Men have a lot to love about their male organs; the member provides them with immense pleasure, allows them to literally connect with others and offers pleasure to their partners. Men should show their male organs love by taking good care of them – using, washing and admiring them regularly. One of the most important components of male organ health is safe lovemaking, which generally involves the use of barrier protection. A man who thinks he’s got the safety game all figured out may be surprised to learn how many types of barrier protection are out there. Couples have several options worth considering in this department, and the following guide is intended to give partners the information they need to make safe, fun choices.

Materials

• Latex: Everyone’s familiar with latex barrier protection; that’s because this is the most common material used in their manufacture. Why? Latex is cheap, strong and reliable. This type of barrier protection is therefore easiest for most couples to access. However, some people find them to be too constricting, while others have an allergy to the material requiring them to avoid it.

• Polyurethane: Likely the second most common material used in barrier protection production, polyurethane is a standard alternative for people with latex allergies, or those who don’t find latex comfortable. This type of barrier protection has some advantages over its latex cousin: first, polyurethane is a thinner material that transfers heat better, making for greater potential pleasure for both partners during intimacy. Also, some men find them less tight and uncomfortable than latex covers. It should be noted that this type of barrier protection is more brittle than latex, and therefore more prone to breaking. Also, they’re expensive. Finally, as with latex, some people are allergic to polyurethane.

• Lambskin: In terms of feel, lambskin barrier protection – made from the intestines of lambs – is hard to beat. The natural feel is attributed to the natural source. However, the pores in this material are large enough to permit the transfer of partner-transmitted infections. Lambskin barriers are, however, effective in preventing pregnancy.

• Polyisoprene: This newer material is produced by removing allergens from latex rubber. It’s ideal for people who are allergic to latex and/or polyurethane and still need social disease protection (ruling out lambskin). The feel is similar to latex, and the material is similarly cheap. Though rare, some individuals may be allergic to this material.

Partners may choose to experiment with different types of barriers to see what works best for them. Make wise choices: If both partners are not monogamous and free of infections, lambskin isn’t the best choice; if a back-up birth control method is not used and the couple wants to prevent pregnancy, polyurethane isn’t ideal.

Proper Use

Knowing what type of barrier protection to get won’t do men much good if they don’t take care of the barriers and put them on properly. The following care and use steps should be followed to a tee:

1. Don’t keep them in a high-wear spot. Wallets and pockets are not good homes for barriers. Store them in a place where they won’t be subjected to friction or compression.

2. Check the expiration date. Every time a man uses a barrier, he should check the date on the wrapper to be sure it hasn’t expired.

3. Open carefully. Tearing away viciously at the barrier’s wrapper with fingernails, teeth or another sharp object can tear the barrier itself. That’s not very helpful.

4. Pinch the tip. The tip of the rubber is designed to collect seed. If a man (or woman) doesn’t pinch it, air can become trapped in the tip as the barrier is rolled down the male organ, creating a ripe situation for breakage. Don’t create a bubble to burst!

5. Roll it down, smooth it out. There shouldn’t be air bubbles anywhere inside the barrier protection. Smooth it out on the male organ before getting busy.

Barriers aren’t the only thing a man should cover his male organ with. A quality male organ health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) can help maintain sensitivity levels and soft, responsive skin. Look for alpha lipoic acid on the ingredient list, as this antioxidant can prevent oxidative damage to manhood cells and prevent wrinkled skin. Also seek out Shea butter and vitamin E – after a vigorous pumping session, these ingredients can help hydrate raw skin back to its former state.