoms are fairly inexpensive.

• You don’t need a prescription to buy them.

• Latex allergies are becoming more and more prevalent, and polyurethane condoms are expensive.

• Oil based lubricants damage latex condoms – this means most edible massage oils and the like. It also means whipped cream and other flavored toys. This could really be a wet blanket in the bedroom.

• If you do have condoms available, stopping to put one on can really break the mood.

• Fellatio and condoms really don’t go together, no matter how cleverly the condom manufacturer markets it. Think about it. Ever had a latex balloon in your mouth? Tasted like crap, didn’t it?

• Wild sex can result in a broken condom at the least opportune time. Which means, if you’re like me, the only kind of sex you can have is pretty much going to be a waste of time.

• Condoms need to be disposed of – this isn't something you want to hold onto post-coitus. There’s nothing terribly romantic about him having to get up right away and chuck it.

• Condoms diminish sensation for both partners, which can diminish sex drive in both partners.

• Some men and women have real difficulty orgasming whilst using a condom. Partially a mental block, but partially a genuine physical issue.

• Impulsivity can be hampered, as you won’t always have a condom in your back pocket.

Remember, I’m not saying don’t use condoms. If you’re not 100% certain your partner is faithful, you’d better be using one. But, if you’re both on the up and up, there are better options out there as far as preventing pregnancy. Stay tuned, as I’ll be addressing them in future articles.

xx Isabella