Protection: how well are you doing it???

The condom is the most popular form of contraception. This is because it is the only contraception so far that combines the function of prevention of pregnancy with prevention of STDs at a go. Almost everyone seems to know what condoms are and what they are used for. However, not everyone who uses the condom knows how to do so properly and effectively, making nonsense of the whole process.According to a research from Indiana university comprising 50 different studies on condom usage, spanning 16 years of data, they discovered a truck load of errors by many people who use them. Listed here are a couple of the top most frequently committed errors when using the condom. Remember that HIV/AIDS is still pretty much around and raging on this side of the world. You will do yourself a huge favour by protecting yourself properly if you must have sex.* Many people do not take the decision to use condoms early enough. Most times, they would have started intercourse, then withdraw to apply the condom. This is a no brainer if you want to protect yourself against STDs. The studies showed that between 17 percent and 51.1 percent of people are guilty of this error.*Between 2.1 percent and 25.3 percent of people admitted unrolling the condom completely before attempting to slide it on. This is near impossible, I believe.*Quite a number of people do not know that the tip of the condom is meant to collect the ejaculated semen at the end of the show. Here, about 24.3 to 45.7 were discovered guilty of this error.*About 48.1 percent of women and 41.6 percent of men reported that they didn’t remember to squeeze the air from the tip of the condom before using.*If you are aiming to prevent pregnancy as well as STD, then you should not be doing this. Between 4 percent and 30.4 percent of participants in the studies, reported they began rolling the condom on inside out. On realising it was the wrong side up, they flipped it over and continued using it.*While it is true that common sense does sometimes vanish when hormones begin to rage, it is important that you seriously consider safety when you find yourself in the heat of passion. Studies show that about 82.7 percent of women and 74.5 percent of men reported that they fail to check the condition of the condom before use. Keep your eyes open for damaged wrappings, expiry dates or visible imperfections while wearing the condom.*Using sharp objects, even teeth or nails, to open the condom is a no, no as it can damage the condom. Between 2.1 percent and 11.2 percent of people admitted opening condom packets with sharp objects in the studies.*Oil based lubricants are not the best options when it comes to sex generally, more importantly so when you are using latex condoms. It weaken the latex, causing it to break. About 3.2 percent of women and 4.7 percent of men reported using an oil-based lube with a latex condom.*You cannot over emphasise the importance of lubes in aiding friction during intercourse. If you are using condoms and are likely to be at it for a considerable length of time, it is advisable to apply adequate lube to the condom to avoid likely tear. In the studies, between 16 percent and 25.8 percent of people reported using condoms without lubrication.*Protection is not just about preventing the semen from contact with the female, it is about the whole sexual organ. about 11.2 percent of women and 8.8 percent of men admitted they had began intercourse before rolling the condom all the way up, while another 13.6 percent and 44.7 percent of the respondents reported removing the condom before intercourse was complete. This often happens for mischievous reasons too, especially were the partners are desperate or deceitful with each other.*A lot of guys prefer to keep the pistons buried in the valves long after the action is over. However, this indulgence cannot be encouraged when using the condom as the penis will shrink and the condom will possibly unroll itself. About 31 percent of men and 27 percent of women admitted in the studies that after sex, they failed to promptly and properly withdraw after ejaculation.*Condoms must be properly stored away from direct sunlight and heat to keep them in optimum condition and avoid degradation of the latex. Between 3.3 percent and 19.1 percent of people in the studies admitted storing their condoms in conditions that did not comply with the recommendations on the package. Best to buy on need to use basis. better still, store in drawers or clothes closets.*Though this might sound a bit over the tops, quite a number of respondents,  1.4 percent and 3.3 percent admitted in the studies that they have reused a condom at least twice during a sexual encounter.No matter the type of relationship you are in, always try to be in control of your sexual health. It is your body, it is your life. Stay protected today. Enjoy your day.