Condoms are effective in preventing HIV transmission and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The correct and consistent use of latex condoms during sexual intercourse - vaginal, anal or oral - can greatly reduce the risk of acquiring or transmitting most STIs, including HIV infection, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, trichomonas, human papilloma virus infection (HPV) and hepatitis B (Centres for Disease Control).

Whether you are living with HIV and AIDS or you want to prevent contracting any of the sexually transmitted diseases, you must practise safer sex, which means using a condom every time you have sex. You may find it difficult to choose a condom that is right for you and your partner should be equally comfortable with the condom used, so that it does not interfere with your pleasure during sexual intercourse.

Increased sensation

There are several latex condoms on the market, but you should be aware that there are now super-thin condoms made from polyurethane. Stronger than latex, it is significantly thinner to provide increased sensation. The best condom is the one that feels best. You should take time to assess and experiment with what is on the market and how best they would work with your partner.

There is a wide range of condoms on the market, and marketing has made them more appealing to users. The promotional material of one condom reads: "Finally, one condom line goes beyond to provide men and women with super stimulation … it has the Sheerlon difference. Sheerlon is an advanced material so strong and durable, that it goes beyond the thinness of ordinary latex to provide greater comfort, feel and dependability ... lightly lubricated for increased comfort, this condom is covered in pleasure-enhancing studs that will drive her wild … "

Another condom advertisement reads: "Some condoms are strong but not thin. Others are thin but not strong. Finally, one condom line goes beyond to provide men and a woman with both … this condom goes beyond the thinness of ordinary latex to provide greater comfort, feel and dependability ... "

Not all condoms are equal in providing the full protection you may need. About.com offers guidelines in the selection of condoms.

The thinnest condom may not be best-fitting condom. Many people think that the best condom is the one that is thinnest and, therefore, less noticeable. Some condom manufacturers prefer to create condoms that are noticeable, but provide extra pleasure through extra stimulation.

Check the width, not only the length.

When some men think about penis size, they focus on the length. However, with condoms, it can be the width that makes a big difference in comfort. Men who have wider than average penises often complain about the discomfort caused by the ring at the base of the condom. If your penis is wider than longer, you should check for those that are wider but not longer. There are also brands that are only wider at the head.

Condom length

Most average condoms are almost seven and a half inches long, significantly longer than the average penis. However, men with longer than average penises may need a longer condom for a good fit. Most 'large' style condoms are both a bit longer and a bit wider. Keep in mind, though, that using a condom that is longer than you need may cause problems. If there is still a lot of condom rolled up in the ring, it can feel snugger, and be more noticeable.

Experiment with different condom companies, not just different condom styles.

Each company uses a slightly different kind of latex, and each brand of condoms fit a little differently. Different brands within one company may be different in size and texture, but if it is the kind of latex, or the overall fit that you do not like, you will be better off trying a different company altogether.

Allergic reaction

If a condom is irritating, it may be a skin reaction. You may have an allergy to latex or a reaction to the kind of lubricant on the pre-lubricated condom. You will have to experiment with non-latex condoms which offer the same protection as latex condoms. If it is not the latex, you might want to try a non-lubricated condom, and just add your own personal lubricant for increased sensitivity and to reduce breakage.

Test the extra features

Most condom brands will have condoms that are ribbed, dotted, have spiral texture, flavours, fingers and other extras. Test the added features as, for the most part, these extras are not of any spectacular difference than the standard condom. Where the variations work for you and your partner, it may be worth the experimentation.

Condoms with desensitising ingredients

Avoid condoms with desensitising ingredients. Desensitising cream may be used in the lubricant of some condoms to make you 'last longer'. The penis is numbed to reduce sensation. While they will make the condom less noticeable, they will also make your penis less noticeable to you. It is best to avoid any condom that actually reduces sexual sensation.

The use of condoms every time you engage in sex is a sure way to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.

Tips for using a condom

Use a new condom every time you engage in sexual intercourse.

Place the condom on an erect penis before any contact is made between the penis and any part of your partner's body.

To place a condom on an uncircumcised penis, roll back the foreskin before putting the condom on.

If the condom does not come with reservoir tip, pinch the tip enough to leave a half-inch space at the tip to collect the semen after ejaculation.

When putting on the condom, pinch the half-inch tip while placing the condom against the penis and unroll it all the way to the base. Spermicide or lubricant can be placed on the outside of the condom.

If you feel the condom break during intercourse, stop immediately and pull out. To continue, be sure to put on a new condom.

After ejaculation, and before the penis becomes soft, the man should grab the rim of the condom and carefully withdraw the penis from his partner.

To remove the condom from the penis, pull it off gently and be careful that the semen does not spill out of the used condom.

Wrap the used condom in tissue and throw it in the garbage, where others will not handle it. Do not throw it in the toilet bowl as condoms cause sewer problems. Be sure to wash hands afterwards with soap and water.

Do not use a condom when under the influence of alcohol or drugs. They could impair your judgement in putting on the condom properly, or you may even forget to use one. (www.everydayhealth.com)