— Just Curious

Dear JC,

Thanks for writing. I have to say there is something creepy about writing back to someone with the initials JC when talking about sex and condoms (must be my Catholic upbringing).

The quick answer to your question is that the best condoms are the ones used consistently and correctly!

Let’s talk condom sense for a minute. Condoms come in many variations and are made from one of three products.

For the penis, there are condoms made from animal membrane which I will spend little space commenting on due to the fact that although they can be very effective against stopping pregnancy, they have been known to not be as effective at stopping viruses from coming in contact with the skin.

Anyhow, the thought of using an animal’s membrane in this context leaves me feeling a bit sheepish … no pun intended.

The second type is made from latex which are the standard and used by the majority.

They can be very effective in protecting you and your partner from an unintended pregnancy and/or contracting a sexually transmitted infection when used correctly.

The third type for the penis is a condom made of polyurethane.

They also are very effective and used primarily by people who have latex allergies or prefer to use lubrication that is not water based, which, by the way, is not something I would recommend.

This also is the material used in the female condom, the only type for women.

It is used by women who want barrier protection they can have control over. It also is very effective when used properly and is placed in the vaginal cavity and held in place with a polyurethane ring. They are not widely used for various reasons.

The thing that makes a condom best can have a lot to do with who makes them and how they are shipped and stored.

More than anything, though, what makes a condom best has more to do with the user.

Most men and women would score very low on a condom use quiz and thus are in need of more condom sense.

Let’s use the latex condom, since it is the standard.

First, always check the expiration date before you buy and use. Most condoms are made with a shelf life of four to five years. I usually counsel people to look for condoms that have at least two or three years left on the expiration, since you are never sure where and how they have been stored up to now, and latex can be sensitive to temperature extremes. Second, always buy a condom with a reservoir tip. Do I really need to explain this one?

Third, and most importantly, open the condom carefully, knowing where it is in the package. This is where most users fail and end up causing nicks and tears in the latex condom.

Think about it — how do most people open a condom?

Answer: with their teeth, in a hurry with the lights out — I dare you to tell me differently.

You need to open your eyes, use your hands and do it carefully.

Fourth, force the air out of the reservoir tip before you roll it down, or you’re going to end up with a balloon in a place you do not want that could break under pressure.

Finally, when you both are done and satisfied, you need to remove the condom before the erection is gone so that it does not remain in a place neither of you wants it to be. And please dispose of it properly; nobody likes a condom litterbug!

If you would like more information about condoms or general information on sexual activity, please stop by Health Education Services in Olin Health Center and pick up a complimentary copy of the most popular book on campus, “Sexual Etiquette 101.” It is filled with information for all and even has pictures for the men.

In closing, I need to remind you there is much more to sex than just using a condom. If you choose to have sex, know why you want to, make sure you are educated, communicate with your partner and make sure you both deliver a healthy consent to each other.

Remember, what determines the best condoms, and the best sex, are the participants rather than the material or the act.

Carpe Condom. Peace Love Dove.

— Dr. D

Dennis Martell, Ph.D., is a coordinator of Olin Health Education. E-mail him your questions at dennis.martell@ht.msu.edu.