Dear reader, did you know that February 13th is National Condom Day? That’s right—just before the day of love, we celebrate the little latex (or non-latex!) lifesavers that have been protecting pleasure-seekers for centuries.
Condoms are one of the most effective, accessible, and affordable ways to protect yourself and your partner(s)—yet they’re still wildly misunderstood. So, let’s break it all down: fun condom facts, a brief history, why you should always wrap it up, and, of course, debunking some of the biggest myths about these trusty protectors.
Condoms have come a long way from their awkward beginnings, making protection better than ever.
So, unless you and your partner are monogamous, tested, and on another form of contraception, you definitely don’t want to skip out on protection.
#1 “They don’t feel as good.”
Truth: Condoms today are designed to be super-thin, textured, and even heat-conductive so that they feel natural. Plus, the right lube can make all the difference in sensation.
#2 “They always break.”
Truth: If used correctly (stored properly and not expired), condoms almost never break. Issues usually stem from rough handling, wrong sizes, or bad lubrication choices (never use oil-based lube with latex!).
#3 “Two condoms are better than one.”
Truth: Nope! Using two condoms at once increases friction, which actually makes them more likely to tear. Stick with one well-fitted condom instead.
#4 “You don’t need a condom for oral sex.”
Truth: STIs like herpes, gonorrhea, and HPV can absolutely be transmitted through oral sex. Flavored condoms exist for a reason!
#5 “Pulling out is just as effective.”
Truth: Statistically, the "pull-out method" fails 22% of the time versus only 2% for condoms when used correctly. Don’t play roulette with your health!
Condoms are one of the safest and easiest ways to protect yourself while still enjoying great sex. So, dear reader, whether you’re rocking a one-night stand, an FWB, or a long-term partner you trust, there’s never a downside to being prepared. This National Condom Day, take a moment to appreciate how far these little lifesavers have come and maybe stock up on a few ultra-thin or ribbed varieties to make protection even sexier.