Penis Protection: Condoms Are Still Needed

The horrific rise of HIV in the 1980s decimated many communities and
destroyed many lives. To help prevent the spread of HIV, however, many
more people became much more conscientious about using condoms to
provide penis protection – as well as protection that extends beyond penis
health. Many doctors and public health professionals are concerned that
nowadays, with advances made in treatment for HIV and AIDS, that condom
use is slipping. But there’s still a great need for men to use condoms rather
than engage in unprotected non-monogamous partner sex.

New developments

Antiretroviral therapies are now available that can help to treat an individual
with HIV, although these treatments cannot cure HIV. However, they are
helping many people with HIV to live much longer lives. In addition, there
now is a pre-exposure prophylaxis option, which can be used by individuals
without HIV to drastically reduce the possibility of them contracting AIDS.

Both of these developments are incredibly important and have changed the
lives of millions of people. However, because of these changes, some men
feel that there is less need to use condoms when having sex. That’s simply
not the case.

Other issues

First, pre-exposure prophylaxis does not have a 100 percent success rate
(although its success rate is very high), so the possibility of contracting HIV
does still exist. (To be accurate, use of condoms also does not have a 100
percent success rate.) But of equal importance, there are many other sexually
transmitted infections (STIs) other than HIV that a man might need to worry
about. By not using condoms, men are making it much more likely that they
will contract one of these other STIs (and potentially pass it on to other
partners as well).

Among the STIs that one is less likely to contract if one regularly uses
condoms are classics that most people have at least heard of, such as
gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and chlamydia. But there are others that are

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perhaps a little less well known, such as:

 Trichomoniasis, which is caused by a parasite and may cause

significant pain in the penis, especially when urinating or ejaculating.
It is especially concerning in pregnant women, as it can lead to
premature births.

 Genital warts, the appearance of which tends to put off many

partners. These may itch and/or bleed, and may cause some
discomfort.

 Pubic lice and scabies, tiny parasites that can cause serious itching
and that can lead to infection if not treated. Wearing condoms helps
prevent the spread of these parasites; however, they can still be passed
on by skin-to-skin contact of unprotected areas (such as the balls or
the crotch).

One other thing to remember: Although most STIs are passed on through
unprotected skin-on-skin sex, it is possible for an infection to spread from
shared use of sex toys, such as a vibrator. Using a condom and/or sterilizing
sex toys before they are used by another can help reduce the chance of
spreading STIs in this manner.

Many people feel that there is such a stigma attached to an STI that they’d
rather not know if they have one. This is dangerous not only to themselves
but to any sexual partners they have. Though an STI diagnosis can be scary,
it is much better to know and get early treatment than to not know.

Condoms are a great start, but good penis protection requires more, such as
efforts to maintain optimal penis health. One way to help achieve this goal is
via daily use of a first-rate penis health oil (health professionals
recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for
skin). For best results, peruse labels and choose an oil that contains the
essential vitamins, A, B5, C, D, and E, which benefit from topical
application. In addition, the oil should contain L-arginine, an amino acid that
plays a role in helping blood vessels to expand for better blood flow.

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