Kiwi in Pregnancy: Benefits, Side Effects, and More

Embarrassing Question: Can I Be Allergic To Semen?

It has been reported.

But it's really kind of rare.

Why are you blaming the semen anyway?

Condoms might be the troublemaker.

Now, I don't mean to be bashing condoms.

They're great.

Use them.

That's awesome.

But some people are a little sensitive to the latex.

And it can cause some problems-- if it's even an allergy.

You know, if you've got itching down there after sex, it could be an infection.

You know what I'm going to say next, right?

You need to call your doctor.

Don't be shy.

They see this stuff all the time, I promise.

Sex is supposed to be fun, not itchy.

So if you've got something going on down there, go and get it checked out.

Don't wait.

Get it fixed, so you can get back to the fun stuff.

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SPEAKER

It has been reported.

But it's really kind of rare.

Why are you blaming the semen anyway?

Condoms might be the troublemaker.

Now, I don't mean to be bashing condoms.

They're great.

Use them.

That's awesome.

But some people are a little sensitive to the latex.

And it can cause some problems-- if it's even an allergy.

You know, if you've got itching down there after sex, it could be an infection.

You know what I'm going to say next, right?

You need to call your doctor.

Don't be shy.

They see this stuff all the time, I promise.

Sex is supposed to be fun, not itchy.

So if you've got something going on down there, go and get it checked out.

Don't wait.

Get it fixed, so you can get back to the fun stuff.

Female Condoms For Anal Sex

Key points

Female condoms are also known as internal condoms, and can be used for both vaginal and anal sex.

As they provide a physical barrier, they are likely to prevent transmission of sexually transmitted infections during anal sex, although this has not been demonstrated in research.

Guidelines on how to use them for anal sex are given below.

While female condoms (internal condoms) were originally designed for use in vaginal intercourse, some gay and heterosexual couples have used them for anal sex. There are no research studies on their efficacy in preventing the transmission of HIV and sexually transmitted infections during anal sex, but they form a barrier which should prevent semen and other bodily fluids from passing from one sexual partner to the other. Laboratory studies have demonstrated that the device is impermeable to HIV and other viruses. It is therefore reasonable to assume that using a female condom for anal intercourse will provide protection.

Whereas most male condoms are made from latex, female (internal) condoms are made from a synthetic rubber called nitrile. This means they are less likely to cause allergic reactions and can be used with oil-based lubricants.

In 2018, American regulatory authorities (the Food and Drug Administration) changed the female condom's name to "single-use internal condom" in order to reduce the perception that it is only intended and appropriate for use by women. The regulators now approve the device for both vaginal and anal sex. They define the internal condom as a "sheath-like device that lines the vaginal or anal wall and is inserted into the vagina or anus prior to the initiation of coitus".

UK guidelines for safer sex advice, issued by the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) and the British HIV Association (BHIVA) state that female condoms can be used for anal sex.

Research published in 2003 assessed the safety and user experience of the female condom for anal sex among gay men. Participants reported on their experiences with both female and male condoms. When using female condoms, participants were more likely to report condom slippage during use or withdrawal. Rates of condom breakage were similar for female and male condoms. After using both sets of condoms, participants were generally more likely to use male than female condoms in future. Of those who would be willing to use the female condom with future partners, the stated reasons were that the female condom was more comfortable, easier to use, and perceived to be stronger and safer.

"UK guidelines for safer sex advice state that female condoms can be used for anal sex."

The researchers suggested that gay men who are considering using the female condom might require training so as to avoid slippage and semen spillage. They added that "further work is warranted on design modifications, safety and acceptability of the female condom in HIV-negative gay men". This remains the case today.

How to use internal condoms for anal sex

For the rest of this article, we will refer to the devices as 'internal' rather than 'female' condoms.

The easiest way to use the internal condom for anal sex is to wear it like a 'male' condom. Put lubricant in the internal condom and then place it over the penis (or a dildo). Use plenty of lubricant on the outside of the internal condom or around the anus before having intercourse.

However, an alternative method is to insert the internal condom in the rectum first, as for vaginal sex. If trying this, use plenty of lubricant around the anus, and loosen it with a finger in readiness for the internal condom. Make sure your fingernails are cut short.

After removing the internal condom from its wrapper, hold the inner ring between your thumb, index and forefinger, and squeeze it so that it forms an oval. While some people remove the inner ring, this may be more likely to lead to breakage.

Unless putting the internal condom on the penis, push it up into the rectum as far as you can. Use the inner ring as a guide, whilst spreading your anus with your other hand. Then put your index finger inside the internal condom, until you feel the bottom of the inner ring. Push up as far as you can, but do not insert the outer ring.

You will find that the outer ring, and perhaps a small part of the internal condom, is on the outside of your anus. That's meant to happen and should stop the internal condom from slipping inside.

Use more lubricant inside the internal condom, to keep it moist, and add it whenever you need it during sex.

Check every now and again during intercourse that the outer ring of the internal condom hasn't slipped inside the anus, or that the penis hasn't slipped between the internal condom and the anus. If it has, stop, remove the internal condom, and use a new one before starting again.

Don't re-use the internal condom. It is designed for single use – using it multiple times or with multiple partners is likely to put excess strain on the device.

Finally, remove the internal condom. Because it lines the inside of the rectum, your partner doesn't have to withdraw immediately after coming. You can remove the sheath when it suits you, making sure that no semen is spilt. Twist the outer ring three times to keep the semen inside, then pull gently until is withdrawn. Throw it away after use rather than flushing down the toilet.

