Condoms are one of the most popular methods of contraception in the world, but many people still believe in myths about them that can lead to unwanted consequences. We debunk five of the most common condom myths and help you figure out how to avoid mistakes and protect yourself and your partner.
The material was prepared by the team of the public union "Your Family Doctor"
Let's meet, I'm a condom. All the condoms in the world are starting to talk so that people understand us better and use them more effectively. I will not tell you who created me and how many failed attempts there were to make me - a modern condom - the hero of this article. Today I want to tell more about myself. People use me, but their perception of me does not always correspond to reality. I want to be more useful to humanity. So I will tell you about fakes related to me.
Myth 1. Condoms do not have an expiration date
You can listen to myths, but believe me, we - condoms - are not eternal. We are made of latex, which loses its elasticity and can tear. All condoms are divided into two categories: cheap and expensive. It is the price that decides our expiration date. Cheap ones can be stored for 2-3 years, expensive ones a little longer - 3-5.
Myth 2. Condoms are not always necessary
You've probably heard that you can't use a condom if you're taking hormonal contraceptives. This is a fake. Condoms should always be used, because they protect not only against unwanted pregnancy, but also against sexually transmitted infections. The causative agents of these diseases are found in biological fluids - saliva, blood and semen. They can get into any microcracks in your body and cause an infection. So a condom should be used during oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Fake 3. If there is trust, a condom is superfluous
There are pores in the skin, there are seasons, and some say there are micropores in the condom that allow the human immunodeficiency virus to pass through. But it is not so. We - condoms do not pass biological fluids, and therefore, infection in them. A condom is your armor. If it is used correctly, 99% protection against HIV is guaranteed. This has been proven by numerous studies. So don't be afraid to refuse intercourse if your partner doesn't want to use protection. In more than 70% of cases, HIV is transmitted through sex without a condom. Gender and type of sex do not matter. Annual free testing by a family doctor will help you find out your HIV status. More information about this can be found on the website of the "Your Family Doctor" social project.
Fake 4. Condoms are only for men, and you can open them anyway
There are male condoms, and there are female condoms. Men's are more popular. So they say that men should always have an element of protection at hand. Although in heterosexual contact the condom is put on by the man, in fact this product is necessary for both participants of the sexual act. Therefore, everyone who cares about their health should carry it with them.
One question is the presence of a condom, and another is how to open it? It's simple: don't open the packaging with your teeth, nails, scissors, knife or anything else - you risk accidentally tearing the condom and not even noticing it. And one more thing: use a new condom for every new sexual act.
Fake 5. A condom can be any and stored anywhere
A condom should always be nearby. But it should be stored in a dry place protected from sunlight. Therefore, pockets, purses, cosmetic bags will not fit. It is better to buy condoms in pharmacies and trusted stores. Uncertified products are risky to use.
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