Why Still So Few Use Condoms

[xchrom]

http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2013/04/why-still-so-few-use-condoms/275301/



As the late author Norman Mailer put it, "The only thing you can depend on with condoms is that they will take 20 to 50 percent off your f***." In a conversation with Madonna on the topic, Mailer also condemned condoms for making people part of "the social machinery" and destroying "most of the joy of entrance." Madonna argued that condoms are "essential in the age of AIDS," but conceded, "they feel terrible."

If we're honest, many of us do see condoms as robbing us of pleasure, stealing some excitement and spontaneity from intimacy, and dulling the intensity of sexuality. It's okay to say that. These factors are the primary reasons that still only 60 percent of teenagers claim to use condoms. These factors warrant acknowledging. From there, condom usage declines as people grow older. The number one reason we have seen given time and again for refusal to wear condoms is the reduction of pleasure.

It is politically incorrect to acknowledge the truth and simplicity of the condom's inadequacy. Criticism of the condom opens one to righteous demonization and condemnation. Condom defenders often stifle honest and helpful discussion about sexuality, unplanned pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infections.

Bill Gates has a foundation that works in Africa to treat AIDS and prevent HIV infection. His research demonstrates that most Africans -- like most Americans -- don't wear condoms because the primitive contraption, which has not appreciably changed in 50 years, steals their pleasure. Gates is a practical businessman and a creative inventor. He has proceeded with plans to make a better product after learning that there is widespread dissatisfaction with an existing product. His foundation will give a $100,000 grant to anyone with credible plans to make a condom that "is felt to enhance pleasure."

[pinboy3niner]

1. It's a shame nobody else is addressing this...

http://www.trojancondoms.com/Product/ProductListVert.aspx

[Fumesucker]

2. Like putting on a raincoat to take a shower

And if a male is having any issues with ED they exacerbate that immensely.

Or so I hear.

[pinboy3niner]

3. Maybe they should make stiffer condoms

[Fumesucker]

5. That's what she said

[pinboy3niner]

7. For the win!

[Apophis]

4. The lambskin ones help with pleasure.

They're expensive but they're awesome.

[jberryhill]

18. They are also porous to HIV and other STDs

Which, duh, defeats the purpose in the context.

[Apophis]

20. I'm in a long-term relationship.

I know they don't prevent STDs. But they're a great alternative for those in monogamous relationships.

Geez.

[jberryhill]

21. Not everyone knows that

....and the article is addressed toward disease prevention.

[siligut]

6. Well, the picture certainly doesn't help

The guy looks like he can't even breath.

[pinboy3niner]

8. Yeah, that's what we need--airholes in condoms

[siligut]

9. Maybe just teach people not to try to wear them on their big heads?

[Scootaloo]

10. ...

[siligut]

12. lol, woke up the cat

This guy is a crack-up

[tblue37]

19. Don't try this at home. He is a trained professional! nt

[Warren Stupidity]

11. Or to stop buying Extra Super Duper Magnum Plus Big Boy condoms.

[siligut]

13. Trying to impress the drugstore clerk?

Or maybe just wishful thinking.

[cali]

14. Norman Mailer called himself an "enemy of birth control"

He was such a pig. When I was quite young I had an affair with an outlaw friend of his who was married with several kids and wanted me to stop using birth control It was the only affair I ever had with someone who was married. It was the weirdest goddamn thing. I have never before or since had such an instant powerful sexual connection with someone- and he wasn't even remotely my type. The guy had cauliflower ears from boxing for christ's sake, but the no birth control or we break it off thing was a no go for me. Still, I did drink tough guy under the table one night. He was a 200 pound ex-boxer drug smuggler of 35. I was a nice suburban girl weighing in at 115. It would have been a memorable had I been able to remember much of it.

[redgreenandblue]

15. ....

[pinboy3niner]

16. Well...

[cali]

17. .....

actually, he did kinda resemble kitty there.