Are condoms an effective form of birth control?
Yes, condoms are an effective form of birth control. For male condoms, how well they work depends on whether you’re using it the right way. Studies have discovered that only one in 50 women using condoms will experience a pregnancy.
Even for people who do not use condoms appropriately, condoms can still be highly effective. Only 15 out of 100 such women experience pregnancies over a year.
In the case of female condoms, 2 or 3 out of 50 women are likely to become pregnant when appropriately used. Unlike male condoms, 21 out of 100 women can experience pregnancy when female condoms are used incorrectly.
Undoubtedly, condoms are an effective choice for preventing unwanted pregnancy. Most brands in the market are safe, but some offer more protection. Unlike other forms of contraception, condoms provide additional protection from STIs as well.
But choosing the right condom depends on personal preferences and can be tricky. It’s recommended to use natural condoms for women with skin sensitivity or allergic to chemicals.
Are condoms effective against STIs?
Yes, condoms do protect against STIs. These are diseases transmitted through bodily fluids during intercourse. Both male and female condoms create a barrier for these STIs and prevent infections like gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV. If you have sex with a condom on, your chances of contracting HIV is reduced by 80% when compared to sex without a condom.
However, condoms do not protect you against some other STIs like herpes. Such infections spread through skin-to-skin contact of parts like inner thighs and other areas that a condom does not cover.
Condoms are a reliable choice for people wanting to have protected sex. If you are looking to buy condoms online, you can opt for brands like Bleu that offer natural condoms. These condoms are free from glycerin, paraben and additives to give you a comfortable and long-lasting experience!
Debunking the Myths and Facts
When there is a conversation about family planning, condoms are an essential part of it. However, there are various myths and misconceptions around condoms too.
We’ve listed and debunked 10 of them below:
Myth 01: Using two condoms at a time is safer.
Truth: If you use two condoms at a time, they are more likely to break. When two are used together, one or both of the condoms can tear because of the increased friction between them. It’s best to use only one and put it on correctly.
Myth 02: Condoms have holes.
Truth: Condoms are put under the Medical Devices category. This means there are strict regulations for the manufacturing of condoms. Condom manufacturers like Bleu electronically test their vegan condoms to ensure there are no holes and other defects.
Myth 03: Only latex condoms effective.
Truth: Latex, polyurethane, and polyisoprene condoms are found to be effective at pregnancy prevention and protection against STIs. As per studies, polyurethane condoms act as effective as latex condoms in creating barriers against sperms and STIs.
Myth 04: Condom sizes are not necessary.
Truth: If a condom fits properly, it will be the most effective. Condoms that are too tight may break during and condoms too loose may slip off. The size of the penis can vary, hence using the right size condom is crucial to ensure maximum protection.
Myth 05: All condoms have side-effects.
Truth: If you have an allergy to chemicals, condoms with flavours may not be the right choice. Ingredients used in such condoms contain parabens, glycerin, or spermicide and can cause sexual health problems. However, brands like Bleu offer natural condoms that are free of any harsh chemicals and additives. Their vegan condoms reduce the chances of side effects like itching or rashes significantly.
Myth 06: Condoms can break easily.
Truth: If you pay attention while putting it on, a condom will not break. Make sure you roll it down while squeezing the top so that there’s no air bubble inside. If you have sharp nails or you wear jewellery, you need to be careful. In case a condom breaks, never try to fix it or use it anyway. You need to use a new condom.
Myth 07: Condoms cause premature ejaculation.
Truth: Male or female condoms do not cause premature ejaculation in men. Instead, condoms have proved to help maintain an erection and prevention of premature ejaculation.
Myth 08: Condoms cause impotence.
Truth: There is no proof of the claim that condoms can cause impotence. Impotence can have physical or emotional causes. Men complain that condoms decrease sensation. However, this problem can be solved by learning to make condoms a part of sexual foreplay.
Myth 09: If you are on the pill, you don’t need condoms.
Truth: The pill can prevent pregnancy, but it does not give protection against STIs. Also, in case you forget to take the pill or the effectiveness of the pill is lower, condoms act as a backup to prevent pregnancy.
Myth 10: Condoms are only for men.
Truth: Female condoms are as effective and safe as male condoms. They can be an excellent option for women with partners not wanting to use male condoms. Female condoms may seem weird at first, but with correct use, they can be pleasurable.
Condoms are the most accessible contraceptive method for men and women across the world. Regardless of marital status and sexual orientation, it can be used by all adults for STI protection and pregnancy prevention. If you are looking to buy condoms online, try natural condoms by Bleu. These condoms are free from glycerin, paraben and additives to give you a natural and pleasurable experience.
To shop Bleu’s exclusive range of natural condoms, click HERE!