Is sex without a condom acceptable? The answer is: it depends!

Choosing to have sex without a condom has its benefits, it can be a great feeling, but it's also an idea that can cause anxiety, as there are risks involved. The more you know about the risks of having sex without a condom, the more consciously you can make the right decision.

Reasons why people do not use condoms

For men, the great advocates of sex without a condom, having sex without a condom is better, as condoms can reduce the sensitivity of the glans of the penis.

For some people, having sex without a condom is emotionally more intimate, perhaps because it's often done by couples who are serious about long-term relationships.

Monogamy allows many couples to consider sex without a condom. Leaving condom use can be considered an act of trust. It is also cheaper than buying condoms frequently.

Also, many condoms are made from latex, which some people are allergic to. So if you're having sex without a condom, you don't have to worry about itching or burning, assuming, of course, you don't have any sort of infection.

Another thing to consider is the potential benefit of semen. Some studies suggest that compounds in a man's semen may include endorphins, estrone, prolactin, oxytocin, thyrotropin-releasing hormone, and serotonin, which may improve a woman's mood. Therefore, by not using condoms, the vaginal tissue can absorb these substances.

Of course, good sex will promote this anyway, and a woman is not likely to go into a deep depression just because she used a condom. That would be a bit of an exaggeration.

Finally, some men argue that they cannot maintain an erection when using condoms. This may be true for some, but many can still get hard when using a condom.

It feels better to have sex without a condom. However, not using a condom leads to some risks, which leads us to the reasons why having safe sex and leaving you with a clear conscience.

The best reasons to use condoms

Perhaps the reasons for using condoms are stronger, say, in terms of benefits in one's life. Of course, everyone has the right to make their choice, but the ideal choice comes from guidance. Using condoms, especially in casual encounters, is a health issue.

Check out the top 7 reasons to use condoms:

1. Prevent unexpected pregnancy

Condoms are up to 98% effective when used correctly. The effectiveness of preventing pregnancy drops to about 82% when not used properly.

The male condom is not the only form of birth control. From birth control pills to IUDs and hormone injections, there are other options available for preventing pregnancy. But protection is certainly increased when female prevention is combined with male condoms.

2. Protects against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

Second, condoms reduce the risk of transmitting an STI, either to you or your partner. STDs include HPV (which can cause genital warts and even cervical cancer), HIV, herpes, and more.

Condoms are very effective in preventing STDs such as HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis, which pass through body fluids (semen, saliva, blood, etc.). However, you may still be at risk of contracting some other STIs. For example, HPV only requires skin contact. Therefore, even with a condom, it can still be transmitted.

3. Prevents other infections

Women who do not use condoms with their partners are more likely to develop bacterial vaginal infections, also known as bacterial vaginosis. Even mild vaginitis can cause itching and unpleasant discharge, while more severe cases require treatment with antibiotics.

Research has shown that continued use of condoms can reduce the likelihood of recurrent infections. The condom prevents bacteria that may be on the penis from entering the vagina and disturbing the biological ecosystem. Some of these bacteria do not cause noticeable harm to men, but are harmful to women.

In fact, condoms can even boost the beneficial microbiome in the vagina, helping to keep it in balance.

4. You have a clear conscience

One of the reasons so many people use condoms is simply to avoid worrying about the risks mentioned. Some people worry about pregnancy or illness, even if they used a condom. So imagine if these people don't use it! Worry would not let them rest. The peace of mind is definitely worth the cost of the condom!

5. Some men like to use condoms

Condoms can be useful for men who are concerned about premature ejaculation, as condoms can reduce sensitivity a little, allowing for a longer time of sex. There are also condoms specifically designed to help a man stay erect longer, called retarded condoms. Most of them use a chemical anesthetic agent, which more effectively reduces sensitivity.

6. Condoms can be good

Condoms can bring a unique sensation that can be good for you or your partner, such as using colored or flavored condoms to make sex more fun. So you can add something extra during sex. Of course, a sex toy can do the same thing if you don't want to use a condom.

7. Having sex with a condom is cleaner

When you have sex without a condom, the semen does not come into contact with the vagina, nor does the woman's mucus remain on the penis after penetration. For example, when a woman stands up after sex without a condom, semen runs down her legs and she has to run to clean herself. For some people this is not fun at all. Although for others it is something natural.

Can you have sex without a condom and not come inside?

If you and your partner are sure you don't have any STDs, the woman doesn't use contraceptives, but you want to have sex without a condom; Know that having unprotected sex, even if you don't come inside the vagina, is not safe to prevent pregnancy.

Not coming inside is called coitus interruptus, but know that it's not to be trusted. There are two reasons not to trust this method:

1. The liquid that comes out of the penis before ejaculation has a small amount of sperm, so there is a possibility of pregnancy even without ejaculation. The amount of sperm is really low, but the possibility exists. This is important to know if you and your partner are not ready for parenthood right now;
2. You cannot trust that man will always be able to perform the technique. He may not be able to get his penis out of the vagina in time. Not to mention that it can generate anxiety. And is it worth interrupting this moment of pleasure? With the condom, this unnecessary tension is eliminated.

How do I know if I can have sex without a condom?

It is important for the couple to talk about this to decide whether to have sex with or without a condom, after they are aware of the risks and benefits.

Many people believe that having sex without a condom is more enjoyable than having sex with a condom, but there is no denying that it is far more dangerous. If you or your partner are not prepared to face the consequences of possible risks, having safe sex may be the only option.

It is more advisable not to use condoms for married couples who are sure they do not have sexually transmitted diseases, and who also use other methods to avoid pregnancy, if they so desire.

References:

• Gordon Jr, G., Rebecca L. Burch, and Steven M. Platek. "Does semen have antidepressant properties?." Archives of Sexual Behavior 31.3 (2002): 289-293.
• Fact Sheet for Public Health Personnel. https://www.cdc.gov/condomeffectiveness/latex.html.
• Hutchinson, Katherine B., Kevin E. Kip, and Roberta B. Ness. "Condom use and its association with bacterial vaginosis and bacterial vaginosis-associated vaginal microflora." Epidemiology (2007): 702-708.
• Ma, Liyan, et al. "Consistent condom use increases the colonization of Lactobacillus crispatus in the vagina." PLoS One 8.7 (2013): e70716.