Many people who are sexually active are familiar with condoms – a popular barrier contraception method. However, there are several common mistakes that people can make when using condoms correctly. Preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is one of the most effective ways to use condoms. In order to enjoy your sex life infection-free, it’s best to use condoms correctly and consistently if you’re not ready to start a family yet. But do you really know how to use it right and safely? Well, today, we’ll show you the most common mistakes people make when using condoms and how to use them correctly. Let’s get started.
Using an Expired Condom
Did you know that after their expiration date, condoms lose strength and flexibility, making them more prone to breaking? Let me ask you. If a condom has expired, is it better to use one than none at all? Technically, yes. There’s still a chance it won’t break. The way and place in which a condom is stored affects its effectiveness. When an expired condom is kept in a cool, dark bedroom drawer, it’s less likely to break than when it’s kept close to the steam pipe in the bathroom closet.
So be sure to check the expiration date and use high-quality condoms, which you can find at https://www.condomsales.com.au/.
Using Your Teeth to Open a Condom
What can I say? Latex is indeed a pretty good barrier against semen and STIs, but not against teeth. Even if a condom isn’t visibly punctured or torn, it may still be damaged enough to break. Almost all condom wrappers have serrated edges to make opening them easier. This is a two-handed operation with no teeth. So next time you open them, mind your teeth.
Applying the Condom Incorrectly
Using a condom that is too tight is also a big mistake. If the condom doesn’t have a reservoir tip, you need to pinch the tip strong enough to leave a half-inch space for semen to collect. Avoid leaving air bubbles at the tip during intercourse. Using a condom inside out is also something you must never do. You can only unroll it with extreme (and possibly damaging) difficulty, and what should stay on the inside will now be on the outside if you flip it over. Also, don’t unroll it before putting it on. When a condom is already unrolled, it is harder to put on, which makes it more likely to break. Lastly, don’t use it late. Seriously, you and your partner are at risk of contracting an STD if you apply a condom after a period of unprotected penetration.
Using Oil-Based Lube
It is a smart idea to use water-based lubricant during anal sex and vaginal sex to prevent condom wear and tear. However, oil-based lubricants tend to weaken latex, causing it to break (e.g., petroleum jelly, shortening, mineral oil, massage oils, body lotions, and baby oil). If your condom breaks during sexual activity, you’ve got to stop immediately, withdraw, remove the broken condom, and put on a new one.
Removing Condoms Too Early
You need to use a new condom for every single act of vaginal, anal, and oral sex during the whole sexual activity. You should carefully withdraw the condom after ejaculation and before the penis becomes soft. Gently remove the condom from the penis, making sure no semen spills out. Throw it in the trash where it won’t be handled by others. To ensure your sexual life remains safe, you can’t ditch condoms. You need to use them correctly every time you have sex.
Aside from using condoms, the best thing you can do to ensure your safety is to regularly test for STDs at home. If you want to read more about this test, make sure to subscribe and stay tuned.…