Many argue that sex is just not the same when you use condoms. Some common problems that people experience when having sex with condoms include:

1. Sex feels less intimate.
2. Sex is less spontaneous. It interrupts the mood to stop and put on a condom.
3. Condoms don't allow the sharing of semen, which is an important part of intimacy.
4. Many men find it hard to cum (ejaculate) or keep their erection with condoms.
5. Men complain that condoms feel too tight and unnatural.

Women may have special issues around condom use:

1. Women don't wear condoms, men do.
2. Men say they don't want to wear condoms because they don't feel good.
3. A woman's partner accuses her of being unfaithful if she insists on condom use. (This may be the situation for men as well).
4. Women are sometimes at risk for violence if they suggest condom use.
5. If a woman depends on a man for financial support, it is difficult to negotiate condom use.
6. If a woman is in what she believes is a monogamous relationship, she may think condoms are unnecessary. (This may be the situation for men too).
7. Women in relationships with other women often don't think they are at risk for STIs.

Though sex using condoms may feel less intimate, there are still lots of body parts that can be touched, caressed and kissed … the penis is not the only thing involved in sex. Intimacy can be experienced in plenty of ways other than genital stimulation.

With practice, people can learn to put on a condom in less than 5 seconds. Open the package first and place it in a handy location. Think about having your partner put it on you and include this activity as part of sexual play or foreplay. Think of it as something you can be creative with and also build into a routine.

Some gay men, in particular, feel that sharing semen is an important part of sharing the sexual experience. While using a condom does not allow the actual sharing of semen, some sacrifices need to be made for the sake of safety.

Losing erection and not being able to cum is a common problem especially for older men. The stimulation of the penis feels different with a condom, according to many men. The 'different feeling' comes after years of having sex without a condom and/or masturbating without using a condom. It is very important that men get used to cumming in a condom and having an erection with a condom on. The best thing to do is to masturbate with a condom in order to get used to cumming with a condom on. If this is difficult, try masturbating until close to ejaculation, then put the condom on and, finish.

Having sex with condoms can still mean hot sex!!