A number of sexually active adults use condoms, or at least know the general prophylactic 411. Condoms are used to prevent pregnancy and effective for prevention of sexually transmitted disease (STD) or infection (STI). Even if you're using another contraceptive, condoms are still necessary to keep yourself healthy. You may think you've heard everything, but there are some shocking facts you need to know about condoms.
Aside from the potentially embarrassing, albeit necessary, sex talk you may have had with a parent, sex educator, or ill informed friends, chances are you've learned the gist of using a condom. You probably understand why you should use one and how it's helpful. But you may not realize there are some pretty interesting options or shocking statistics in relation to condoms. Additionally, there's a chance you may be using them incorrectly or not using them in instances where you should be.
To dive a little deeper into the world of condoms and learn more than you may have realized was possible, read through these shocking condom-related facts. You may be surprised at some of the information. And potentially grateful if you find a couple ways you can be even safer during sexual interactions.
1
There's A Female Condom
According to Planned Parenthood, female condoms are a safe alternative to regular condoms. They can also be used if a male is allergic to latex and its alternative, polyurethane. Instead of going on the penis, a female condom is inserted into the vagina.
2
Goodyear's Kind Of Responsible For The Modern-Day Condom
Ever wonder why people call condoms "rubbers?" Well, it turns out Charles Goodyear is responsible for what's considered a condom today with the advent of rubber vulcanization, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).
3
Many Adults Older Than 40 Aren't Using Condoms
According to Indiana University's National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, couples over 40 are the least likely to use condoms. It's suggested this may be because adults who are 40 or older aren't concerned with getting pregnant. Although, it's still important to remain educated on the STI risk and prevention, whether you're over 40 or not.
4
Bill Gates Is Invested In A Better Condom
According to The Week, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation asked people to create a better condom. They even offered up $100,000 to 11 individual finalists to pursue creating a condom that were more innovative and better quality than today's condom.
5
Less Than 40% Of Students Are Educated About Condoms
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shared that less than 40 percent of schools required sex and health education throughout the United States. That percentage only rises in schools telling students where they're able to access reliable information for themselves. And if students don't take initiative to reach out, they're not being educated.
6
Condoms Can't Take The Heat
Getting hot and heavy in bed are what condoms are made for, but when referring to temperature, condoms shouldn't be left in the heat. According to LifeStyles, condoms need to be stored at room temperature or below. Condoms should also not be left in direct sunlight.
7
Durex XXL Isn't The Biggest Condom
And neither is Magnum. TheyFit G31 condoms are the largest by 0.4 inches in length and 11 millimeters in nominal width, according to TheyFit.
8
18% Of Women Get Pregnant Each Year Using Condoms Incorrectly
Planned Parenthood shared that condoms are 98 percent effective at preventing pregnancy when used correctly. But they aren't used correctly more often than you might think. So, in reality, condoms are 82 percent effective, according to Planned Parenthood.
9
Condoms Are Still Necessary During Same-Sex Intercourse
No, you don't need to worry about pregnancy during same-sex intercourse. You do, however, still have to protect yourself from STDs. For women, female condoms or a barrier like dental dams (thin pieces of latex) help keep fluids from your partner's body, shared Dr. Vanessa Cullins, Vice President of External Medical Affairs for Planned Parenthood, in an interview with Seventeen. This is true for both intercourse and oral sex.
