We have all been informed of our options for sexual protection, whether "the talk" came from parents, health professionals or active groups on campus. We've heard of contraceptive methods like the pill, the NuvaRing, the condom and the patch. Yet as frequently as we are reminded to protect ourselves from disease and the creation of Baby Jumbo, many of us remain woefully uninformed about the best protective products out there.
Condoms are one of the most dreaded forms of protection, and truth be told, many neglect to use them. Negligence usually derives from a perceived lack of comfort and pleasure and even from dislike of their appearance. But condoms can be pleasurable and sexy accessories if you take the time to appreciate the intricacies of a successful purchase.
Contrary to popular belief, Trojan is not America's most trusted condom. In fact, Trojan wasn't even included in the Annual Condom Awards. Although Trojan dominates other condoms with 70.5 percent of sales in the United States and is often portrayed as the go-to condom purchase, it lacks positive feedback on important variables like pleasure, strength and comfort.
Everyone substantially differs in their preferences for comfort, fit and the complexity of a condom. Good thing that this day and age has brought us plenty of options. Most would agree that a thinner condom allows for a more sensitive sensation. CondomDepot.com's annual awards show has honored Crown Skinless Skins as the best condom for seven years in a row, looking at characteristics such as best mutual pleasure, strength and smell.
Because a good endowment comes in all shapes and sizes, the Beyond Seven condom was created for a narrower penis to ensure a glove-like yet comfortable fit. For those on the opposite end of the size spectrum, Trustex Extra Large made the list for best supporting those well-endowed gentlemen. Trustex has designed their condom for both length and width while also creating a thin latex rubber to remove the thick, "raincoat" feeling. It's important to note that these exceptional winners focus on both female and male pleasure to best satisfy both participants.
Ribbed can be a favorite of many, but finding the right ribbed fitted condom can be a hassle. Attention, ladies: Trojan Her Pleasure is possibly the worst condom created. The lubricant lasts all of a few seconds, and the ribs feel like sandpaper. Talk about a turn-on. Thank the sex gods for the creation of Trustex Ribbed and Studded, a comfortable ribbed condom. Female participants raved about this rubber because of the intricate ribbing on the tip.
As fabulous as these suggestions are, one additional product is necessary to ensure that your fun remains wet and wild. Condoms come with a predefined amount of lubricant, which is far from everlasting. It is important to use an additional lubricant with several key qualities including comfort, lasting ability and ingredients protective against health risks.
Gun Oil is a lube that has sparked considerable demand in the market for intimate health products. I was, perhaps understandably, skeptical at first about a product that associates firearms with genitals. Now it is the only sexually violent suggestion I'll encourage.Gun Oil lubes have a silky feeling rather than a sticky residue. They're also waterproof, which makes them perfect for bath-time fun.
There are many lubricants sold at CVS or the grocery store that can seem suitable for your sexual needs, but don't forget to read the ingredients. Most lubricants contain glucose, and one can imagine what you get when you mix yeast and sugar. Hint: It isn't pretty. Gun Oil refrains from using glucose to avoid female bacterial infections. The next time you decide to pick up condoms, refrain from using the local drug store and seek a store that specializes in his and her pleasure.
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Logan Crane is a junior majoring in political science. She can be reached at Logan.Crane@tufts.edu.
