Condoms

Understanding Fluid Bonding and When Should you Stop Using Condoms

Condoms are the most widely acknowledged form of contraception, given their protection against pregnancy and STIs (sexually transmitted infections). When used correctly, condoms have a 98% success rate. While there are many other oral and hormonal forms of contraception available, condoms are ideal as they are easy to obtain, relatively cheap, easy to use, have no side effects (unless you have a rubber allergy) and are now available in both male and female varieties.

'Fluid bonding' is the term given to couple's who decide to stop using condoms, given bodily fluids are shared without the protective variety. Many believe this creates a stronger level of intimacy within a relationship, or some people simply prefer sex without condoms.

No matter your situation, if you're considering abandoning the condom, it's important to consider all of the risks involved!

Why you might not want to ditch them

Condoms are the only form of contraception that help protect against STIs. If you or your partner have not been tested, then you should definitely still be using condoms until you have received your test results back.

If there are no other contraception methods available that will work for your relationship, then condoms may be the way to go. Many hormonal contraceptives an have side effects, so some people might find they simply aren't practical!

If your relationship is not exclusive (meaning that you or your partner may engage sexually with someone else), condoms are essential. Unless you can commit to very regular STI checks after every new partner, it's not worth the risk.

If your partner is pressuring you into ditchigng the condom, then it's definitely not the right time for your relationship. It's important to ensure this is something that you both want!

When it's ok to stop using them

There are many situations where it may be appropriate to stop using condoms. If you are in a committed relationship, fully trust your partner, and are exclusive, these are good starting points for putting the condoms back on the shelf.

Communication is key. It's vital that you know your partner's sexual history, communicate regularly, and are open and honest about everything. You will have gotten STI checks together as well, even if your partner had one recently.

Unless you are trying to conceive, it's important to have an alternative contraceptive method planned out if you want to stop using condoms. Whether you opt for the pill, IUD, or injection, you should test one of these options a month or two beforehand to ensure they are going to work successfully.

Fluid bonding can mean a lot to some people, and not much for others. It's important to understand how your partner feels about this and what it means to them, to avoid any hurt feelings or misunderstandings!

What condoms to use if it's not time stop

If you've decided that it's better to stay safe and stick with the condoms, then there's absolutely no need to let them get in the way of your intimate times!

The Four Seasons Naked and Durex Thin condoms are specifically created for greater sensitivity to make it feel as though you're not wearing anything at all!

If you are worried that condoms are reducing sensations during sex, then these are a great option for ultimate pleasure! The video below gives a great overview of condoms and how to use them effectively, to ensure you're not going through the extra trouble for nothing!

Should I stay or should I go?

Before you make any decisions on whether the condoms should stay or go, be open and honest with your partner, assess the risks and make an informed decision whether fluid sharing is right for you! Safe sex is always the best sex!

Adulttoymegastore sells a wide variety of condoms with a range of flavours and sensations! With all orders shipped in discreet, plain packaging, we've got all your adult toy needs covered!

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• Why You Should Use Latex-Free Condoms

If you're sexually active, then it's very likely that you've used contraceptive condoms before for preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). But as we strive towards a cleaner, greener future, most vegans or environmentally conscious individuals may be shocked to learn that the majority of condoms aren’t, in fact, vegan-friendly.

The most common material for condoms is latex rubber. In order to ensure that the latex is smooth and comfortable, most manufacturers will use casein, a milk derivative, during the manufacturing process. This creates an issue not only for vegans, but for those with casein or milk allergies who are unaware of the ingredients involved during the manufacturing process.

And if you're not vegan, there's a multitude of other reasons to avoid standard latex condoms and opt for the vegan variety instead! Many condoms on the market contain glycerine, which the body naturally treats like a sugar. This is an issue because yeast thrives off of glycerine – so if you're having issues with yeast infections, you may want to consider making the switch!

If you are an avid avoider of parabens, then you might want to double check what your contraception is actually made of. While the evidence surrounding the negative effects of parabens is still a bit of a grey area, it's probably best to avoid putting chemicals anywhere near your sensitive areas if you're not 100% sure what they are!

Sir Richards

For the ultimate worry-free fun, the Sir Richards condoms are created from all-natural latex, and are free from glycerine, parabens, spermicide, and petrochemicals.They are also vegan certified and PETA approved.

This fun collection pack gives you the best of all worlds, offering a sample of each of their varieties: classic ribbed, ultra thin, and pleasure dots. If you're indecisive, then this is the perfect pack for you to determine which style is your favourite!

If you're still not convinced, Sir Richards also donates one condom to those in need, for every one that's purchased. Not only are you supporting a natural, vegan company, but you're also helping people who need it!

Glyde

Glyde condoms are another totally vegan form of contraception! Certified by the Vegan Society way back in 2006, these condoms contain no animal bi-products and use only natural colours and flavours.

These condoms are manufactured using the highest quality natural latex, with an exclusive, patented "double dipping" process to ensure they are extra strong without being too thick, ideal for preventing breaks or slips.

Glyde has a great range of delicious flavours to choose from, including blueberry, strawberry, cola, and vanilla! They also have several different sizes available to find your best fit, so you can ensure there will be no condoms breaking with this brand!

Lubricants

As both of these condoms are latex, it's important to remember that you cannot use oil-based lubricants with them, as they increase the chance of your condoms breaking. Silicone-based or water-based lubricants will work perfectly fine, however!

Lubricants are ideal for making everything a little easier to slide in. While the condoms themselves are already pre-lubricated, there's no reason you can't add a little more!

Read more

• Adulttoymegastore's Condom Guide
• Why You Should Use Latex-Free Condoms