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For many men, struggling to put on a condom just when the foreplay gathers steam, can be a mood-killer! He may even grumble, and give you all sorts of reasons to avoid using a condom. But the importance of condom has been underlined enough over the years as a prime step to practice safe sex.
Ladies, the list of justifications a man might give you to avoid using a condom can be endless— “erection problems”, “I don’t like it”, “It can reduce pleasure”, “I’m allergic to latex”, and so on. If you find yourself in a sticky spot where your partner simply refuses to wear a condom, remind them of logical reasons why it’s a must! It might make him more aware of the value and advantages of using a condom not just for you, but also for himself!
Health Shots spoke to Dr Sanjay Kumavat, Consultant Psychiatrist and Sexologist, Fortis Hospital, Mulund, Mumbai, to suggest a few ways to assert the importance of a condom.
To leave no room for “no”, you should talk about it with your partner before having sex. Asking a partner to use a condom could feel a little odd, but it’s so crucial to practice safe sex. So, do not let the awkwardness bother you. Dr Kumavat advises, “Be assertive in your communication and make sure your partner knows why a condom is necessary. Additionally, it’s not always a breach of trust to ask the use of a condom.” But try to avoid talking right before or during sex; instead, pick a time when neither of you are feeling tense.
The best way to make your partner use a condom is by outlining the benefits of using it. “Emphasize the advantages of the use of condoms. It’s a protection from both bacterial infections, and sexually transmitted diseases, reduces friction and prevent wear and tear of the vaginal epithelium,” says Dr Kumavat. As every couple wants to try various positions to avoid monotony, there’s risk as some positions may cause infections to either partner.
Also, read: #RightToPleasure: 7 condom checks you must do for safe sex
The game can improve with condom use. Simply let your partner know that you can still feel him even when he is wearing a condom to make him feel less reluctant about wearing it. According to Dr Kumavat, “Condoms are lubricated. So, this can reduce friction and prolong the phase of ejaculation, thereby increasing the pleasure in sex and sex lasts longer.” In fact, the condom’s colour and flavour can contribute to the experience.
If you’ve got to be the more responsible one, so be it! Educate your partner about the benefits of using a condom, especially the fact that it can prevent unwanted pregnancies. “The condoms have contraceptive value by which it prevents unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases,” says Dr Kumavat.
Always carry condoms with you as during a passionate moment the act may go through and then it will be pointless to repent it. Hence, offer instead of “insisting” the use of condoms by making it available. Also, be sure of your partner’s sexual history.
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