Condoms are a key tool to prevent STDs and unintended pregnancies. But they don’t work if they’re not used correctly.
Men should make sure the brim of the condom fits over their erect penis and that it easily rolls down to the base. Also, it’s important to use a water-based lubricant. Oil-based lubricants can damage latex condoms and increase the likelihood that they’ll break.
1. Increased risk of STIs
Condoms are one of the most effective forms of birth control against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, it’s not foolproof. Humans are messy, and it’s not uncommon to make mistakes when using condoms.
Putting a condom on inside out is the most common mistake people make when using them. It is important to roll a condom on correctly to ensure that the rim seals properly. If you put a condom on inside out, it will have no rim and could break easily during sex.
Taking the condom off too early is another common error that reduces a condom’s effectiveness. Between 14 and 45% of individuals in some studies have taken off a condom before intercourse was over, which introduces semen from the penis into the vagina and anus. It is also important to not use a condom that has been used by someone else, as this can introduce bacteria into the anus and vagina. The best way to prevent these mistakes is to always use a new condom before each sexual encounter.
2. Reduced effectiveness in preventing unintended pregnancies
The best way to prevent unintended pregnancies is by using a condom every time you engage in sexual activity.1 However, that’s not always possible.2 Condoms are one of the most effective birth control methods available, offering protection against pregnancy and STIs (also known as sexually transmitted diseases).
However, they can become less effective when they’re not worn correctly. This is why it’s important to have several forms of birth control on hand and to use them consistently.
One common mistake people make with condoms is putting them on inside out. This happens when the condom’s reservoir tip is pinched before putting it on, causing it to not leave enough room for fluids released during ejaculation (climax).
The most important thing to remember when wearing a condom is to roll it all the way down the penis. Then, the condom will be more likely to stay on during sex and reduce the chance of it slipping off, which can happen for many reasons, including not having an erection. It’s also never ok to remove a condom in the middle of sex without your partner’s consent, which is called stealthing and can increase the risk of pregnancy and STIs.
3. Increased risk of sexually transmitted infections
The risk of STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and herpes, is much higher when a condom is worn inside out. The same goes for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases that are passed by skin-to-skin contact, such as herpes B and hepatitis C. STIs can cause serious complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease, and lead to infertility in women.
Condoms are one of the most effective forms of birth control, but it’s important to know that they are not 100% protective against STIs. That’s why it’s crucial to check for any breaks, tears or leaks before using them and to use lubricant when possible.
Putting it on the right way means that the condom fits snugly over the tip of your penis, and that the brim unrolls down over the length of the shaft. If you’re unsure, squeeze the tip between your thumb and index finger to see if air gets trapped inside (this is a sign that it’s on inside out). If that happens, start with a new condom because it may have semen or sperm on it.
4. Increased risk of blood clots
Putting on a condom correctly is important, but not nearly as hard as it seems. It is very easy, however, to make some common mistakes that can render the condom useless and increase your risk of sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancy.
A man’s sweaty hands or snagging the condom on a ring can cause a rip in the latex and allow sperm to escape, which is one of the most common reasons why condoms break. It is also a good idea to avoid using any oil-based lube (like Vaseline, coconut oil, baby oil or body lotion) on a condom, as it can cause it to break too.
Another reason why condoms can break is because of the friction between them and a man’s penis. This can happen if a man waits too long to put the condom on, as well as if he holds the condom in the wrong position after ejaculation during post-coital cuddles. Make sure to use a tight fitting condom and to pull it out immediately after ejaculation. It’s also a good idea to have several condoms handy in case they are torn, put on incorrectly or fall off.
5. Increased risk of pregnancy
Condoms are not foolproof, but if you wear one inside out, your chances of pregnancy rise dramatically. That’s because the ring of the condom, which is usually soft, should be outside your vagina and the closed end should be pushed up against your penis or anus.
The ring should also be at the top of your or your partner’s penis so that semen is able to flow up and out, rather than leaking back down into the urethra. This is especially important for men who choose to use internal condoms, which contain reservoir tips to catch sperm.
If you put on a condom the wrong way and are worried about getting pregnant, ask your doctor about emergency contraception. This includes over-the-counter birth control pills that can stop pregnancy, as well as a copper intrauterine device that can be inserted by a health care professional. It’s also a good idea to talk about sexually transmitted diseases with your partner and consider getting tested for HIV and other STIs. STIs can also be spread through oral sex.
