Many heterosexual guys say they prefer having sex without a condom because it feels better, more pleasurable, and more intimate.
Steve, age 29, said he dislikes wearing condoms because “honestly, sex just feels less pleasurable with latex between you and your partner. I know unprotected sex increases risks of pregnancy and STIs, but in a committed relationship, it can be appealing to take that risk for better sex.”
Mike, 33, agreed: “Sex with a condom simply doesn’t feel as good. The friction and sensation just isn’t the same as skin-on-skin contact. Condoms desensitize things for men.”
The guys I talked to also commonly cited feeling more emotionally close and connected during unprotected sex.
“I’m much more likely to have unprotected sex with a girlfriend because we’ve built trust, exclusivity and I feel more intimate bonding with her that way,” Steve explained.
Mike had a similar view: “In a relationship, not using condoms helps me feel closer to my partner at a primal, physical level.”
This suggests some men associate barriers like condoms with casual relationships, while unprotected sex signals deeper intimacy and trust.
Besides enhanced sensations, the emotional aspect also motivates some men’s distaste for condoms. Common questions around this issue include:
Still, public health experts strongly advocate condom use as vital protection against sexually transmitted diseases like HIV/AIDS and unintended pregnancy.
Many men view condoms as a necessary evil
Interestingly, one study in The Journal of Sex Research found heterosexual men are less inclined to use condoms if a female partner is attractive. Researchers surveyed 51 men about their condom use intentions based simply on viewing women’s faces.
“Men who viewed more attractive women’s faces reported they would be less likely to use condoms,” the Washington Post reported. This indicates some men let a woman’s attractiveness override health considerations in sexual decision-making.
But relationship status also impacted things. Study author Eleftheriou said condom use intentions declined with attractiveness only for short-term relationships, not long-term ones.
“When it comes to attractive strangers or attractive potential short-term partners, men appear willing to take the risk of not using a condom,” the Post wrote.
So when choosing unprotected sex, men consider the woman’s attractiveness and the relationship context. They seem more likely to have condomless sex with attractive women they aren’t serious with.
This research on how attractiveness influences risk-taking with condoms provokes further questions, like:
But experts say even alluring short-term partners shouldn’t prevent smart condom use in hookups. Protecting health and preventing STIs should remain the priority for having safer sex in 2024 and beyond.
Clearly multiple reasons motivate heterosexual men’s general preference for condomless sex. The largest factors seem to be:
Additionally, a woman’s perceived attractiveness may play a role in men’s willingness to have higher-risk, unprotected casual sex.
But regardless of relationship status, health experts strongly recommend continued condom use to prevent transmitting or contracting STIs as well as unintended pregnancies. They urge both partners to consider potential consequences and always wear a condom unless in a committed, exclusively monogamous relationship.
As we move through 2024, promoting safer sex will remain imperative for public health. With STIs steadily increasing and nearly 20 million new cases annually, consistent condom use should be a top priority.
Experts urge heterosexual men and women to have open conversations about sexual health. Especially when feelings of intimacy and arousal make it tempting to have unprotected sex, logic and willpower regarding condom use become vital.
Partners should agree upfront to always use condoms, particularly with new or casual partners. If pregnancy is also a concern, combine condom use with another effective birth control method. STIs spread more easily without condoms, so make a firm commitment to use them 100% of the time, regardless of any begging or pleading in the heat of the moment.
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Despite best intentions, many couples end up having unprotected sex in committed relationships once they’ve dated a while. Jennifer, 28, admits: “When you really love and trust someone, it becomes tempting to stop using condoms. Raw sex just feels better and more pleasurable emotionally as well as physically.”
Men undoubtedly experience heightened sensations minus latex barriers, often making them try convincing partners to have condomless sex. But women must also take responsibility for caving to the pressure out of affections for their boyfriend. Jennifer says she repeatedly gave in when her partner refused to wear condoms, hoping to prevent him from leaving the relationship over it.
In reality, firm expectations around safer sex protect the wellbeing of both parties. Experts say couples shouldn’t rationalize away condom use even for monogamous safety assurances. Assuming faithfulness often proves faulty, so consistent condom use remains key to avoiding STIs.
With STD rates rising fastest among adolescents and young adults, improving sex education deserves focus in 2024 and beyond. Teaching youth about intricacies of sexual health, negotiating condom use with partners, resisting peer pressure in the heat of passion - all these areas need addressing more effectively.
“Our sex ed basically covered anatomy and how to prevent pregnancy, not navigating nuanced situations that increase STI risk,” Mark, 20, laments. “They definitely didn’t prepare us for partners arguing adamantly to have sex without condoms. I wish we learned ways to stand firm if a girl insists on condomless sex while making out topless.”
Without such skills training, many young adults succumb to romantic notions of unprotected sex symbolizing trust and true love. But Faiza Hussain, a psychologist, says medical facts should rule decisions: “No matter the perceived depth of a bond, infecting a lover with an incurable virus conveys the ultimate betrayal - not affection.”
So comprehensive sex education must evolve with the times, going beyond basic baby-making knowledge. It should equip youth to enact responsible safe sex decisions even when emotions and libidos desperately protest. This will empower young adults to prioritize health over heat-of-the-moment passions.
So comprehensive sex education must evolve with the times, going beyond basic baby-making knowledge
In summary, amid loosening attitudes toward protected sex, society needs reemphasizing crucial wisdom for physical, emotional and social well-being:
The human population faces no shortage of threats - viral, social and beyond. Let’s not compound troubles with preventable health consequences in the intimacy meant to replenish spirits and foster loving connections. In 2024 and years ahead, this vision remains imperative.
Safe sex should remain the priority in 2024
While reasons like pleasure and intimacy appeal to men hoping to go without condoms, safe sex should remain the priority in 2024. Partners should thoughtfully discuss health considerations and agree to keep using prophylactics for maximum protection.
With STI rates rising yearly, wearing a condom remains imperative for having safer sex and guarding well-being for all. So rather than playing “Russian roulette” hoping risks don’t catch up, make the smart choice by continuing careful condom use this year.