Enjoy the pleasure of safe sex

Two new studies find that sex with condoms and lubricants is just as pleasurable as sex without. Findings also showed that men said they did not struggle to maintain erections when putting on condoms.

Two new studies find that sex with condoms and lubricants is just as pleasurable as sex without. Findings also showed that men said they did not struggle to maintain erections when putting on condoms. In a separate study, women also said they felt positively about lubricants, adding that they felt more orgasmic when sex was wetter.

Scientists from the School of Public Health-Bloomington at Indiana University in the US looked at data from more than 1,800 heterosexual men and nearly 2,500 heterosexual women who participated in an internet-based daily diary study on condom and lubricant use and sexual behavior.

Results showed that men and women consistently rate sex as highly arousing and pleasurable with few differences based on condom or lubricant use. More than twice as many women, however, were unsure whether the condom was lubricated or from what material it was made.

"This may be because men are more likely than women to purchase condoms and to apply condoms," says Dr. Debby Herbenick. "However, it's important for more women to become familiar with the condoms they use with their partner so that they can make choices that enhance the safety and pleasure of their sexual experiences."

Frequent mistakes include putting a condom on partway through intercourse, using oil-based lubricants which degrade latex condoms, failing to leave space at the tip of the condom for semen, and failing to look for damage before use.