By Staff Writer

When you are about to purchase a condom, you should have at least the basic knowledge on what condoms are used for to be able to choose the right type of condom for your use. Generally there are two types of condoms, one for the male (rubber condom) and one for the female (vaginal sheath). Here we will be talking about the male condom, since condoms are widely known to be used by men and are somewhat more accepted. The condom primarily acts as your last line of defense against contamination of sexually transmitted diseases like HIV and AIDS and can also be used as contraception to prevent unplanned pregnancies.

A condom is a sheath made of latex with a closed end that is worn over the penis before having sexual intercourse. These latex condoms are usually covered in water-based lubricants, since application of other lubricants such as the oil based ones may cause the latex to break. People who develop an allergic reaction to latex may use another type of condom, which is made of polyurethane. This type of condom is thinner and permits more sensation when being used. However, even if there are risks of breakage because of the lack of durability, this type of condom is still more expensive than its latex counterpart. In addition, it is not restricted to water-based lubricants, so you may also use oil-based lubricants on this type of condom.
 
Although there has not been any clear proof whether latex is stronger than polyurethane, some studies have concluded that either can break easily. Proper use may ensure a lesser risk of condom breakage. Nowadays condom makers have gone to the extent of providing condoms of different sizes. This proves the realization that no single size would fit it all. Some reasons for condom breakage were due to the lack of length or width for a condom worn on a penis of a larger size. Today condoms are already available in sizes that may cater to the increasing demand for condoms of different sizes.

Buying condoms shows that you are aware of what you are about to do and the risks you are exposed to when engaging in sexual intercourse. This shows that you are taking the first step in being responsible. Today, condoms are made more available to the public, provided at local clinics for free and sold at supermarkets, gasoline stations and 24-hour convenience stores. Condoms may also be purchased from vending machines found at restrooms inside malls and other various establishments.

In purchasing a condom there are two things that you have to consider before buying—expiration date and packaging. Condoms also have expiration dates. Once expired, condoms are no longer safe to use for they may cause some skin irritation and may break at anytime when used. The second consideration is the packaging and appearance of a condom. Before purchasing, check first whether the packaging and the condom itself are in a good condition. If not, you have to refrain from buying since condoms in a bad condition may not provide you with the protection that you expect it to provide.