How To Choose The Right Fitting Condom And Material To Protect Against STIs And Pregnancy

A properly fitting condom should cover the entire length of the penis, leaving a 1/2 inch of room at the top, and be snug, but not tight. 

To find the right condom fit, measure your penis length and girth, and compare it to condom sizing charts. 

Condom fit is important because it increases comfort, reduces the risk of pregnancy, and prevents the spread of STIs. 

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When you and your partner(s) are in the mood to have sex, it's easy to grab any condom available. However, there are various types of condoms and choosing the right one for you and your body depends on multiple factors. 

Here's what you need to know about how an external condom should fit — from choosing the correct size to the best material. 

Why condom fit is important 

Not all condoms can be used on any penis, and finding the right fit is important for comfort and proper protection.

If you use a poor-fitting condom, it can result in:

Breakage

Decreased sensation

Discomfort

Slipping off

Pregnancy

Spread of STIs

Additionally, "using a poor-fitting condom increases the likelihood of removing it and continuing sex without it," says Sarah Melancon, PhD, a sociologist and clinical sexologist.

According to Melancon and Alex Shteynshlyuger, MD, director of urology at New York Urology Specialists, signs a condom isn't fitting correctly include: 

It's wobbling around.

It can easily move up and down the penis.

The rim of the condom is squeezing the penis such that it is bulging on either side.

There is less than a half-inch of space at the top left to collect semen.

Part of the penis is still showing after you have unrolled the condom.

Taking your measurements 

While every condom will fit a range of people, getting the right fit and comfort requires knowing your penis measurements.

Because condoms tend to stretch, the regular size should fit most penises as long as they're fully erect, says Shteynshlyuger. However, some people may find they get more enjoyment when wearing a slimmer or wider option. 

When determining the size of your penis for condom fit, it's important to look at length and width. "Measure the penis while erect, both length—from base to tip—and circumference—around the widest part," says Melancon. "Circumference can be measured using a flexible measuring tape, like those used in sewing, or a strip of paper that you can then hold against a ruler."

Most major condom brands have size charts online to see which options are the best fit for you.

Finding the right condom size 

While there is a standard range for condom sizes, each brand will vary slightly in the measurements of their snug, standard, and large options. After measuring yourself, you will have a general idea of which category to look for and can compare brands' options in that size for the best fit for your penis.

"Choose a size that is as close as possible to your penis size," says Melancon. "Buy individual condoms of several different sizes and brands to test which fits best."

These are the common width measurement guides for condoms: 

Standard condom is between 2.0 and 2.2 inches

Snug condom is between 1.92 and 2.08 inches

Large condom is between 2.2 and 2.5 inches

A condom should cover the entirety of the penis while leaving a little extra room at the top to hold any ejaculation. These are the common length measurement guides for condoms:

Standard condom is 7.08 and 7.9 inches

Snug condom is between 6.7 and 7.08 inches

Large condom is between 7.9 and 10 inches 

How to properly put on a condom

Once you've found the right condom, the next step is properly putting it on. "Condoms should be put on when the penis is fully erect, and the foreskin is retracted," says Shteynshlyuger. 

Here's how to properly put on a condom:

Check the expiration date. 

Make sure there is air in the package

Slide the condom to one side as you pull the material to open the package. Do not use your teeth or scissors to open the package. 

Once opening a new condom — never reuse one — place it on the tip of your fully erect penis. 

Lightly hold either the protruding tip or a half-inch of the condom's top to create space for any ejaculation. 

Then gently roll the condom down the entirety of the penis to its base.

If a condom does not roll down easily, the condom may be inside out. In that case, remove the condom and start fresh with a new one to avoid any potential tearing and exposure of fluid from the head of the penis to the inside of another person's body. Always check if it is inside out before attempting to put it on. To easily check, sit the condom upright — it's rim should be on the outside.

Choosing the right condom material

Comfort and allergies are factors to consider when choosing condom material:

Latex is a form of rubber used to create condoms since the 1930s. They have a shelf life of up to five years and can prevent the spread of diseases such as HIV. Worldwide, about 4.3% of people are allergic to latex, meaning they or their sexual partner are unable to use this type of condom.

Polyurethane is a type of plastic. These condoms also have a shelf life of up to five years, but are thinner than latex, allowing for more sensitivity, but increase the risk of slipping or ripping. They are also often stiffer and less flexible.

Polyisoprene is a non-latex form of rubber that has grown in popularity as a material for condoms. They are very thin, comfortable, considered stretchier than latex, and effective against STIs. However, they can be pricier. 

Lambskin condoms are made from sheep's intestines and are another option for people allergic to latex. While they can prevent pregnancy, they are ineffective in stopping STIs' transmission.

"In general, studies show no dramatic difference in terms of breakage and slippage between latex and polyurethane condoms, but it appears that latex condoms have a slight edge with less risk of breakage or unwanted pregnancy," says Shteynshlyuger. 

Latex and polyurethane condoms are the most effective options in preventing STDs. Lambskin condoms only prevent pregnancy and polyisoprene condoms can be more expensive than latex or polyurethane condoms. 

Insider's takeaway 

External condoms typically come in three categories of sizes based on length and girth of the penis: snug, standard, and large. After measuring your penis, choosing a correctly fitting condom can prevent discomfort, tearing, the spread of STDs, pregnancy, and loss of pleasure. The condom's material also affects the experience, with latex, polyurethane, polyisoprene, and lambskin as the leading material choices.

Related articles from Health Reference:

Sarah Fielding

Freelance Writer

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