SEX THERAPY IN PHILADELPHIA

Sex Therapist

Condoms: Sex Dictionary

Developed by the Staff at Sex Therapy in Philadelphia

Condoms

Condom (Male, Non-Flavored)

Condom: A condom is a sheath designed to fit over the penis and protect from both pregnancy and sexuality transmitted infections (STIs).

Activities: Condoms can be used during penis-vagina sex, penis-anus sex, mouth-penis sex, and when sex toys are being shared.

Materials: Condoms can be made out of one of four materials: latex, polyurethane, polyisoprene and animal skin. Latex is the most common material. However, some people have latex allergies or sensitivities which can result in itching, swelling, or discomfort. Polyurethane (i.e. Trojan Supra) or Polyisoprene (i.e. Lifestyles Skyn) condoms are latex alternatives that will protect from both STIs and pregnancy, but won’t cause an allergic reaction. Animal skin condoms are also hypoallergenic, but only protect from pregnancy. Because they are generally made from animal intestines, animal skin condoms have pores that are big enough to allow STIs to pass through.

Sizes: Condoms come in different sizes in order to accommodate different penis lengths and widths. Condoms that have labels like “Large, XL, X-Wide, etc.” are generally made to fit penises that are on the girthier side. The length of the condom itself may not be longer than a standard sized condom. If standard sized condoms pinch, cause discomfort, or are painful because they are too tight, one might want to consider trying wider condoms. Condoms with labels like “slim” or “snug-fit” are designed for penises that are on the smaller side. If one finds that their condoms are falling off regularly or feel baggy, they may want to consider smaller condoms. (Note: Polyurethane condoms tend to be on the wider side.)

Shapes/Textures: Alongside coming in different sizes, condoms also come in different shapes. Some condoms may have swirls, larger space in the region of the head of the penis, or they may even be textured. Whether or not condom shape or texture enhances the sexual experience varies from person to person. Condoms with extra room in the head can be helpful for those whole feel like the head of the penis is ‘choked’ while wearing standard condoms.

Lubricant: With latex condoms, it is essential that only water or silicone based lubricant be used. Anything containing oil (Vaseline, lotions, lip gloss, massage oils, etc) will break down a latex condom, rendering it ineffective. Although oil based lubricant can be used on the other three condom materials, it isn’t recommended because oils can trap bacteria inside the body and cause infection. Most pre-lubricated condoms come with a silicone based lubricant already applied. Some condoms may also have spermicidal lubricant. Although this is helpful in prevention of pregnancy, the chemical agent in spermicide has been shown to create irritation for some users.

Increasing Sensitivity: Lubricant can be used to make condoms feel better during use. Anywhere from 1-3 drops can be used on the inside of a condom, increasing sensitivity for the wearer. (Note: Putting more than 3 drops on the inside of the condom can cause the condom to slip off during use.) Any amount of lubricant can be used on the outside of the condom. Alongside increasing sensitivity, lubricant can reduce the chance of a condom breaking because of the reduction in friction.

Expiration: All condoms eventually expire, so it is imperative to read the date printed on the condom packet before use. An expired condom is more likely to malfunction and should not be used.

Using Condoms with Toys: When sex toys are shared, there is a risk for STI transmission. In order to decrease this risk, a new condom can be used each time the toy is used on someone new. Also, some insertable sex toys made from porous materials (jelly rubber, cyberskin, etc) can trap the body’s natural bacteria. If the toy isn’t cleaned properly or isn’t cleaned within a reasonable amount of time after use, the bacteria can get trapped beyond where normal cleaning would be effective. When they toy is then reintroduced into the body, the trapped bacteria has potential to cause infection. Using a condom over a porous toy can help to reduce infection risk.

Important Tips for Use

  • When opening a condom, do not use scissors or teeth. There is an increased risk of tearing the condom if these methods are used.
  • When rolling the condom over a penis, make sure to pinch the tip. This makes sure there isn’t any air in the condom and also ensures there is a place for semen to go after ejaculation.
  • After ejaculation, be sure to hold on to the bottom ring of the condom when pulling out of a partner’s body. This will reduce the chances that the condom will fall off or flip inside out.

Getting Condoms: Condoms can be purchased at drug stores, convenience stores, and larger household supply stores (i.e. Target). One may also be able to find free condoms at local reproductive health clinics like Planned Parenthood.

People who live in the following areas:

