Mavutu Conversation

Flavoured condoms not meant for intercourse

While we are on the conversation of itchy labia, I think it is also about time I address the fact that flavoured condoms are not meant for anything else besides oral sex. Yes, you read right.

Historically, flavoured condoms have been produced more for the pleasure of oral sex. This was said to be because a large number of women and/or men do not like the taste of the penis. Together with the fact that a large number of us enjoy the engagement of oral sex with our partners, the flavoured condom is the perfect antidote to this. So, what do you know about them?

Flavoured condoms are latex condoms with a flavoured external coating. Flavoured condoms and lubricants can help make oral sex more enjoyable for the person giving the act. Because the taste of latex is rubbery, the flavouring can help mask the taste of latex, polyurethane or polyisoprene while still offering protection against diseases.

The flavouring chemicals are considered safe and will generally not cause irritation to the mouth, throat or hands. As such, fundamentally, flavoured condoms are made with the express intent of making sex more fun without losing the general safe sex guarantee that normal condoms provide. They often have a pleasant aroma, and they can easily add another layer or dimension to your sexual experience; heighten the stimulation of one sense and you can find this has a cascading effect on other senses. However, as a result, the flavouring chemicals can also potentially cause irritation to the mucosal tissues of the vagina or anus. The sweeteners used for these products (which may include glycerine, aspartame or saccharine) can affect the pH balance of the vagina, increasing the risk of developing bacterial vaginosis or vaginal candida.

On many occasions, these can also cause yeast infections and or other infections that the vagina might be sensitive towards.

When used vaginally, this sugary base can affect the PH balance of the vagina and, in extreme cases, lead to thrush.

Also, not to forget, one of the downsides to flavoured condoms is that they generally do not come in many sizes, therefore compromising the efficacy of the condom if an ill-fitting condom is used.

So, you are safer buying unflavoured condoms for vaginal sexual intercourse as opposed to engaging in not so protected sexual activities with your partner.

Buying the right size for your penis is important because the wrong one may slip off, and this will expose you to many health risks. Also, to avoid any infections, rather be safe than sorry.

* Frieda Mukufa’s lifestyle section concentrates on women-related issues and parenting every

Friday in the New Era newspaper. She also specialises in editing research proposals, proofreading as well as content creation.

- etuholefrieda@ gmail.com