Notwithstanding the campaign for increased condom use within the last 25 years, there is still resistance to its use. In my own research for the University of London, I discovered that Jamaican women, whom I interviewed, complained a lot about their partners not wanting to use the condom.

However, as the interviews progressed, many women who had complained about their partners, stated that they really didn't like to use the condom either. Of course, among these interviewees, reports about acquiring sexually transmitted infections were common.

My friend at university told me last year that in his experience wearing a condom during sex was like consuming candy with the plastic wrapper still on it. Others remark about the extra-personal nature of the condom and that it feels unnatural and unreal.

Practice makes perfect

Sexual partners report that the more they practise condom use, the more they feel comfortable with it. Men who lose their vibes when faced with an unrolled condom may find it helpful to practise condom application when not with their partners. Couples find it worthwhile to practise together during foreplay and to integrate condom application.

The condom menu

One selling point for condoms is that there is a large variety of them at the pharmacy. Even the most discriminating consumer will most likely find a brand with a feature which minimises or masks discomforts:

✓ Those who are allergic to latex (rubber) can use polyurethane (plastic) condoms.

✓ The female condom conducts heat and warms quickly to the temperature of the vagina. It is made of lightweight plastic (polyurethane) with two flexible rings, one at the closed end of the condom and another at the open end. It's good to practise inserting it a few times before actually using it.

✓ Vibrating condoms - these work with a tiny pea-size battery wired to a stimulating ring which fits around the circumference of the condom. Male and female partners are stimulated during intercourse by the vibrations. Battery life of this single-use apparatus lasts around 20 minutes.

✓ Condoms which warm the genitals - these condoms are lined inside and out with a lubricant which warms on contact with the genitals. Some offer a tingling sensation with the addition of mint.

✓ Retardant condoms have a local anaesthetic base like benzocaine which acts as a retardant to delay ejaculation.

✓ Extra-large condoms - expand to 53mm (around two inches) wide.

✓ Extra-long condoms - expand to above 205mm (above eight inches).

✓ Texturised condoms - made with hundreds of raised dots, ribs or studs on the entire surface for additional stimulation and pleasure.

✓ Flavoured, coloured and scented condoms - with sumptuous, fruity, spicy or chocolate flavours and smells. Colours are unlimited and some light up in the dark.

✓ Thinner than usual condoms (0.05mm thickness compared with the usual 0.065mm).

✓ Thicker than usual condoms (0.08mm thickness) for extra reassurance that the condom will not break.

Dahlia McDaniel is a pharmacist and final-year doctoral candidate in public health at the University of London; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.