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 Posted: Sun Dec 18, 2011 3:31 pm
I'll cut to the chase and try to keep this as brief as possible. Since I started having sex, I have always used Trojan ENZ Spermicidal Lubricant condoms. It was not until recently, however, that I learned that you aren't supposed to use them more than once per day due to a UTI-risk. With that being said, I am looking to broaden my horizons and try something new. smile I've broken my questions down for your replying convenience: Quote: Firstly, I just read on the condom FAQ that the spermicidal lubricant condoms don't help prevent pregnancy any more than regular ones? Is this true? If so, is there any benefit to using them at all? Secondly, I wanted to ask if any of you had any condom recommendations for my girlfriend and I. I generally have not heard good things about "Fire & Ice", so I won't be trying that, but I am open to other suggestions! Thirdly, has anyone here used "Ultra Thin" condoms or Trojans new "Bareskin" condoms? If so, thoughts? I am a bit paranoid about pregnancy so I have always been hesitant to using thin condoms because of that. Has any of you used them? Are they good? Have any of you ever had one break on you? What are your opinions on them? etc. Fourth, my GF and I would like to have some "shower fun" when I see her over the holiday. I know that you should never use oil-based lubricants in the shower because it weakens the condom. Furthermore, I have heard that hot water damages the latex as well? Is that true? With that being said, for those of you that have had sex in the shower with a condom, what kind of condom and what lube would you recommend? Lastly, we are going to be having alot of sex (Reason below.). So, we both have already predicted that we are going to need to use some lube for her later on during my stay. Recommendation? Can I use the same one as you are recommending for the shower? A few last points to take into consideration: Quote: 1) My girlfriend is studying abroad right now and I am flying around the world to see her. We haven't seen each other for almost half a year exactly and have basically another 6-7 months to go. Meaning: We have 6 months of passion to make up for and 6 months of tiding over to squeeze into a week! So, I would like to have enough condoms to last us, obviously, so I would love it if there was a brand of condom that was "universal" in that it would work in/out of the shower, and feel good, etc. 2) My girlfriend is NOT on birth control of any kind. That is partially why I am so mindful to safe sex and my concern with the "thin" kinds. We are both responsible and she has used thin ones before, but essentially, it's all up to me to prevent pregnancy. razz 3) I hope this isn't "too much info" for you guys, but I figured you have heard everything so I might as well give you guys as much info as I can to help you. Along the same lines of "no pregnancy plz", we both have agreed not to masturbate for the month leading up to us seeing each other, so there is pent up sexual frustration for both of us. xd She also likes rough sex (which I'm still warming up to... but will be giving to her that first time because of my pent up frustration haha). So, that is another reason I was weary about the thin condoms. I was just wondering if I could get feedback on that. I plan to bring one "anchor" condom that we'll be able to use without a hitch and then I'd like to experiment a bit with some different kinds. Sorry for how long this turned out to be, and, yes, I know I have probably thought this out alot more than I needed to, however, when you only have a short amount of time that you are going to see the person you love for the foreseeable future, you don't want anything to go wrong. razz Thanks for your time. If any of you would like further information or have any questions, please feel free to ask away. After all, you all are helping me. biggrin P.S. - Regarding the thin condoms, I was thinking "worst case scenerio", I could always use them until I am coming close to climax, switch out to a regular condom and finish with that one. A waste? Perhaps. Safer? Perhaps. razz
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Posted: Sun Dec 18, 2011 6:08 pm
Yes, it's true that condoms without spermicidal lubricant are just as effective as condoms with spermicidal lubricant. No, there really isn't any benefit to using condoms that are coated with spermicidal lubricant. And since the spermicidal lubricant can cause irritation and increase the risk of STDs and other infections, condoms without spermicidal lubricant are generally recommended. Thin condoms are no less effective than thicker condoms. In fact, research suggests that thin condoms may even be less likely to break than thicker condoms because they create less friction. So it's not necessary to switch to a thicker condom just before ejaculation. I have used a few different brands and styles. I have never had a condom break or had a complaint about a condom. But I've never really noticed a difference between textures or anything either. They all feel the same to me. And that's common for women since most of our extra sensitive nerve endings are within the first couple of inches of the entrance to our v****a. But everyone has different preferences. So I'd say just grab some that look interesting to you and that are made by a reliable brand. Maybe try a sampler pack that has a few different kinds. Oil-based lubricants weaken and should never be used with latex condoms whether you're in the shower or not. Water-based or silicone-based lubricants should be used with condoms. Many people prefer water-based lubricants for outside of the shower and silicone-based for in the shower. That's because water-based lubricants are easier to clean up, but they also just rinse away in the shower. Silicone is not quite as easy to clean, but it also doesn't wash away as easily in the shower. But hot water can weaken latex. So can soaps, shampoos, and even certain chemicals that are in tap water. So shower sex isn't usually recommended if you're just relying on condoms. But if you two really don't want to get pregnant, then she should ideally be on a hormonal method of birth control in addition to using condoms anyway. If you want more info on different kinds of condoms, check out this website: http://www.scarleteen.com/article/advice/your_map_to_the_condom_aisle
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Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2011 3:30 pm
Thank you for all of your awesome feedback, Lorien. I really do appreciate it. Firstly, it looks like I won't be using spermicidal condoms anymore. And with the knowledge that you gave me, it looks like I'll definitely be turning towards thin condoms. Thank you for the feedback. One of the brands we have been looking at is the Trojan Ecstasy and "For Her Pleasure". I know conceptually how they are supposed to make things feel better, I didn't know if you could provide any more insight as to how they felt for you and/or your partner? Lastly, I never heard about general tap water hurting the latex. That is certainly some alarming news.... :/ Anyway, would you know if it matters as to when I put on the condom? Does it matter if my p***s is wet or not? Should it be put on prior or can it be put on during our session? etc. Per your last point, I agree. I would love for her to be on birth control, personally. She, however, is "afraid" to go on it. I don't know if I have that quote right, but the point is that she doesn't want to go on birth control and so that isn't an option for us and I respect her decision. Given our inability (or I guess unwillingness would be the more appropriate word) to use hormonal birth control, would you have any recommendations for myself if we decide to go through with this as to how to be as safe as possible with just condoms aside from normal proper use?
