Within a few years, the world has seen a major boom in the number of condom brands appearing on the market. The competition in the market is so intense that the big and well known brands are having a great time whilst the other old players or the newbies are just struggling to survive. The survival here is not of the fittest but of the brand that is hyper-active in publicity and boasts of easy availability. So, even if you prefer using Durex condoms but that brand is not available at the pharmacy next to the subway, you would buy any new brand or an old one. Wouldn't you? So, availability is very important for a brand to survive.

The reason why we discussed about competition and availability is because of the fact that this competition is just a repercussion of increased awareness among people. If there was no or little awareness, just one or two brands would have been there and the market wouldn't be booming with them. So with increased awareness comes carelessness about the correct usage of it. Let's discuss about how exactly, should you use a condom in the correct way.

The correct way to use a condom

Firstly, choose a good reputed brand (a new brand can also be of a good quality), say Durex. You can get it from the nearest pharmacist or a vending machine and if you are too shy to buy condoms, you can also buy them from the internet, which would be delivered to you on the same day (this depends on the type of delivery/mail service you choose). But here comes the caution part: you need to choose one that fits your penis size, if it is small in size, it can break/tear during intercourse and can lead to unwanted pregnancy or transmission of STDs while a large sized one may slip off.

About the sizes

There are four sizes of condoms available: snug fit, extra head room, large and magnum. Snug fits are slightly smaller than the regular ones, usually small sized in width. If regular ones slip-off for you, try snug fit ones. The ones with extra head room are like a light bulb, with more space for men with a bigger penis head. It is for those who find regular ones too suffocating. You can also get some that are larger in girth and length than the regular ones. Magnum sized Trojan condoms are the largest in size, if you have a really big tool.

Proper usage, storage and disposal

Condoms should be stored in a cool, dry place and away from sunlight. Check the expiry date of the condom first, if it has expired, do NOT use it. Fill air as in a balloon to test if it is okay or broken. Do not use your teeth, sharp nails, scissors or blades to cut open the pack, tear it with your hands gently. Do not use a damaged, used, discoloured or less-elastic product.

To put it on, carefully pinch the tip with one hand and roll it over to your erect penis, up to the base. Get rid of the air bubbles, using your hands, add extra lubrication to the outside to avoid breakage due to friction. To dispose the condom, hold it carefully from the base, making sure the semen doesn't come out, tie a knot and throw it in the trash, not in the toilet.

Dealing with tear/breakage

If your condom breaks during intercourse, consult your doctor and get a scanning done for STDs and make your partner undergoes a pregnancy test. If your partner is pregnant, use an oral contraceptive within 72 hours of sex only if you do not want to conceive.

The convenience that the web world offers you about the facility to buy condoms is an added advantage for you. Always use a condom as some even enhance sexual pleasure and sexual performance.