International Condom Day

Condoms have harvested something of a bad reputation, with people rejecting this contraception choice in favour of contraception which isn’t a physical barrier between partners. The reality is that a physical barrier is the only contraception choice which provides protection against STIs and STDs, a necessity with the rise of super gonorrhoea and herpes. It’s time we embraced the benefits of condom use, not just in scenarios of casual sex but also in relationships. As more women are becoming increasingly aware of the side effects of hormonal contraception and looking for natural alternatives, it’s important to debunk the myths surrounding condoms.

Common misconceptions around condoms discourage people from using them and experiencing their benefits. Perhaps the most popular urban myth is the idea that condoms kill the “moment” or spontaneity with a partner. Whilst using a condom can feel like an extra consideration, the trick is to smoothly introduce it into your sexual repertoire. Keep your condoms at the top of your bedside draw and open it before you get down to business, aka. foreplay. If a loss of momentum is of concern then take your time and don’t stop kissing or touching whilst you apply the condom.  Another misconception about condoms is they reduce pleasure and get in the way of some of the sensations associated with sex. The right condom can enhance sensations and contribute to a smoother experience for both partners, especially if the condom is lubricated.

Empowering people to take control of their sexual health starts with education and enriching the experience of safe sex. Designing a product that appeals to people, a product that they feel proud to carry is the first step to encouraging purchase and habitual use. Whilst we are working to break down stigmas around condom use which trigger feelings of embarrassment, it’s important to offer a condom which doesn’t contribute to feelings of shame. Neutral packaging is unlikely to lead to any awkward moments should a misplaced condom be visible to friends, family or strangers. The packaging is only half of the story, when looking for a condom people tend to look for a product which will allow them to have an experience that is parallel to the feeling of having sex without a condom. That’s why our HANX condoms are ultra thin condom for maximum sensitivity, have a soft texture and a pleasant smell. 

Demand for ethical sex products is increasing and there is no reason why condoms can’t be ethical. As our HANX condoms are vegan and only use Fair Rubber, naturally a growing proportion of our customer base expect ethical condoms as the standard. We are also seeing an increase in users expecting sustainability all the way from supply chain right through to the product itself. Where possible we try and meet the demands as living sustainably should be a way of life. That’s why our condom packaging is recyclable, and our condoms are even biodegradable.

International Condom Day is an opportunity to recognise the benefits of using protection. STDs can be symptomless and a partner may think they have a clean bill of sexual health when in fact they are carrying something that is not presenting itself physically. Using a condom is a simple way to protect yourself and a sexual partner. We tend to associate condom use with casual sex and multiple sexual partners but we often don’t expect to use them in a long term or committed relationship. In reality there are many situations where condoms become a pivotal part of a relationship. In some heterosexual relationships a woman may be experiencing side effects which are having a detrimental effect on her physical and mental health. She may choose to come off this contraception, at which point condoms will be her first port of call before deciding which if any hormonal contraception she would like to move onto. For heterosexual women looking to start a family, condoms can be invaluable during their transition time between coming off hormonal contraception and trying for a baby. Coming off contraception is not a linear journey; many women experience irregular cycles and side effects such as spotting. Some women choose to pause until their bodies have rebalanced before trying for a baby, and finding a condom which feels good for both partners is essential to maintaining a rewarding sexual relationship.