Condom Usage and Complications of Unprotected Sex

World Condom Day is commemorated on the 13th of February every year and at HVNaija, we have curated this blog post to explain the use of condoms and the complications of unprotected sex. The celebration of World Condom Day seeks to remind the general public that condoms prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STD), unwanted pregnancy and play a major role in providing protection from HIV.

What Are Condoms?

A condom is a thin, fitted tube worn over the penis during sex (male condoms) or inserted into the vagina before sex (female condoms). They create a barrier that keeps semen and other body fluids out of the vagina, rectum, or mouth.

How to Use a Male Condom

• Make sure the condom is in good condition and not torn or expired
• Carefully open the wrapper and take out the condom. Place it on the tip of your fully erect penis
• Leave a half-inch of space at the tip where the semen can collect when you ejaculate, this helps prevent the condom from breaking
• Pinch the air out of the tip of the condom
• Unroll it all the way down your penis
• Use enough lubrication so the condom doesn’t break, water-based lubricant preferably
• When sex is finished, but before your penis gets soft, grab the rim of the condom to hold it in place while you pull out
• Wrap the condom in a tissue and throw it away in a place where other people won’t touch it.

How to use a female condom

• Carefully open the wrapper and take out the condom
• Get in a comfortable position, such as standing with one foot on a chair or squatting
• Squeeze the sides of the inner ring at the closed end of the condom
• Insert the condom into your vagina like you would a tampon
• Use a water-based lubricant to help prevent slipping and tearing
• Push the condom in as far as it will go, until it rests against your cervix. The outer ring will hang outside your body slightly
• Use your hand to guide your partner’s penis into the condom. If you feel the penis slipping between the condom and your vagina, stop sex
• When sex is finished, twist the outer ring and pull it out. Throw it in the trash.

Complications of Unprotected sex

Having unprotected sex can result in Incurable infection which includes Hepatitis B, Herpes simplex virus, Human papillomavirus (HPV), and HIV which leads to AIDS if left untreated. The good news is the correct use of condoms is a simple way to prevent STDs, HIV, unplanned pregnancies, and birth complications.