13. Using condoms
Many varieties of latex condoms are available on the market. The only time when it’s safe not to use a condom is if you’re in a monogamous relationship and both partners have tested negative for any venereal diseases. Condoms can help to protect you against pregnancy and STDs. Some studies have shown that they may even be able to keep your vagina’s pH level balanced and help to prevent infections.
Condoms do not protect you completely or take away the risks altogether. Many mishaps can occur when using condoms that allow you to fall pregnant. It may be put on inside out, reused, put on too late or too soon or left on too long. Using an expired condom is another problem. The latex can dry out, leading to cracks or holes. It always better to use condoms in tandem with other birth control methods for more thorough protection.
As for protecting against STIs, they can help you to avoid infections such as HIV, syphilis, and gonorrhoea. They are not so successful when it comes to herpes and HPV which are not passed in through bodily fluids but by skin-to-skin contacts. They can be transmitted even when using condoms.
You can expose your vagina to bacteria from the rectum and increase the risk of infection by not changing the condom before going from one position. Another thing to bear in mind is that using an oil-based lube can break down the latex of the condom. Stay away from Vaseline and look for a good water-based lube instead.