Abbotsford Homes, Academy Gardens, Academyville, Alden Park Manor, Allegheny West, Andorra, Ardmore, Ashton Wooden Bridge, Bartram Village, Bella Vista, Belmont, Blue Grass, Brewey Town, Broomall, Bryn Mar, Bridgeport, Byberry, Bustleton, Byberry, Caroll Park, Cedar Grove, Cedar Park, Center City, Chinatown, Chestnut Hill, Chopersville, Claymont, Cobbs Creek, Conshocken, Crestmont Farms, Chester, Devon, Drexel Hill, East Mount Airy, East Falls, Elkins Park, Elmwood, Feltonville, Fishers, Fishtown, Fitler Square, Folcroft, Francisville, Garden Court, Germantown, Girard Estate, Gladwyne, Glenside, Glen Willow, Glenside, Grays Ferry, Jenkintown, Kensington, Haverford, Lafayette Hill, Manayunk, Mafair, Mechanicsville, Merion, Mount Airy, Narberth, Old City, Olney, Overbrook, Oxford Circle, Oxford Villiage, Lansdowne, Paoli, Pennypack Woods, Pennsport, Pennyback,Phila, Philly, Philmont, Pittville, Plymouth Meeting, Point Breeze, Poplar, Port Richmond, Powelton, Queen Village, Radnor, Rhawnhurst, Rittenhouse, Roxborough, Ryers, Saint Martins, Shawmont, Schuylkill, Sharswood, Society Hill, Somerton, Somerville, Southwest Center City, Springfield, Spring Garden, Spruce Hill, Stenton, Strawberry Mansion, Summerdale, Tabor, Tacony, Tasker Homes, Tiogoa, Torresdale, Upsal, University City, Wayne, Wayne Junction, West Conshoken, West Torresdale, West Mount Airy, West Oak Lane, Wissahickon, Wissinoming, Wister, Wharton, Whitman, Woodlyn Wynnefield, Yeadon, PA, Pennslvania, Atlantic City, Audubon, Aura, Barrington , Bayonne, Bellmawr, Berlin, Beverly, Blackwood, Bon Air, Bordentown, Bristol, Burlington, Camden, Cherry Hill, Cinnaminson, Clayton, Clementon, Collingswood, Colwick, Deer Park, Deptford, Edgewater Park , Egg Harbor Township, Evesboro, Flyant, Franklinville, Freehold , Gibbsboro, Gibbstown, Glassboro, Gloucester City, Green Bank, Haddonfield, Haddon Heights, Hammonton, Hilltop, Ivywood, Jordantown, Levittown, Linwood, Lindenwold, Lumberton, Magnolia, Mantua Grove, Maple Shade, Marlton, Mays Landing, Meadowbrook, Medford Lakes, Merchantville, Moorestown, Morganvi, Mt. Ephraim, Morris, Mt. Holly, Mt. Laurel, Mount Laurel, Mullica Hill, Oak Shade, Oaklyn, Ocean City, Palmyra, Parry, Pemberton, Penns Grover, Pennsauken, Pitman, Princeton, Ramblewood, Red Lion, Riverside, Riverton, Robbinsville, Runnemede, Sewell. Springdale, Stanwick, Stratford, Swedesboro, Tavistock, Trenton, Ventor, Verga, Vorhees, Wenonah, West Berlin, West Moorestown, Westampton, Westcotville, Westville, Williamstown, Woodbury, Woodlynne, Woodlands, NJ, New Jersey, N.J., Arden, Ardentown, Amstrong, Big Oak Corners, Bear, Bellafonte, Bethal, Bethesda, Blackiston, Brickstore, Bookside, Carrcroft, Centerville, Chambersville, Cheswold, Claymont, Collins Park, Corner Ketch, Corbit, Delaware City, Dover, Eastburn Heights, Elsmere, Fairfax, Felmings Landing, Fieldsboro, Hartley, Hedgeville, Hockessin, Holloway Terrace, Kenton, Kirkwood, Keeney, Little Acre, Leipsic, Magnolia, McDonough, Middletown, Millford Crossroads, Montchanin, Newcastle, Newport, Newark, Odessa, Ommelanden Range, Pleasant Hill, Point Breeze, Porter, Port Penn, Red Lion, Rybold, Saint Georges, Seeneytown, Smyrna, Stanton, Talleyville, Thorntown, Townsend, Walker, Westover Hills, Westmoreland, Wiggins Mill, Willow Grove, Wilmington, Winterthur, White Clay, Woodside, Viola, Yorklyn, Delaware, DE.,

May benefit from our services:

individual counseling, couples counseling, couples therapy, marriage counseling, marriage therapy, family therapy, family counseling, sex therapy, grief therapy, anger management therapy, addiction counseling, couples workshops, enrichment seminars, support groups, skills building classes, classes.. Mental health therapists may be marriage and family therapists, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, counseling practitioners just to name a few. If you have enjoyed our self help tips, please let us know.

You do not need to ever need to meet us to benefit from our collective years of wisdom in this field. Many of our ideas are written down in the form of self help tips that are free to be read by anyone on the Internet. If we are good, eventually we will have worked ourselves out of a job and you will be able to live the life you have always wanted!

Pregnancy & STD Prevention

Sexuality Concerns

  • Alternative Lifestyles AL
  • Erection difficulties ED
  • Infertility / Fertility problems FP
  • Impotence IMP
  • Orgasm Difficulties Org
  • Painful intercourse / Dyspareunia DYS
  • Painful vaginal spasms PVS
  • Pregnancy Problems P
  • Premature ejaculation PE
  • Sexual addictions SA
  • Low sex drive LSD
  • Sexual Orientation Confusion SOC
  • Sexual Inexperience SI
  • Sexually transmitted Infections (eg. herpes) STI
  • Sexual Health Concerns of Children C
  • Sexual Health Concerns of Senior Citizens SC

Have you experienced?

  • Sexual Aversion SA
  • Sexual Boredom SB
  • Negative Body Image NBI
  • Embarrassment & Anxiety SE
  • Depression D
  • Chronic Pain
  • Cheating Spouse / Infidelity CS
  • Medical Problems MP
  • Rape or Sexual Abuse RSA
  • Relationship & Marital Problems RMP
  • Infidelity / Affairs (AI)
  • Communication Problems CP

Founder of Sex Therapy
in Philadelphia

"Alex" Caroline Robboy, CAS,
ACSW, LCSW

If you live in Center City Philadelphia and the surrounding regions, including the Main Line, Montgomery County, Bucks County, Chestery County, Cherry Hill and Southern New Jersey area and want to schedule an appointment for individual therpay, couples therapy, marriage counseling, sex therapy, family therapy or play therapy call (267) 324-9564.

Sex Therapy in Philadelphia
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