Condoms can be scary when they slip off during sex. They’re a pretty effective way to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
But when they slip off, it can cause stress and confusion for everyone involved. Thankfully, it’s not as common as you might think. Here are some of the most common reasons a condom might slip off during sex: 1. Wrong Condom Size.
Not Enough Lubrication
One of the most common reasons a condom slips off is because there’s not enough lubrication. Using a water-based lubricant and applying it to both sides of the condom (instead of just the tip) can help decrease this problem.
Having a little bit of extra lube on hand can also come in handy if you’re worried about the condom coming off during penetration or if you and your partner are moving around a lot during sex. Just make sure to use only a few drops of lube, or your sex may feel dry and unsatisfactory.
Another reason a condom might slip off during sex is because it’s not being put on correctly. Condoms are designed and quality tested to fit securely over an erect penis, so make sure your partner is using the correct size and is rolling it down all the way to the base of his penis. It’s also recommended that you pinch the tip of the condom while putting it on to remove air bubbles and keep it from slipping off during sex.
If a condom slips off outside the vagina, it’s easy to grab and replace. But if it’s inside the vagina, it could be stuck up there for hours and can increase your risk of infection if you don’t get it out right away. Try squatting and bearing down or getting into a missionary position and trying to reach down there with clean fingers while you’re still lubricated.
The Condom Is Too Big or Too Small
Condoms need to fit snugly on a man’s erect penis in order to prevent pregnancy and STIs. But if the condom is too big, it will start to slip off during intercourse because the latex has to stretch so much to fit it that it can no longer transfer sex sensations (it also can’t stay on if there are fluids or skin-on-skin contact).
When a condom is too small, it can be uncomfortable to put on and may feel baggy. It can also feel like a rubber band when it is being worn, which reduces pleasure and increases the risk of slipping off. The sexy part is that it can be difficult to know whether a condom is too large or too small. If your guy buys a size that is too big, it will be more likely to slip off and break, while if he buys a size that is too small, it could be painful or even impossible to get on (think about the infamous Magnum condom).
To avoid this problem, both you and your partner should use a condom sizing chart to figure out which size fits best. You can also test a condom for the right size by pulling on the tip and seeing how easily it pulls off. Also, make sure that your guy rolls the condom down his erect penis all the way to the base (where it should be held in place by his fingers and toes). This will ensure the condom stays on properly.
The Condom Is Too Loose or Bunched Up
While condoms are a helpful tool to help protect against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STDs), they are not 100 percent effective. Condoms can slip off during sex due to many different reasons, such as the wrong size, too little lubrication, improper application or expired condoms.
If the guy has an erection during sex, this can also cause the condom to slip off. This is because the condom was designed to fit on an erect penis, and when there’s no erection, it may not grip as well. If you and your partner are noticing that the condom slips off often, try to experiment with some different positions to see what works best for keeping it in place.
The same can happen if he forgets to withdraw the condom after ejaculating, which makes it easier for it to slip off during penetration. This is why it’s important to always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and hold the base of the condom when pulling it off after ejaculation.
If the condom slipped off during orgasm, you might want to talk to your partner about arranging backup protection. That way, if you’re still concerned about becoming pregnant or contracting an STD, there will be someone to call and ask for help if needed. Otherwise, you might be able to try a few MacGyver-worthy methods of finding and removing the condom—such as getting into a seated missionary position and using two clean, lubricated fingers to grab it.
The Condom Is Too Tight
Condoms are supposed to fit tightly on an erect penis, so if you’re feeling uncomfortable or the condom feels baggy, it’s likely too big. That means it’s easy for fluids or skin to slip in between the condom and your penis, which can reduce sensitivity and may cause a loss of erection, too.
You can avoid this by using a wide-variety of condom sizes and trying out different brands to find the right fit. Also, check the packaging for information on the width and to see if they offer a size chart.
When a condom is too tight, it chokes off blood flow and makes it hard for an erection to form, which can make sexual activity less pleasurable. It’s also harder to get an effective barrier against pregnancy or STIs, because sperm can slip through gaps in the condom.
If you’re still having problems with condom slippage, talk to your partner about it. Discuss your concerns and find out if they’re wearing the right-size condom, using a water-based lubricant, and putting it on correctly. If they do all of these things and still have a problem, then consider switching to an alternative birth control method like Plan B or a copper IUD. In the meantime, if a condom does break or slip off inside you, use emergency contraception and get tested ASAP.
