10 Reasons Why Married Couples Use Condoms

It might seem that condoms have little importance in monogamous relations. However, they are one of the most commonly used methods of contraception among married couples.

Studies show that four most commonly used ways of contraception in the US are [1]:

1.Sterilization – is a method best suited for couples not looking to have more children.
2. Oral contraceptives – Used by females and fit for women of different age groups. Many women would not like the idea of sterilization.
3. Long active reversible contraceptives – could be injectables or intrauterine devices. These methods are frequently used by women not looking for pregnancy in the near future.
4. Male condoms

So, why do married couples would use condoms? There are many situations where it could be a preferred method of contraception.

Condoms are the safest and most effective reversible way of male contraception

Perhaps the most crucial reason why so many couples use condoms is that it is the only well-accepted way of male contraception that is reversible. Most men do not want to go through vasectomy.

Condoms are a noninvasive and readily available way to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

50 years of research into ways of finding other ways of male contraception have failed to provide good results.

Many researchers have studied the use of hormonal pills and injections and although such methods worked, they caused severe side effects and thus could not be introduced [2].

Another way of long-term male contraception of injecting a dissolvable polymer in vas deferens (kind of tube that carries sperms from testicles to outside) is still going through clinical trials [3].

All this means that condoms remain as the only widely acceptable way of male contraception to date for both married and non-married men.

To prevent infections

One should understand that condoms are not only useful for preventing syphilis, HIV, or other sexually transmitted diseases, they can also help prevent transmission of infections that one of the partners may catch through some other way, like in a dental clinic, due to blood transfusion, use of drugs, and so on.

Thus, condoms can help lower the risk of transmission of hepatitis B and C.

They may even reduce the risk of transmission of warts or other types of viral infections [4].

It is vital to understand that using condoms may be a good idea if one of the partners is at a higher risk of catching some infections. This does not mean that another partner is unfaithful.

Still, a higher risk may exist due to lifestyle choices (intravenous drug use), or even due to health conditions requiring frequent blood transfusion or other invasive procedures.

Prolonging pleasure

It is no secret that many men do not like using condoms as they think that condoms reduce pleasure. However, for some men, condoms may be a way of increasing sexual satisfaction. They are especially useful for men who cannot control ejaculation for longer sexual acts. Condoms work by slightly reducing the sensation and thus helping men last longer [5].

Though condoms are more frequently associated with reduced sexual pleasure, in some couples, they may have an opposite effect. They can help prolong sexual acts in many cases.

Not all married couples are monogamous

Here we are not just talking about unfaithful couples. Married couples may have relations consensually non-monogamous [6].

Some couples may be swingers or even love to have orgies. Therefore, the choice of condoms may also depend on sexual preferences.

Couples wanting to have a child in the near future

The good thing about condoms is that they do not affect fertility at all. It means that couples can start making a baby whenever they wish to do so.

Condoms do not influence the health of a future child in any way or pose a risk for future pregnancy. Condoms are the best way of contraception for couples looking to have a child in the foreseeable future.

Female partner unable to tolerate oral contraceptives

Many men would like their partner to take contraceptive pills, but they may not be an option in some cases. Some women are not able to tolerate them well. Many women may have side effects like nausea, headaches, and mood issues.

Others may develop problems such as weight gain. Many women may not like the idea of taking synthetic hormones at all. Thus, for many couples, condoms remain the best way of contraception.

A low frequency of sex

Every couple differs from others. Some married couples may not have sex frequently. Condoms could be the best way of contraception for such couples.

For couples having just a few sexual acts a month, taking the pill may not be the best option. Such couples should either think about sterilization or condoms.

Some couples may enjoy using condoms

Some couples may enjoy using different types of condoms. Thus, they may like experimenting with various flavors and designs. Some women may like the sensation of ribbed condoms.

Certain couples may even find condoms to be less messy. Some women do not like ejaculate. Other couples find it easier to stay clean by using condoms.

Couples may be undecided about other options

One of the common reasons for choosing condoms could be that couples may be unsure about other options. This could be particularly true for new couples, as most need time to make a choice.

The decision for sterilization or intrauterine device is never taken instantly – couples need time to make the right choice, and till then, they can opt for condoms.

Partner has been raped

In rare cases, the raped partner may not like the feeling of ejaculate. In some cases, psychological trauma may last quite long and thus requiring the use of condoms.

To conclude, there are many situations when married couples may find condoms as the best way of contraception or even preventing the transmission of certain diseases. Some may also love using condoms, experimenting with them, and see them add to their pleasure.

References:

1. Current contraceptive status among women aged 15-49: United States, 2015-2017. Published June 7, 2019. Accessed June 11, 2020. [ link ]
2. Association NS and P. Male contraceptive injection works – but side effects halt trial. New Scientist. Accessed June 11, 2020. [ link ]
3. Lohiya NK, Alam I, Hussain M, Khan SR, Ansari AS. RISUG: An intravasal injectable male contraceptive. Indian J Med Res. 2014;140(Suppl 1):S63-S72.
4. Kamarulzaman A, Reid SE, Schwitters A, et al. Prevention of transmission of HIV, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and tuberculosis in prisoners. The Lancet. 2016;388(10049):1115-1126. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(16)30769-3
5. Randolph ME, Pinkerton SD, Bogart LM, Cecil H, Abramson PR. Sexual Pleasure and Condom Use. Arch Sex Behav. 2007;36(6):844-848. doi:10.1007/s10508-007-9213-0
6. Rubin J, Moors A, Matsick J, Ziegler A, Conley T. On the Margins: Considering Diversity Among Consensually Non-monogamous Relationships. Psychology Faculty Articles and Research. Published online January 1, 2014. [ link ]