All about condoms

In the Netherlands alone, more than 100,000 new infections with STIs are diagnosed every year. Safe sex is therefore very important.

Trustworthy
Sex without a condom is only possible if both partners have never slept with another person, have always had safe sex before or have both had themselves tested. Honesty is therefore very important in that regard.

Fortunately, condoms have not only become thinner, but also more reliable. They are checked in the Netherlands for leaks and strength using random samples.

Approved condoms remain reliable for up to five years from the date of manufacture. You have to keep them cool and dark. Most fun condoms do not meet the safety requirements. They are therefore not recommended as a contraceptive.

This is how you put on a condom:

• Avoid any contact between the penis and the vagina or anus before applying the condom.
• Do not apply the condom until the penis is completely erect.
• A condom is put on the erect penis before the man enters the woman.
• Squeeze the reservoir so that there is no air in the condom. That way there is some space to collect the sperm. With a condom without a reservoir, you make a reservoir yourself by squeezing the tip closed.
• The condom should be rolled over the entire penis as far as possible.
• Never use two condoms on top of each other. They can then tear.
• Make sure that the condom does not leak due to sharp nails when putting it on.

All sizes and flavors
Condoms come in different colours, sizes and flavors. Latex condoms are powdered. They are packed dry or provided with a spermicidal or non-spermicidal lubricant.

Skid resistance can be remedied by adding extra lubricant. For people who are allergic to latex, there are now also polyurethane condoms.

female condom
The female condom is a transparent bag that is 17 centimeters long. It is made of polyurethane and has an inner and outer ring.

The inner ring and most of the pouch are inserted into the vagina. The female condom ensures that the man’s semen does not end up in the woman’s vagina, but in the pouch.

When used correctly, therefore, fertilization can practically not take place. Because the penis does not touch the vaginal wall and the outer wall covers the labia, you are also protected against STDs.

Just like regular condoms, the female condom can only be used once. It is odorless and has a lubricant on the inside and outside. Female condoms are sold in packs of three.

Pros and cons
The female condom can be inserted before sexual intercourse. However, many women find it difficult to insert. Some find the crackling sound and sight of the ring outside the vagina annoying.

As with regular condoms, reliability depends on proper use. When used correctly, the reliability of the female condom is 95 percent.