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Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2011 4:22 pm
I tried condoms that said "for her pleasure." I didn't notice a difference. I don't think my partners ever mentioned noticing a difference either.
If you are going to try shower sex, then a cooler shower would probably be better. And it would probably be wise to try to keep the condom from coming into contact with the water as much as possible. Not only can the chemicals in tap water weaken the latex, but they also cause vaginal irritation.
Is there any reason that she's afraid to go on hormonal birth control? Hormonal birth control does have side effects, but serious side effects are rare with most methods. And most of the side effects are nothing compared to pregnancy, delivery, and parenthood! Is it possible that she's afraid because she doesn't know much about it? Maybe some of the stickies here would make her less afraid?
If she still refuses to use hormonal birth control, then you two can get a little extra protection by keeping track of her cycle and avoiding sex around the time when she is due to ovulate. Pulling out also offers a little protection. It might also be a good idea to talk about what you would do if she did get pregnant so that you two are at least be on the same page and have a plan of action.
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Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2011 8:03 pm
There is also the option for her to use spermicides that she can insert into her v****a. If she can't access any where she currently is, you could probably pick some up for her like Encare or something. Its pretty simply to use just put it in about ten minutes before actual intercourse and its added protection.
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Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2011 4:10 am
LorienLlewellyn I tried condoms that said "for her pleasure." I didn't notice a difference. I don't think my partners ever mentioned noticing a difference either. If you are going to try shower sex, then a cooler shower would probably be better. And it would probably be wise to try to keep the condom from coming into contact with the water as much as possible. Not only can the chemicals in tap water weaken the latex, but they also cause vaginal irritation. Is there any reason that she's afraid to go on hormonal birth control? Hormonal birth control does have side effects, but serious side effects are rare with most methods. And most of the side effects are nothing compared to pregnancy, delivery, and parenthood! Is it possible that she's afraid because she doesn't know much about it? Maybe some of the stickies here would make her less afraid? If she still refuses to use hormonal birth control, then you two can get a little extra protection by keeping track of her cycle and avoiding sex around the time when she is due to ovulate. Pulling out also offers a little protection. It might also be a good idea to talk about what you would do if she did get pregnant so that you two are at least be on the same page and have a plan of action. I understand. Thank you for the advice. I'll keep all of that in mind. She said that she had concerns about going on hormonal birth control and told me why once upon a time, however, I can't remember the exact reasoning. I know that she considered it before I knew her, but, obviously didn't go through with it. I think that she is informed, but has decided not to. Either way, I'm pretty sure that her mind is set, and given that this information is for use in 2 weeks, I can safely say that she is counted out for this trip xp Alarmingly Charming There is also the option for her to use spermicides that she can insert into her v****a. If she can't access any where she currently is, you could probably pick some up for her like Encare or something. Its pretty simply to use just put it in about ten minutes before actual intercourse and its added protection. I will look into that as well. However, if we have intercourse in the shower standing up, wouldn't gravity do it's thing? razz Or is it viscous enough that it will stay put? And what clean up (if any) is required? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Also, I just realized there is a "Condom" subforum... so sorry for putting this in the wrong place. gonk
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Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2011 6:31 pm
If she just chills for those ten minutes, it'll form a gel like barrier around the cervix and it should stay in place no problem.
It sounds like your biggest concern is sex in the shower. Shower sex is fun, but if you are really worried that during that time you might have an accident, I would simply avoid it. Foreplay in the shower is just as fun then you can move to the bed. smile
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Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2011 9:41 am
Sorry I'm late to this thread. Everyone's pretty much covered what I would've said, but I have a couple more things to add: - From personal experience, my partner and I use primarily use Trojan condoms, after we had a Durex break on us a couple of years ago. We've used the different textured ones, as well as the ultra thin ones, and have had no problem with them. So don't worry about the ultra thin ones breaking, you should be fine. smile Just be sure to use lube if needed, like you would with any other kind of condom, and reapply as needed. - I can't stand Fire & Ice condoms either. gonk Well they were ok for me, but my partner found them irritating and a little painful, so we've stopped using them. - Other options in addition to using condoms are using the contraceptive vaginal film (link goes to the brand available where I live - though here's a note on N-9), the contraceptive sponge, or a diaphram. - I've never used a condom for shower sex, and have always just taken my chances, so I have no advice for you there other than to avoid it if unplanned pregnancy isn't a risk you two want to take.
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