Having sex should be a pleasant experience for both men and women, but when condoms get in the way of a good time, it can really spoil the experience. Many men experience loss of sensation and other discomfort when using a condom.

Why do you need condoms

The first thing to remember is that condoms not only protect you from unwanted pregnancy, but also from sexually transmitted diseases and infections, which is why they are important. Even if your sexual partner is taking birth control, you still want to use protection against contracting something, especially if you have just met them.

Get rid of condoms

If you’ve been with someone for a while, they have both gone through their health checks, and she’s taking other types of birth control, then you can stop using condoms. If you are not taking some form of birth control, you may want to consider this. There are a multitude of options available, not just the birth control pill. The IUD is a device that is inserted into the uterus and provides contraception for at least five years without having to do anything (like remembering to take a pill every day). Research your options with her and get the condoms out of your life.

If you need to use them

Unless you’re in a long-term exclusive relationship, then you just can’t (or shouldn’t) have sex without one, even if you’ve had a vasectomy or she’s taking the pill. As a friend once told me, you never know what lurks down there. So if you can’t live without them, you should try to improve the experience. Here are some tips:

• Choose your type of condom carefully
• You can buy thinner condoms that are specifically designed to prevent “loss of sensation” (such as Lifestyles Ultra Sensitive).
• Be careful because thinner condoms can break more easily, so you may need to revise it or be a little softer.
• If you don’t like condoms because they give you hives or a rash, itchiness, or dizziness, it’s probably because you’re allergic to latex. It’s time for another material (see your options below).
• Add Texture – Some condoms come ribbed, studded, and even marbled to add more sensation for both of you.
• Get your correct size. Don’t go for the largest size in the store just to impress the lady at the checkout. There is a possibility that it will fall off during sex and instead you will be surprised trying to impress a baby. Also, if you get one that’s too small or just tight, it could break while you’re inside it. The only way is to buy a few options and see which ones are a better fit. Beyond Seven is a good brand for those who are well endowed.
• Make him wear one. Yes, there are condoms for her, made from Polyutherane that you can insert hours before having sex. But if she doesn’t do this correctly, you could end up pregnant or get a disease.

Comparison of types of materials

• Latex (rubber): can cause allergic reactions, protect against STDs and pregnancy, but like most contraceptives, not 100%.
• Polyutherane (such as Trojan Supra or Avanti Polyurethane) – This can be good to regain some sensation because the material is heated by body heat (so it can at least come close to the actual contact sensation).
• Tactylon – similar to polyutherane.
• Lambskin – Can be expensive and does not protect against STDs, including HIV.
• Polyisoprene – (Skyn) latex-free and super soft so it stretches with you and enhances sensations.

You may be saying to yourself, but I want sex without condoms! You are not alone in battle. Many guys don’t like (even hate) wearing them, but you have to think about the purpose they serve. In most situations, it is simply not possible to leave protection out of the equation. You have to remember that if there were no condoms, you might not have sex at all. So consider yourself lucky that they were invented, and try to make the experience as comfortable as possible by buying the right ones.