Unless you are allergic to latex, external condoms have no serious physical side effects. They may, however, have some disadvantages.
Condom disadvantages
– The external condom is not ideal if you are allergic to latex. Only 1 or 2 out of 100 people are allergic. If you are one of them, you will need to use a nonlatex external condom, which is sometimes expensive or unavailable in some places. If you cannot find nonlatex condoms, try another method.
– Using external condoms requires some effort and commitment. For it to be effective, it must be slipped on the penis correctly every time, no matter what.
– External condoms may take sexual agency away from one partner. In some situations, it can be difficult for female partners to demand that their male partners use a condom every time and correctly.
– External condoms are less effective at protecting you from STIs that can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, including HPV and herpes.
– Lambskin condoms only block sperm and do not offer protection from STIs. Laboratory tests have indicated that viruses like hepatitis B, herpes simplex, and HIV can penetrate through the pores of a lambskin condom.
– Novelty condoms, like the ones found in sex toy stores or catalogs, are sometimes made from a material that doesn’t protect you from pregnancy or STIs. These types of condoms must not be used at the same time as a latex condom because they tend to weaken the latex.
– Although latex condoms expire within three to five years, they may deteriorate in high temperatures (above 40 degrees Celsius) and humid or moist storage conditions, or when exposed to oil-based lubricants.
– Some people may be sensitive to certain brands of lubricant found in condoms. If you are sensitive, try another brand.
– Some men complain that condoms reduce sensitivity (5).
– Condoms can be hard to remember to use if you are drunk. You are more likely to remember them if you have them available all the time.
