Condoms are used for preventing unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. They are typically made from latex although some can also be made from animal skin. Regardless of the wonderful advantages condoms have to offer like cheap, convenient and safe protection; the side-effects cannot be ignored. Know them to be prepared for preventing the complications.
Latex allergy
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), some people can have an allergy to a protein that’s found from the latex rubber used in making capsules. This side effect of condom use leads to symptoms such as runny nose, itching, coughing, dizziness, wheezing and lightheaded feeling. Sometimes, latex allergies cause anaphylaxis which can threaten life. These allergies occur in not more than 2 people in a hundred. Artificial rubber condom is recommended for people who have allergies to latex condoms by AAAAI.
Risk of pregnancy
With a condom does not mean that you can get complacent regarding the slight risk of pregnancy that still remains. The success rate of condoms, when used correctly is 98%. When it is used incorrectly, 15 out of 100 women become pregnant. Some people don’t pay heed to the expiry date of condom and use old condoms. These become brittle and can rupture during the sexual act. Applying petroleum jelly or cooking oil in capsules may also lead them to rupture since these compounds react with latex and weaken it.
Risk of STDs
Condoms are extremely effective in protection from HIV and they also decrease the chance of other diseases, such as syphilis, Chlamydia, HPV and gonorrhoea. These are ailments that affects the immune system or the inner organs. Condoms are rather ineffective against infections of the outer epidermis. Scabies infection and molluscum contagiosum are two such infections. American Social Health Association has said that risk of contracting genital herpes through sexual intercourse is reduced by using condoms but each of the parts of the skin cannot be protected. The virus of the disease can be asymptomatically discharged to the uninfected partner’s skin. People who use condoms made from animal skin should be aware that it is not helpful in preventing transfer of STDs.
Resistance of men in using condoms
There are some men who don’t need to use the condoms because it tends to bring down the thrill. It is said that their sensation is not the same when they wear it. They could overcome this disconcerting problem by trying out various brands and sizes of condoms, and select one which is comfy for both the spouses.
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