In today's fast-growing world of exotic diseases, condoms have become a necessity. And while many of you might find it a pain to put the rubber on while having sex, it was and still is the most highly recommended protection for you and your partner.

Not only does it help to avert unwanted pregnancy and thwart transmission of sexual diseases, but also helps promote good bacteria in the vagina.

Yes, you read that absolute right! A recent study by Beijing Friendship Hospital has revealed that women who use condoms have  larger colonies of beneficial microbes like lactobacillus in their vagina than women who resorted to other birth control measures.

Lactobacillus, which produce lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide in the vagina, help maintain an average pH of 4.5.

The researchers call it as the "acidic buffer system"  that helps deter harmful bacteria from accumulating and causing infections.

In fact, the presence of lactobacillus is believed to thwart the risk of bacterial vaginosis that is caused due to lack of bacteria in the vagina. A serious condition, it can result in itching, unusual discharge and unpleasant odor.

What more, these beneficial bacteria can even lower risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

Now do you need a better, bigger reason to put on a rubber?

(AW: Suchorita Dutta)