Nowadays, condoms come in a variety of sizes,
colors, and even flavors.
There are small ones, skinny ones, purple ones,
strawberry ones, peppermint ones…you name it, and it
probably exists. Soon, we might find that we already have as
many types of condoms as Hallmark have cards. There used to
be a time in another era when there was only one kind of
condom out in the market, as far as the texture (or nubbing)
is concerned. That has changed in monumental fashion.
Nowadays, they can be adorned with latex or they can be
ribbed. Some of them can just be on the exterior but some
are studded both inside and outside. Presumably, this is
also to provide the user with added enjoyment.
Exactly how
many different kinds of condoms are out there? Are there in
fact any significant differences at all?
Basically, all condoms would fall under 8 categories
in general, based on the primary consideration. These do not
include the ones that would be invented tomorrow (knowing
the ingenuity of today’s generation, they will come up
with something). The first is the material; it is either
made from polyurethane or latex. Second is the size that
involves the width and not the length.
However, those available in convenience shops are
standard-sized. Third is the kind of lubrication where
different substances are used for different brands of
condoms. Fourth is the spermicidal. Spermicidal lubricant is
sometimes used to lessen the probability of pregnancy. One
of the more common is called nonoxynol-9. Some individuals
are sensitive to this and in fact, if used a lot of times,
may heighten HIV-infection possibility. Fifth is the Ribbed.
There are many people out there, especially young people,
who utter in disgust “if AIDS is not so prevalent, I would
never use this…I cannot feel a thing.” This type is the
heaven-sent condom for them. It has ridges making sex more
“feel-able” for the couple. Next is color, enough said,
it’s self-explanatory. Seventh would be flavor, obviously,
this is for those daring individuals who have a propensity
for oral sex. Tastes can range from strawberry to god knows
what else! However, these condoms should not be used for
vaginal/anal sex. Eighth and the last, is the reservoir
tipped. Most condoms in fact have a reservoir-like end to
hold the semen as opposed to the few others which have plain
tips. For the reservoir type, make sure that you pinch the
tip before dressing it on. This is more or less mandatory
because if air gets in, it could easily break when you are
busy and that is what you wouldn’t like to happen.
Actually, there is another one, but since our topic is
men’s condoms, a simple mention of it would suffice. This
is the female condom (If you are a guy reading this and you
are the kind who is so averse to putting on condoms, this
should give you an idea, right?)
Now that we
are through enumerating them, let us go to the more
important part which is to answer the question “what are
the qualities of a good condom?” In terms of material,
latex is probably the best; avoid the naturally made ones
(lamb membrane for example). Some unenlightened souls claim
that a few viruses can go thru latex that is absolutely
untrue. Those made from natural materials are porous and so
there is a probability of virus-transmission. Another would
be the presence of lubricants. Picking the water-based ones
is best like those that are pre-lubricated with spermicidal
gel or foam. Petroleum, baby oil or cream used as lubricant
is risky. These types have the tendency to weaken condoms,
even latex. Packaging is also an invitation. (Not only vis-à-vis
colors although to some people, color is paramount, they are
probably the reason why the glow-in-the dark type was born.)
More
specifically, what do women want in a condom? Some condoms
are packaged to look like tampon containers and a few women
are attracted to this. Form also counts - to illustrate,
French ticklers (condoms having long appendages) have
popular appeal as these (just like the ridges) increase
pleasure during intercourse. For this same purpose, some
women would insist that their husbands/boyfriends buy the
ultra thin type. Of course, not all nationalities are alike.
Japanese women in fact, are insistent on using condoms over
pills but they are not particular over the kind or form of
condom to be used. For as long as she gets assured that it
would not break, she probably would not actually care on
what specific kind of condom is being used. If you are an
American though, a piece of advice: bring your own, the size
being manufactured in there might not be to your liking.
Lastly, the most interesting though, according to one
expert on the topic (she came out with a hilarious yet
enlightening piece) – women generally, do not care about
the ridges, ribbing or the lubrication. The problem she
claims is that condoms are designed by men. She asserts that
if women were to be the ones to do this designing, they
would just make “padded” condoms. Length may not really
be crucial, but according to her, width does and that is
where the padding comes in naturally.
