Most people who expect to become sexually active, or who already are, will want to figure out a condom routine, so they always have some when they need them.
Condoms are fairly effective as birth control - about 85% in normal use, but they also help prevent the spread of disease very effectively. Both surface skin areas and wet areas can transmit and catch diseases, so wrapping that rascal helps prevent disease in several ways.
When I was first sexually active, our condoms were *horrible*. They were thick and ripped all the time. What we didn't know is that condoms must be used with lubricant, and many types of condoms used to be dry in the package.
Luckily condom technology has improved a lot in the past several years. They are usually packed with some lubricant, and they are thinner and more durable as researchers develop new materials. That said, you should plan to have additional lubricant because what comes on the condom is often insufficient.
Lubricant: Make sure that your lubricant is condom-safe. That means that it doesn't create drag or deteriorate the material of the condom. Things like natural oils (coconut, olive), hand lotions or cold creams, or anything with petroleum jelly (Vaseline) are BAD for condoms. Typically sexual lubricants will be either water-based or silicone-based and can usually be purchased where condoms are sold.
https://www.girlsaskguys.com/sexual-health/a48218-get-wet-the-ins-outs-of-good-sex-lube
Storage and Carrying: Condoms are not hard to store. If the temperature is comfortable for you to be in, your condom will be safe too. Extreme heat or cold are not good, so don't store in the glove compartment of the the car. Storing for long periods inside your wallet is also a bad idea. Be sure to mind the expiration dates on your condoms as well. You can put a couple in your pocket or handbag, but keep them safe from sharp things like keys and pens.
A case like this can be handy, and you can tuck-in single use lube packets:
These condoms come in a tube and you can use the top and bottom as a handy condom case: https://www.onecondoms.com/collections/condoms
Usage: It's important that you use the condoms right, every time, for maximum protection. This involves putting them on correctly, withdrawing before the penis gets soft again, and proper removal and disposal. Please read the following for how to use correctly: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/condom/how-to-put-a-condom-on
These condoms have a little handle to help you put them on: https://wingmancondoms.com/
Choosing the Best Condom: There's a lot of variety out there. The typical drug-store brands are all very high quality, so you should feel free to choose based on size and features. In some countries, several sizes are commonly sold. In other countries you get "regular" or "bigger than regular" unless you special order. I recommend https://www.condom-sizes.org/ to help you find the best fit. They even carry a brand that offers *60* different sizes. Some other condom options include non-latex, ribbed/textured, scented/flavored, but most people find the basic standard issue condom works well.
Buying condoms the first few times can be embarassing. You wonder if the clerk thinks you're too young or a sex fiend. Once you do it a few times though, your realize no one else cares. You can also buy them online through Amazon, and many drug-stores offer them through their websites. No one should go without condoms due to the expense though. Clinics, public health centers and outreach programs give away millions of free condoms every year. https://www.seventeen.com/love/dating-advice/a12026234/these-are-the-10-best-places-to-get-condoms-for-free/
Condom Philosophy: Based on my years as a sexual health educator, I have heard many stories. The common complaint is from men who don't care for how they feel. Choosing a better size can often make all the difference. So can putting a dab of lube into the tip of the condom. If young men learn to masturbate using condoms, they will be more likely to find using them for sex perfectly acceptable.
Make the condom discussion something you have before you hit the sheets, and talk about when your partner last had STD testing done. Ask to see results. In the US, free STD testing is widely available. The CDC website can help you locate testing in your area: https://gettested.cdc.gov/
Who Should Carry Condoms: Men, women, and gender non-conforming people should expect to carry their own condoms and lube to the party. It's not the man's job or the woman's job. It's YOUR job if you want to keep yourself safe. Having condoms doesn't mean you're a slut or a fuckboy. They mean you care about your health.
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