Condoms are one of the simplest ways to avoid STIs and unwanted pregnancy. Yet many men are reluctant to wear them. Whether this is due to personal comfort, the idea that there isn’t any risk or just wanting to be more intimate varies. So what’s the naked truth?

Whilst oral contraceptives and other methods may be able to prevent the possibility of conception, condoms catch the swimmers before they hit the pool. Barrier methods are the safest option.

Correctly used, condoms will prove 99% effective at preventing the transfer of STIs and unwanted pregnancy.

The lack of bare contact helps reduce the risk of transferring STIs which are present in semen and vaginal fluids. The risk of serious STIs such as HIV, Syphilis, Chlamydia and Gonnorhea is lowered. While also helping to intervene in the sharing of less harmful conditions such as thrush and genital warts.

Removing barriers by opting to go bareback increases the likelihood that you can catch an STI.

Don’t be silly, wrap your willy!

Some men don’t want to wear a rubber because it ‘doesn’t feel as good.’ But honestly finding the right condoms which work for you will help. There’s such a wide range of condoms, from tailor made which are sized specifically for you to opting for textured or flavoured.

Finding a condom which suits you is often part of the problem. Nobody wants the panic of finding the rubber ripped or slipped off during sex. The emergency trip to the GUM clinic is a stress we can avoid. Getting to grips with your willy may sound obvious but using condoms which are the best fit will help avoid any ‘tightness’ while the right thickness will help prevent loss of sensitivity.

Not owning a penis myself, I’ve had to ask friends for their views!

Top tips

Put a condom on correctly:

A little lube inside the condom can make it feel smoother when you put it on.

Having your girlfriend roll it on for you may help keep you hard and give her the reassurance that it’s on correctly.

Going for ‘extra safe’ is more secure if you have bigger banana!

Also a thicker condom can help if you find yourself cumming quicker than you’d like

Choose a thinner latex to improve sensitivity or try textured condoms which include ‘ribs’ and ‘dots’

Using tingling lube can increase sensation and make for some mind blowing oral.

Changing condoms between acts, i.e blowjob then penetrative sex or vaginal then anal; will improve hygiene and reduce the amount of friction on the condom which can contribute to it breaking. No one wants coitus interruptus!

Trying latex free can be better if you or your partner is allergic

Going for condom-friendly lube will make you slip and slide!

Thicker condoms for anal sex can be advisable due to the increase in friction and lack of natural lube while the tightness can make you feel like exploding sooner than normal.

Always check the condoms are within their expiry date limit!

Other options

If in a monogamous relationship, you might consider stopping using condoms and opting for other forms of birth control. While this is entirely your choice, it is advisable to still go for regularly sexual health screening as a lot of STIs can remain undetected for months or even years. Think of it like an M.O.T for your car, you wouldn’t let your wheels go to waste so why risk your willy?

You can of course use female condoms as an alternative to wearing one yourself. Although these are technically the same as a traditional rubber, it’s more like a parachute for your fanny. As such it can feel a little like fucking a plastic bag if it doesn’t fit properly. No two vaginas are the same so help your girlfriend find the best fit for both of you.

You should also make sure that the exterior rim is visible over her labia. While checking you enter the femidom itself rather than slipping down the side.

Last notes

The naked truth about condoms is that while they can be fiddly at times, they’re essential. Shopping around to find the right one will pay off with fun rewards! Plus it will protect your health in the long-term and prevent any accidental pregnancies 99% of the time.

Always discuss your contraception options with your female partner, it takes two to tango. You have a responsibility to protect your own health but you should also think of hers. Whether a regular girlfriend or just a fling, taking chances puts both of you at risk. Make sure you carry condoms with you when going out, I have mine right next to my lipstick!

Here’s some useful links for more bedroom tricks:

Eating ass: why is rimming so popular?

Breath play: Here’s what to do when your girlfriend wants to try choking

Tell your girlfriend these secret tricks for mind-blowing head