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Condoms. They're one of the most important safe sex tools that any LGBTQ+ person should own.
But there's a lot of misinformation floating around about condoms. Here's 20 facts you should learn before you start opening up and slipping 'em on.
There are different kinds of condoms
There's studded condoms, warming condoms, edible condoms, pleasure shaped condoms, flavored condoms, even glow-in-the-dark condoms! Condoms come in a variety of styles, so don't limit yourself.
Condoms aren't only for penetration
Condoms aren't just for PIV (penis in vagina) and PIA (penis in ass) sex! Condoms can also be turned into makeshift dental dams for oral sex. Perfect for rimming!
Many places offer condoms for free!
You don't always have to pay for condoms! Universities, medical centers, Planned Parenthood locations, and housing works centers often offer condoms for free. Check out this valuable condom locator for more information.
Condoms are old!
Condoms have been around for ages, literally! Planned Parenthood reports that the first condom was depicted on a wall in France, approximately 12,000 to 15,000 years ago.
Abstinence policies hurt US troops in World War I
America's allies in World War I encouraged condom usage to prevent STIs, according to Planned Parenthood, but the US took on an abstinence campaign—and it proved costly. It lead to a 766.55 admission rate for STIs per 1,000 troops. Yikes! Just goes to show how dangerous abstinence campaigns have been in the past.
Condoms lead to pleasurable sex
Despite the misinformation floating around, condoms don't necessarily mean that sex is bad or awkward. Planned Parenthood says those who use condoms "feel their experiences are just as pleasurable as people who don't," putting a myth about condom usage and pleasurability to bed.
Condoms drastically protect against sexually transmitted diseases
Planned Parenthood states condoms make sex 10,000 times safer when using a condom. They're one of the most efficient safe sex tools out there, so make sure to use them!
Most teens use condoms on their first time
Planned Parenthood reports that 68% of American women and 82% of American men use a condom their first time having sex. Meaning condoms are, for the most part, a standard safe sex practice among first-timers.
But most teens receive improper condom education
Planned Parenthood also reports that only 39% of all American high school students are taught correct condom usage. Meaning many young Americans know to use a condom, but don't know how to use it.
Condoms can go well with sex toys
Condoms can be slipped over sex toys to make clean up faster and, in some cases, enhance pleasure. Just be careful with what sort of material you expose to your toy. For more information, check out the Condom Depot Learning Center.
Condoms are also good for trans women!
Trans women with a strapless can get a lot of use out of a condom. They're perfect for anal sex, and still work well for PIV. Again, they're also great as dental dams. Don't limit your options!
And still should be worn by trans women
Even trans women with a strapless who struggle to ejaculate should use a condom. As the Condom Depot Learning Center points out, STDs aren't necessarily transmitted via orgasm or ejaculate, so a condom is always useful.
Condoms can be damaged in a wallet
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that storing condoms in a wallet can lead to damage due to heat and friction. Find another way to store those bad boys!
Certain oils can damage condoms
Get the Facts gives the scoop on this one. Oil-based lubricants like Vaseline and baby oil can weaken condoms. Saliva can have infections, too, and overall, doesn't help when compared to water-based lube.
Male and female condoms don't go together
No need to use a male condom with a female condom. This can result in tearing, as the CDC says. Choose one or the other, not both!
Condoms should always be stored in cool, dry places
Both male and female condoms should be kept in cool and dry places that won't cause excess heat or friction, according to the CDC.
And there's enormous condom kits to buy!
Like the AdamMale Safari Survival Kit. $19.99 for 75 condoms, many of which are designed for pleasure or comfort. Highly recommended.
The New York Senate wants to prevent arrests for condom carrying
As one VICE News article reveals, condom carrying has been used by the NYPD as a form of "evidence" for arrests and charges of prostitution. Trans people and people of color are particularly vulnerable to this measure. Senate Bill S1379 would have banned police use of condoms, but the bill seems to have died in committe during the 2013-2014 session.
Misinformation campaigns have damaged condoms' reputation
Even in Congress, misinformation myths are spread from pro-abstinence and anti-condom parties, Planned Parenthood reports. Some of these myths have impacted US sexual education programs, too, causing "more than a third" of US schools to incorporate condom myths.
The US Public Health Service wants to increase condom usage
Planned Parenthood reports that the US Public Health Service wants to increase condom usage nationally as part of its Healthy People 2000 and 2020 initiatives. In particular, the federal governments wants to target people 15 to 19 to use condoms. So be a patriot and use a condom!
