Condom Crazy Part 2

Welcome to part two of our comprehensive guide on condoms -- answering pretty much every important question that you may have about condoms and their proper use. Hopefully you have studied part one diligently and applied some of your new found knowledge to your own sexual practices. But don't put away that notebook yet, here are some more important facts that everyone must know...

What the point of a flavored condom? I really don't like wearing one during oral sex.
Flavored condoms are just another way to make using a condom a more enjoyable experience. Typically these condoms come in popular fruit flavors such as strawberry or banana, or they may come in other flavors like chocolate or root beer. Why add flavor? Covering your penis in a "tasteful" sheath masks the taste of the latex and lubrication with a more desirable flavor. Also, it adds a certain amount of kink to your bedroom activities by combining the pleasures of taste with the pleasures of sex. But, you're probably asking, why wear a condom for oral sex at all? Well, HIV may not be spread through saliva, but there is still the possibility that it could be spread through microscopic cuts that may exist inside her mouth or on her gums. These cuts can result from rigorous oral sex or even from something as simple as brushing her teeth. In addition, other STDs such as herpes can be transferred from mouth to genitals and vice-versa. So why take any chances? Grab some flavored condoms and add a little kink and a lot of safety to oral sex. Just be sure to pick up a few different flavors for her to try, as some are better than others!

Are there any basic rules for condom use?
Yes, of course! We've already gone through some of them, but here is everything in a nutshell. Read and learn, no excuses!

- Always use a new condom every time you have sex, or when the penis moves from the anus to the vagina. Bacteria from the rectum can be transferred to the vagina and cause a nasty infection if you are not careful. And remember, you can't wash a condom and reuse it!

- Be sure to store your condoms away from extreme heat, cold, or friction. It's not a good idea to keep them in a wallet or a car glove compartment as these environmental conditions may cause them to age prematurely and break when used.

- Always check the expiration date. Outdated condoms are way more susceptible to breakage than fresh ones.

- Periodically check the condom during sex, especially if it happens to feel different to you. Make sure it is still in it's proper place and it is unbroken.

- Avoid opening the condom package with your teeth. In addition, be careful that your fingernails or jewelry don't tear or puncture the condom. If you or your partner have body jewelry, take caution, because these items also present a risk to the condom.

- Never use a male condom and a female condom at the same time, the increased friction will cause one or both to break.

- Always use water-based lubricants with latex condoms, not oil-based! The oil in Crisco, butter, baby oil, or Vaseline will compromise the integrity of the material and cause it to break. I can't stress this enough.

- Use unlubricated condoms or flavored condoms for oral sex (lubricants taste awful!)

- Don't flush condoms down the toilet as they will clog your plumbing requiring you to place an embarassing service call. Throw them in the garbage and save yourself the nightmare.

- Never use two condoms at the same time. The friction between the two condoms will increase the chance of breakage.

I have trouble putting the condom on. What's the trick? If you've ever found yourself in this predicament, just follow the steps below for a more detailed guide than what you'll find inside the package.

Make sure your condoms are fresh and your penis is hard before you put a condom on it. Trying to put a condom on a limp or semi-hard penis will be next to impossible. And, if you do manage to get it on you may inadvertently put it on correctly or trap air inside -- which can also lead to breakage.

Tear open the package carefully, so you don't rip the condom.

If your penis is uncircumcised, pull the foreskin back first then put on the condom as directed.

Make sure the condom is right side out before you attempt to put it on. Take a look at it closely or unroll it about half an inch to see in which direction it is unrolling. Then put it on. It should unroll easily down the shaft of your penis. If you start off wrong, try again with a new condom. Half the problems that occur with condoms are from people trying to roll them on the wrong way. It doesn't work! Pay attention to what you are doing and it will be quick and easy.

Hold the reservoir tip of the condom between your fingers when you roll it down. This prevents air bubbles, which can cause the condom to break. It also, leaves a space at the end to hold your ejaculate.

Roll the condom down as far as it will go so that it reaches the base of your penis near your testicles.

For anal intercourse ALWAYS use lots of water-based lube, and I mean lots. Water-based lube is great for vaginal intercourse too, in fact I have made it a regular practice in my bedroom. Apply lube after you put the condom on your penis, not before -- it could slip off rendering you and your partner vulnerable to disease and/or pregnancy. Don't be afraid to stop briefly to add more lube. Remember, dry condoms break more easily than ones that are nice and slick.

When you pull out, hold the condom near the base of your penis so it doesn't slip off and potentially expose you and your partner to bodily fluids. Also, pull your penis out while you're still reasonably hard and take the condom off only when you are completely outside your partner.

Let me remind you one last time; whether you're in a committed relationship or indulge in the practice of multiple-partner sex, condoms are always the best way to protect you and your partner(s) against the worries associated with today's sexual relationships. Sex is great by itself but there is really nothing like sex without any worry. So use a condom, be safe and enjoy every minute of it!