Types of Barrier Protection – Pros, Cons and Proper Use
Men have a lot to love about their male organs; the member
provides them with immense pleasure, allows them to literally connect with
others and offers pleasure to their partners. Men should show their male organs
love by taking good care of them – using, washing and admiring them regularly.
One of the most important components of male
organ health is safe lovemaking,
which generally involves the use of barrier protection. A man who thinks he’s
got the safety game all figured out may be surprised to learn how many types of
barrier protection are out there. Couples have several options worth
considering in this department, and the following guide is intended to give
partners the information they need to make safe, fun choices.
Materials
- Latex: Everyone’s familiar with latex barrier
protection; that’s because this is the most common material used in their
manufacture. Why? Latex is cheap, strong and reliable. This type of barrier
protection is therefore easiest for most couples to access. However, some
people find them to be too constricting, while others have an allergy to the
material requiring them to avoid it.
- Polyurethane: Likely the second most common material
used in barrier protection production, polyurethane is a standard alternative
for people with latex allergies, or those who don’t find latex comfortable.
This type of barrier protection has some advantages over its latex cousin:
first, polyurethane is a thinner material that transfers heat better, making
for greater potential pleasure for both partners during intimacy. Also, some
men find them less tight and uncomfortable than latex covers. It should be
noted that this type of barrier protection is more brittle than latex, and
therefore more prone to breaking. Also, they’re expensive. Finally, as with
latex, some people are allergic to polyurethane.
- Lambskin: In terms of feel, lambskin barrier
protection – made from the intestines of lambs – is hard to beat. The natural
feel is attributed to the natural source. However, the pores in this material
are large enough to permit the transfer of partner-transmitted infections.
Lambskin barriers are, however, effective in preventing pregnancy.
- Polyisoprene: This newer material is produced by
removing allergens from latex rubber. It’s ideal for people who are allergic to
latex and/or polyurethane and still need social disease protection (ruling out
lambskin). The feel is similar to latex, and the material is similarly cheap.
Though rare, some individuals may be allergic to this material.
Partners may choose to experiment with different types of
barriers to see what works best for them. Make wise choices: If both partners
are not monogamous and free of infections, lambskin isn’t the best choice; if a
back-up birth control method is not used and the couple wants to prevent
pregnancy, polyurethane isn’t ideal.
Proper Use
Knowing what type of barrier protection to get won’t do men much
good if they don’t take care of the barriers and put them on properly. The
following care and use steps should be followed to a tee:
1) Don’t keep them in a high-wear spot. Wallets and pockets are not good homes
for barriers. Store them in a place where they won’t be subjected to friction
or compression.
2) Check the expiration date. Every time a man uses a barrier, he
should check the date on the wrapper to be sure it hasn’t expired.
3) Open carefully. Tearing away viciously at the
barrier’s wrapper with fingernails, teeth or another sharp object can tear the
barrier itself. That’s not very helpful.
4) Pinch the tip. The tip of the rubber is designed to
collect seed. If a man (or woman) doesn’t pinch it, air can become trapped in
the tip as the barrier is rolled down the male organ, creating a ripe situation
for breakage. Don’t create a bubble to burst!
5) Roll it down, smooth it out. There shouldn’t be air bubbles anywhere
inside the barrier protection. Smooth it out on the male organ before getting
busy.
Barriers aren’t the only thing a man should cover his male organ
with. A quality male organ health
crème (health
professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) can help maintain sensitivity levels
and soft, responsive skin. Look for alpha lipoic acid on the ingredient list,
as this antioxidant can prevent oxidative damage to manhood cells and prevent
wrinkled skin. Also seek out Shea butter and vitamin E – after a vigorous
pumping session, these ingredients can help hydrate raw skin back to its former
state.