MCC’s G Spot: Don’t Be Silly, Wrap Your Willy

Condoms.

Courtesy of rhrealitycheck.org

We all need them, but there are so many varieties to choose from. Do you prefer a sturdy condom, or maybe one that’s super thin? Is your partner is allergic to latex? No problem! Unlike men and women in the 20^th century, you have access to thousands of different condom brands with the click of a computer mouse. Which is the best for you?

Trojan Condoms

Pros: There is a great assortment of Trojans for everyone- Bareskin, Fire&Ice, Magnum, For Her, etc. Take your pick!

Cons: The reservoir tip is said to be too small, and, unless they’ve explicitly bought extra large, or Magnum, some men dislike the snug fit. The price is definitely less than desirable ($18 for a variety Pleasure Pack of 34 on Amazon).

Durex Condoms

Pros: Pick up a variety pack of these bad boys, and it certainly won’t be a boring night. From studded to natural feel to XXL, Durex condoms can and will fit any of your needs. They are well known for their durability, so accidents are much less likely to occur.

Cons: Some people are bothered by the latex scent of Durex. Also, while not as bad as Trojan, these can be a bit pricey ($20 for a variety pack of 60 on Amazon).

Crown Condoms

Pros: According to Crown Depot, these are the thinnest, most sensitive condoms on the market. Though they are made of latex, they do not smell or taste like it. As an added bonus, they won’t break the bank like some of your other favorite brands ($5 for a pack of 36 on Amazon).

Cons: Crown does not sell alternate sizes, so these condoms can be a bit tight if you are above average in width.

Lambskin Condoms

Pros: These are, obviously, latex-free, so you don’t need to fret about awkward rashes. Biodegradable and natural, many people prefer a condom that isn’t made of rubber. These condoms are super thin for extra sensation, unlike your other latex-free option, plastic/polyurethane condoms.

Cons: No blow jobs, ladies and gentlemen! Not only do these condoms not prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, but they literally made of lamb intestines. Gross! Because they are made from animal product, they are also ridiculously expensive ($25 for a Naturalamb pack of 10 on Amazon). It is much cheaper to buy polyurethane condoms ($16 for a Skyn pack of 24 on Amazon).

Female Condoms

Pros: Regardless of their name, these condoms can be used for both vaginal and anal intercourse. Female condoms are almost always latex-free, so they can be a good alternative for men and women with such an allergy. They’re also very large and attach to the sides of whichever orifice they’ve been inserted into, so the partners do not have to worry about the condom being too tight around the man’s shaft.

Cons: As well as being slightly less reliable than regular male condoms, because they are bigger and are more likely to slip out, female condoms are more expensive ($21 for a FC pack of 15 on Amazon) than polyurethane condoms.

Some Tips and Tricks

Never let a latex condom come into contact with oil of any form (baby oil, petroleum jelly, etc). Only use water based lubricants, if you must.
Take that condom out of your wallet right now! The friction and warmth of being in your back pocket will cause the condom to wear down, increasing the possibility of it breaking.
Double check to make sure the expiration date hasn’t passed. If you aren’t sure, or can’t find it on the package, just be safe and get a new one.
Not including abstinence, condoms are the only way to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
If your man keeps making excuses to not use them, drop him. Drop him harder and faster than the bass in a dubstep song. “They’re too tight” or “they ruin the sensation” just means he is a cheap ass.
Don’t try doubling up your condoms. Whether it’s two male condoms or a female and a male condom, they will probably break.
You may think opening the package with your teeth looks sexy, but it can accidentally tear the condom. They aren’t cheap, so make sure to take the few extra seconds to gently open it with your fingers.
Can’t afford to throw away $20 on a box of condoms? Head over to your local Planned Parenthood today for some free samples.

What do you think, MCC? What’s your favorite condom? Least favorite? Let us know in the comments.

Photo courtesy of http://www.sharecare.com/health/sex-and-relationships/article/top-condom-mistakes

Alta McKinney is not registered in any medical field. Please consult with your physician before trying a new method of birth control. For more information regarding contraceptives, go to www.plannedparenthood.com. To submit a sex or relationship related question to MCC’s G-Spot, e-mail us at LiveWire@mcc.commnet.edu