Choosing the wrong size, messing up the application, or even storing them incorrectly can really lower their effectiveness against STIs and unplanned pregnancies.
We’ve put together a list of some common condom errors and some advice for you on how you can avoid making these costly mistakes.
1. Not Checking the Expiration Date
Over time, the material of condoms can degrade, making it more susceptible to tears or breaks.
Manufacturers provide expiration dates based on rigorous testing to ensure optimal performance within a timeframe.
Ignoring these dates not only compromises the condom’s structural integrity but also significantly increases the risk of pregnancy and the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Always check the date before use; it’s a simple step that plays a crucial role in maintaining the reliability of protection.
2. Using the Wrong Size
A common misconception is that one size fits all when it comes to condoms.
However, using a condom that’s too tight can cause discomfort and may even break during use, while one that’s too loose risks slipping off at a crucial moment.
Finding the right fit is essential for comfort and effectiveness. Properly sized condoms enhance the sexual experience without compromising safety, ensuring both partners can relax and enjoy the moment with peace of mind.
3. Not Using Enough Lubrication
Lack of lubrication is a leading cause of condoms breaking.
While condoms typically come with a pre-applied lubricant, it often isn’t sufficient to reduce friction effectively, especially during prolonged sessions.
Adding a water-based or silicone-based lubricant not only enhances pleasure by making intercourse smoother but also significantly reduces the risk of tearing.
Remember, more lubrication can mean less friction, leading to safer and more enjoyable encounters.
Check out our guide to the best lubricants
4. Using Oil-Based Lubricants with Latex Condoms
Oil-based lubricants, including baby oil, lotion, and petroleum jelly, can quickly deteriorate the integrity of latex condoms, leading to breakage.
When latex comes into contact with oil, it begins to break down, weakening the condom’s material.
It’s crucial to use water-based or silicone-based lubricants, which are safe and effective with latex, ensuring the condom remains intact and functional throughout use.
5. Opening the Package with Sharp Objects
In the heat of the moment, it might be tempting to use teeth or scissors to open a condom package, but this can easily result in unnoticed tears or punctures in the condom itself.
Such damage undermines the condom’s effectiveness, exposing both partners to the risk of STIs or unintended pregnancy.
It’s important to open the package carefully with your hands, ensuring the condom remains intact and reliable.
6. Putting the Condom on Inside Out and Then Flipping It
Attempting to unroll a condom, realizing it’s inside out, and then flipping it over is a mistake that can transfer pre-ejaculate fluid, which may contain sperm, to the outside of the condom.
This error compromises its primary functions: to prevent pregnancy and reduce the transmission of infections.
Always ensure the condom is oriented correctly before application to maintain its protective barrier.
7. Not Squeezing the Air Out of the Tip
Leaving air in the tip of the condom can create pressure during intercourse, increasing the likelihood of the condom bursting. Proper application involves pinching the tip of the condom before rolling it down the shaft, which allows space for semen and reduces the risk of breakage.
This simple adjustment is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the condom throughout use.
8. Removing the Condom Too Late or Too Soon
Timing matters when it comes to condom use. Removing the condom too soon exposes both partners to bodily fluids and potential infections, while removing it too late can lead to spillage inside your partner.
The condom should be worn from the start to the end of intercourse, and removed while the penis is still erect to ensure that no fluids are exchanged.
9. Reusing a Condom
It might seem like an obvious mistake to avoid, but the reuse of condoms happens, whether due to a lack of availability or knowledge.
Condoms are designed for one-time use only. Using a condom more than once drastically diminishes its effectiveness, as it can stretch, degrade, or contain residues that compromise its integrity. Always use a new condom for each act of intercourse to ensure maximum protection.
10. Incorrect Disposal
Proper disposal of condoms is not just a matter of hygiene but also environmental responsibility. Flushing condoms down the toilet can lead to plumbing blockages and environmental damage. Instead, condoms should be wrapped in tissue paper and disposed of in the trash.
This ensures that they are dealt with in a manner that’s safe for both the environment and sanitation systems.
Wrapping it up
Despite your best efforts to use condoms correctly, there’s always a slight chance that something might not go as planned, and you could experience a condom breaking or slipping off during sex.
If you find yourself in this situation, it’s crucial to communicate with your partner immediately so you can both take appropriate actions to protect your health.
This might involve obtaining emergency contraception to prevent unwanted pregnancy or scheduling tests for STIs to ensure both of you remain healthy. Open communication and prompt action are key to managing these unexpected situations effectively.